Need to drive 100 mi one-way on a 9-bar LEAF...

91040 said:

Assuming this is the original traction battery:
There are multiple threads on this forum regarding driving more efficiently. Use the Google Search on the search page. In general, pressurize your tires to ~40 lbs. (assuming this is not beyond rated maximum); drive slow and steady; easy on the acceleration; anticipate when you need to slow down; slow first by coasting, then regen and lastly brakes.
Mark

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[/quote]

Thanks - I've got to make a trip to my solar system that is about 100 miles distant - in an area of Texas with little/no charge stations. I've located a Chevy dealer with a level 2 charger about half way. I'm going to try and make it - should be an interesting trip. Curious, what is the recommended Interstate speed you'd recommend for efficiency and safety (Texas drivers can be aggressive, especially with those "battery cars"). Should I try to get Leaf Spy set up before to be more informed of actual battery conditions?

Mark

MODERATORS NOTE: Split topic from here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=18905&start=320#p450154

Marktm said:

Thanks - I've got to make a trip to my solar system that is about 100 miles distant - in an area of Texas with little/no charge stations. I've located a Chevy dealer with a level 2 charger about half way. I'm going to try and make it - should be an interesting trip. Curious, what is the recommended Interstate speed you'd recommend for efficiency and safety (Texas drivers can be aggressive, especially with those "battery cars"). Should I try to get Leaf Spy set up before to be more informed of actual battery conditions?

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I wouldn't take a highway trip in a 9-bar car without something like LeafSpy (I have LeafDD). Before I dropped my 4th bar, I was lucky to go 50 miles @60 m/hr and no climate control...and I live in Texas.

Marktm said:

Thanks - I've got to make a trip to my solar system that is about 100 miles distant - in an area of Texas with little/no charge stations. I've located a Chevy dealer with a level 2 charger about half way. I'm going to try and make it - should be an interesting trip. Curious, what is the recommended Interstate speed you'd recommend for efficiency and safety (Texas drivers can be aggressive, especially with those "battery cars"). Should I try to get Leaf Spy set up before to be more informed of actual battery conditions?

Mark

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A nine capacity bar LEAF is just not suitable for that trip.
The L2 charging will take six hours each way.
Need to be very modest steady speed like 40 to 45 mph.
No heat or defrost use.
A really bad idea.

Marktm said:

The title was issued 9/17/12. Mileage at 25,500.

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The good news is that, if it actually went in service 9/17/12, you have until 9/16/17 for that 9th bar to drop. Should be pretty easy in Texas.
As others have said, I wouldn't attempt a 100 mile trip in a 9 bar Leaf, especially at highway speeds. A 2011/2012 Leaf only charges at 3.3 kW, so you would require at least 5 or 6 hours of L2 charging at the halfway point, and again at you destination. It sounds like no fun at all to me. Without LeafSpy its tough to say how close you are to losing that 9th bar. I didn't expect to lose my 9th bar until spring, but it surprised me last week by dropping at 43.47 AHr, still 66%, while others haven't seen their 9th bar drop until much lower, even 64%.

91040 said:

In general, pressurize your tires to ~40 lbs. (assuming this is not beyond rated maximum);

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Good advice.

Aside from the increased efficiency the extra few Lbs of tire pressure will bring, the tires will wear more evenly. At the recommended pressure of 36 psi the tires wear on the shoulders rather aggressively.

Apologize to have "hijacked" the subject matter and will move to a new post if needed - moderator just let me know.

To clarify - the trip is a little over 90 miles. The level 2 charge station is almost exactly half way (the Chevy dealer has already been given me the go-ahead to use it). The Leaf's navigation shows the trip within the inner circle (don't have any idea how accurate that is). I'm retired - don't mind the wait and have a number of things to do at the "refill" stop anyway. And lastly, my option is to trailer the Leaf to my rural property (doing some solar charging testing with the Leaf). I make this trip often and have a number of (really slow) level 1 charge options all along the way, which could certainly take more time. If it works out - I can save $$$'s on gassing up my Suburban.

I'm going to take all suggestions to max out the Miles/KWH, but a real concern is how accurate is the Leaf's meters. Research (it's the internet!) suggests I should get the OBCII dongle and Leaf Spy APP for my iphone to understand more precisely what the battery condition is. I am looking for a proven suggestion for the best dongle (that I can leave in the car).

I do appreciate the opinions - I'm a total newby to this.
Mark

Marktm said:

Apologize to have "hijacked" the subject matter and will move to a new post if needed - moderator just let me know.

To clarify - the trip is a little over 90 miles. The level 2 charge station is almost exactly half way (the Chevy dealer has already been given me the go-ahead to use it). The Leaf's navigation shows the trip within the inner circle (don't have any idea how accurate that is). I'm retired - don't mind the wait and have a number of things to do at the "refill" stop anyway. And lastly, my option is to trailer the Leaf to my rural property (doing some solar charging testing with the Leaf). I make this trip often and have a number of (really slow) level 1 charge options all along the way, which could certainly take more time. If it works out - I can save $$$'s on gassing up my Suburban.

