BetterLeaf said:I did a quick experiment. Preheated the car for about 10 mins. Outside temp was around 26F.
Here are some pictures that I took with a thermal imaging camera. All from the driver's side perspective.
Good stuff! I think the problem is the LEAF's liquid heating system was based on a traditional ICEv's heating system, where heat is an abundant waste product, so insulation is neglected for cost reasons.
I haven't been as active/attentive as I used to be but I believe the MY2013 LEAFs have done away with the liquid system entirely in favor of a heat pump + direct to air resistance heat, so this problem ought to be solved. Still, for current LEAFers this looks like a way to potentially increase the efficiency of their heating system, if only just a tiny bit, for negligible cost and effort.
=Smidge=