I don't know if this is a silly question, but in most cars I've driven when I turn the AC on the car loses some power. It will slow down a little with the throttle kept the same, and it won't accelerate quite as quickly. I understand why, but I honestly don't know if a similar problem could happen in the Leaf. I was wondering if having the AC on while driving decreases the motor power at all. I guess the bigger concern would actually be the heater, which is not an issue in an ICE since heat is "free".
I would imagine this depends on whether the motor draws the max amount of power that the battery can deliver during hard acceleration. If it does, then the Leaf would either need to limit the power going to the accessories, or not give full power to the motor. If there is some headroom between the max the motor draws and what the battery can deliver though, then there should be no slowdown.
I would imagine this depends on whether the motor draws the max amount of power that the battery can deliver during hard acceleration. If it does, then the Leaf would either need to limit the power going to the accessories, or not give full power to the motor. If there is some headroom between the max the motor draws and what the battery can deliver though, then there should be no slowdown.