I'm going to take all suggestions to max out the Miles/KWH, but a real concern is how accurate is the Leaf's meters. Research (it's the internet!) suggests I should get the OBCII dongle and Leaf Spy APP for my iphone to understand more precisely what the battery condition is. I am looking for a proven suggestion for the best dongle (that I can leave in the car).

I do appreciate the opinions - I'm a total newby to this.
Mark

Click to expand...

The google play store has a better description of the hardware to use with LEAFSpy. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Turbo3.Leaf_Spy_Pro&hl=en The author recommends the Konwei ODBII dongle which is available on Amazon.

You'll want to set this up and use it for a few trips to get familiar with this awesome tool before you rely upon it.

I use LeafSpy in conjunction with Waze to make sure I get to my destination without concerns.
http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2015/12/29/waze-and-leaf-spy-pro-say-goodbye-to-range-anxiety-gain-range-awareness/

JP

JPWhite said:

The google play store has a better description of the hardware to use with LEAFSpy. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Turbo3.Leaf_Spy_Pro&hl=en The author recommends the Konwei ODBII dongle which is available on Amazon.

You'll want to set this up and use it for a few trips to get familiar with this awesome tool before you rely upon it.

I use LeafSpy in conjunction with Waze to make sure I get to my destination without concerns.
http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2015/12/29/waze-and-leaf-spy-pro-say-goodbye-to-range-anxiety-gain-range-awareness/

JP

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JP; What set up are you actually using? I could not find the Konwei dongle on Amazon nor ebay. Much of the recent info I've found is confusing about iphone compliant dongles requiring Wifi, not bluetooth, and many problems hooking up with the iphone, plus dongles that are so big, they get in the way of driving. The Leaf manual warns against connecting the OBCII dongle many times as the buss connect can be easily damaged.

Mark

^^^^ OP said iphone JP.

That old style Bluetooth will not work with iOS LEAF Spy.

Turbo3 is adding support for newer low power use Bluetooth 4.0 adapters.

See http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=19147&start=150#p445162 and other parts of that thread.

The new Bluetooth has automatic pairing and uses only around 30 mA 12V.
The WiFi adapters are more like 100 mA.

Anyone with 2011 or 2012 LEAF definitely needs LEAF Spy.
And LEAF Spy Pro adds several useful tools particularly logging and tire pressure monitoring and reading diagnostic codes etc.

Marktm said:

JP; What set up are you actually using? I could not find the Konwei dongle on Amazon nor ebay.
Much of the recent info I've found is confusing about iphone compliant dongles requiring Wifi, not bluetooth, and many problems hooking up with the iphone, plus dongles that are so big, they get in the way of driving. The Leaf manual warns against connecting the OBCII dongle many times as the buss connect can be easily damaged.

Mark

Click to expand...

iOS originally could only use WiFi.
Here is the link to one Turbo3 used with extension cable.
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=18917&p=429802#p429802

The support for Bluetooth 4.0 was done in last five weeks.
Currently supports only one, but test version is adding a second and some others.

Marktm said:

JPWhite said:

The google play store has a better description of the hardware to use with LEAFSpy. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Turbo3.Leaf_Spy_Pro&hl=en The author recommends the Konwei ODBII dongle which is available on Amazon.

You'll want to set this up and use it for a few trips to get familiar with this awesome tool before you rely upon it.

I use LeafSpy in conjunction with Waze to make sure I get to my destination without concerns.
http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2015/12/29/waze-and-leaf-spy-pro-say-goodbye-to-range-anxiety-gain-range-awareness/

JP

Click to expand...

JP; What set up are you actually using? I could not find the Konwei dongle on Amazon nor ebay. Much of the recent info I've found is confusing about iphone compliant dongles requiring Wifi, not bluetooth, and many problems hooking up with the iphone, plus dongles that are so big, they get in the way of driving. The Leaf manual warns against connecting the OBCII dongle many times as the buss connect can be easily damaged.

Mark

Click to expand...

I use an old Android phone to run LEAFSpy Pro and have it cradled in the central cup holders where I can see it at a glance.
I use a OBDII extension cord. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PAHHWM/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
You are right, you don't want to plug/unplug cables to the OBDII port frequently. If the extension cable gets damaged its cheap enough to replace.
The OBDII Bluetooth adapter I use is from PLX, it's more expensive but has an on/off switch.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B0C1NE/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
Be sure to use adhesive cable clips to keep cables away from your feet.
I use my primary cell phone to run Waze and mount it on the windscreen using the following mount.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O5WSTW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage looks like that mount is no longer sold. I'm sure there are plenty of others out there.
To power the two phones while driving I use a Quickcharge 2.0 CLA that comes with 2 20AWG Micro USB cables..
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0146DW2AM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Get the free version of LEAFSpy to begin with. Once its all working A OK, I suggest upgrading to the PRO version for the extra features and to support the author.

Allow 4 hours to recharge from LBW to full on an L2.

I do a 100 mile trip about once per month. With planning it *is* possible in a 9 bar LEAF with several charge sessions. Charge whenever you can.

