Hi all,
I've been going through this thread and my related notes for the last few months, and have started to assemble an outline of questions related to the hot climate/capacity issue. I'm going to pass these along to Jeff and Andy in preparation for the meeting on the 8th, so please chime in here or otherwise let me, Tony W or Phil S know if I'm missing anything. I know we won't get all of the answers by then, but it'll help in general to be more organized about what we still need to know about this issue.
Thank you!
1. Warranty
a. fine print
b. why only warranty to 70% if projections stated by Nissan were 80%?
c. 9 bars or 8 bars? Why bars at all? And if bars are meant to be just the consumer-friendly "trigger" for a more comprehensive test at the dealer, what's the process for that? How will % capacity be objectively verified?
d. what capacity will actually be restored? (i.e.,71%? variable based on age/mileage of vehicle?)
e. parameters around usage behavior that might void the warranty- e.g., QC or turtle frequency, always charging to 100%, etc.
f. possible option for a "stepped" warranty- e.g. 80% after 3 years, 70% at 5
g. extended warranty options and/or paid "exchange program" for those that need more than 70% capacity?
h. will this warranty replace buy-back option for unsatisfied owners? If so, when? Will any drivers who've gotten buyback offers already have them rescinded?[/list]
2. Capacity Bars- need common understanding of what each bar means and assurance of accuracy
a. Info on gauge fix- what/when/how?
b. Current matrix re capacity bars post-fix (e.g.- 9 bars still = 66-72%?)
3. Batteries in general
a. price (replacement, rehab, etc.)
b. future options- e.g. multiple capacity choices?
c. will future options be backwards compatible?
d. more info on degradation curves, specific effect of different driving/charging/climate factors, etc.
e. 5-yr projected capacity for AZ and other hot climate drivers at 12,500 miles/yr
4. Misc-
a. Will Nissan stop selling the LEAF in AZ or other hot climates?
b. Clarity around reporting between dealers and NNA regarding used vehicle transactions. Who can a used LEAF buyer contact to verify that NNA has current ownership info?
I've also noted the desire for a better annual battery report and "best practices" battery care, and have put those on the list for the larger advisory board to address with Nissan. And of course, different/better communication about all of these issues for new buyers and on an ongoing basis for current drivers is already on that list.