I'd also suggest a 50ft 12 Gauge extension cord in case you find yourself between a rock and a hard place and have to resort to L1 in an emergency.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SQFC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
I also carry a receptacle tester http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LZTKIA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage you can quickly test a 120v outlet to see if it's hot or not and that the earth is good, the Nissan portable EVSE will check the earth and refuse to charge if there is an issue.

JPWhite said:

Get the free version of LEAFSpy to begin with. Once its all working A OK, I suggest upgrading to the PRO version for the extra features and to support the author.

I do a 100 mile trip about once per month. With planning it *is* possible in a 9 bar LEAF with several charge sessions. Charge whenever you can.

I'd also suggest a 50ft 12 Gauge extension cord in case you find yourself between a rock and a hard place and have to resort to L1 in an emergency.

Click to expand...

Great information JP - thanks

My "100 mile" journey will fine I'm sure. I've been in much worse conditions at 12,000 feet in the San Juan mountains with a broken down dirt bike in sleet and rain - many miles from civilization. Might should bring a tow strap (kidding - but thanks to God we had one).

I have the iphone - seems there are upgrades in the OBCII hardware/software in the making - to get bluetooth working properly. I'm definitely getting that set up asap.

My two cents (actually $35!):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-WiFi-OBD2-Car-Diagnostics-Scanner-Power-Switch-for-IOS-iphone-Android-PC-/291630487918?hash=item43e688196e&item=291630487918&vxp=mtr

This is what I have used for a bit over a year. Somehow though I got a US shipped unit for $35, not from the above seller.

Seller was http://www.ebay.com/usr/calvinvo?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754, if that helps source a US-based one.

I don't buy from China sellers since shipping is, to say the least, a painfully slow boat. Yes, I realize these things are not made in US.

anyway, iphone 5s running Leafspy pro is incredible and by far THE most important "gauge" that a Leaf can have. And SHOULD have been factory!! I mean, really, bars and percentages are lame. ACTUAL kwh remaining is crucial for Leafers wanting that extra 10-15 miles of VERY usable range.

Good luck and watch your speed. THAT alone can net a few more miles if you aren't holding up traffic. Love my Leaf!

Marktm said:

JPWhite said:

Get the free version of LEAFSpy to begin with. Once its all working A OK, I suggest upgrading to the PRO version for the extra features and to support the author.

I do a 100 mile trip about once per month. With planning it *is* possible in a 9 bar LEAF with several charge sessions. Charge whenever you can.

I'd also suggest a 50ft 12 Gauge extension cord in case you find yourself between a rock and a hard place and have to resort to L1 in an emergency.

Click to expand...

Great information JP - thanks

My "100 mile" journey will fine I'm sure. I've been in much worse conditions at 12,000 feet in the San Juan mountains with a broken down dirt bike in sleet and rain - many miles from civilization. Might should bring a tow strap (kidding - but thanks to God we had one).

I have the iphone - seems there are upgrades in the OBCII hardware/software in the making - to get bluetooth working properly. I'm definitely getting that set up asap.

Click to expand...

Yeah I'm not sure how good the iPhone version is. The author started on Android devices that's where most of the hardware support will come.

A cheap Kindle Fire for $50 would substitute for an android phone if you don't have one lying around and will be more readable with its bigger display. http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Display-...F8&qid=1453504656&sr=8-1&keywords=kindle+fire

Marktm said:

91040 said:

Assuming this is the original traction battery:
There are multiple threads on this forum regarding driving more efficiently. Use the Google Search on the search page. In general, pressurize your tires to ~40 lbs. (assuming this is not beyond rated maximum); drive slow and steady; easy on the acceleration; anticipate when you need to slow down; slow first by coasting, then regen and lastly brakes.
Mark

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Thanks - I've got to make a trip to my solar system that is about 100 miles distant - in an area of Texas with little/no charge stations. I've located a Chevy dealer with a level 2 charger about half way. I'm going to try and make it - should be an interesting trip. Curious, what is the recommended Interstate speed you'd recommend for efficiency and safety (Texas drivers can be aggressive, especially with those "battery cars"). Should I try to get Leaf Spy set up before to be more informed of actual battery conditions?

Mark

MODERATORS NOTE: Split topic from here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=18905&start=320#p450154[/quote]

Sorry to say, but 100 miles on nine bars is never going to happen. I was a delivery driver with minimal hills and slow drive in speeds in the summer at high altitude (thin air) with a 10 bar Leaf and my record was 91 miles. And that was driving ultra efficient. Like every trick in the book.

J

EV4Taos said:

Sorry to say, but 100 miles on nine bars is never going to happen. I was a delivery driver with minimal hills and slow drive in speeds in the summer at high altitude (thin air) with a 10 bar Leaf and my record was 91 miles. And that was driving ultra efficient. Like every trick in the book.

J

Click to expand...

He's not proposing making it on a single charge. I never managed 100 miles on a full charge when the LEAF was new. But with charging along the way a 9 bar LEAF can go 100 miles.

With only one stop halfway, it will be tight but hopefully doable.