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Post by johnmath on Jun 7, 2019 19:48:13 GMT 11
If it does 191 km i would not be too worried about a range extender The trouble is a round trip to the local shops is 150km for us, which leaves little latitude for detours to visit friends or run other errands. The return trip today achieved 7.4 km/kWh giving a range of about 198 km from the ~27 usable kWh of a 12 bar / 30 kWh battery, so the guessometer seems to be doing a reasonable job.
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Post by johnmath on Jun 13, 2019 9:36:42 GMT 11
I am waiting for an OBDII dongle to be able to use Leaf Spy Pro to check, but it appears that our Leaf has the faulty BMS (battery management software) used in 2016/2017 30kWh Leafs that caused people to erroneously think that 30kWh batteries were degrading faster than previous batteries. Until the software is updated, an error in the BMS's calculation of capacity produces a lower than actual SOH (state of health) statistic and causes the range to be displayed as zero when in fact there are still several kWh remaining in the battery. I think we may get an additional 40 km or so of actual range before the car says it's battery is flat if we can get this firmware updated. So far I haven't determined how I can get it updated.
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szern
EV Enthusiast
Posts: 14
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Post by szern on Jun 13, 2019 19:36:36 GMT 11
Hey John.
I’m based in Adelaide and was contemplating importing a 2016 30kWh JDM Nissan Leaf. Have been talking to a few importers. Which one did you go with?
Have also been reading up on the accelerated degradation thing for the 30kWh Leafs and have been a bit hesitant. Not sure if I should stick with a 24kWh or still go for the 30kWh.
I know our kiwi cousins have been able to get the firmware update but don’t think any of the local dealers would support us. Sigh.
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Post by zuuutoootuuu on Jun 13, 2019 22:10:24 GMT 11
You'll find most 30kw have been updated in Japan already during their recall campaign, IMO you'd be hard pressed to find one that hasn't had an update yet.
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Post by johnmath on Jun 14, 2019 0:47:22 GMT 11
Hey John. I’m based in Adelaide and was contemplating importing a 2016 30kWh JDM Nissan Leaf. Have been talking to a few importers. Which one did you go with? Have also been reading up on the accelerated degradation thing for the 30kWh Leafs and have been a bit hesitant. Not sure if I should stick with a 24kWh or still go for the 30kWh. I know our kiwi cousins have been able to get the firmware update but don’t think any of the local dealers would support us. Sigh. I dealt with J-Spec, who were fine. The compliance garage they used in Adelaide was Ten Tenths Auto. You can do the whole import thing with Chris at 10/10ths, which I didn't realise when I started down this path. Chris at 10/10ths was so impressed with our Leaf that he wants to import one for himself! www.tententhsautomotive.com.auIn reality there is no 'accelerated degradation' on 30kWh battery Leafs, just a fault with the battery management system which increasingly misreports remaining battery capacity. This is fixed by the Nissan BMS software update. There is no advantage in choosing a 24kWh Leaf over a 30kWh one, other than possibly purchase price if you don't need the extra range. In my circumstances the 30kWh Leaf is marginal from a convenience point of view and a 40kWh one would be sweet. Here is the recall notice and dealer service instructions from Nissan US about the battery management software update: testing-public.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/129237/NTB18-039
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szern
EV Enthusiast
Posts: 14
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Post by szern on Jun 21, 2019 17:51:55 GMT 11
Hey John. I’m based in Adelaide and was contemplating importing a 2016 30kWh JDM Nissan Leaf. Have been talking to a few importers. Which one did you go with? Have also been reading up on the accelerated degradation thing for the 30kWh Leafs and have been a bit hesitant. Not sure if I should stick with a 24kWh or still go for the 30kWh. I know our kiwi cousins have been able to get the firmware update but don’t think any of the local dealers would support us. Sigh. I dealt with J-Spec, who were fine. The compliance garage they used in Adelaide was Ten Tenths Auto. You can do the whole import thing with Chris at 10/10ths, which I didn't realise when I started down this path. Chris at 10/10ths was so impressed with our Leaf that he wants to import one for himself! www.tententhsautomotive.com.auIn reality there is no 'accelerated degradation' on 30kWh battery Leafs, just a fault with the battery management system which increasingly misreports remaining battery capacity. This is fixed by the Nissan BMS software update. There is no advantage in choosing a 24kWh Leaf over a 30kWh one, other than possibly purchase price if you don't need the extra range. In my circumstances the 30kWh Leaf is marginal from a convenience point of view and a 40kWh one would be sweet. Here is the recall notice and dealer service instructions from Nissan US about the battery management software update: testing-public.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/129237/NTB18-039Thanks for all the info John. Much appreciated. When the guys did the compliance, did they changeover your dashboard language from Japanese to English? Did they also provide an AU compliant charger? I’ll reach out to Chris at Ten Tenths and have a chat with him. Only concern I might have is knowing that J-Spec, Prestige, Iron Chef have all been around for a while and seem to have good reviews, ratings, knowledgeable and good websites with up to date auction listings etc. Whereas this is the first time I’ve heard of ten tenths 😅 Cheers
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Post by johnmath on Jun 22, 2019 16:12:19 GMT 11
Changing the dashboard language wasn't included in compliance, but can be done in Adelaide for $199 by Andrew Coxon at Mobility Vehicle Sales, Phone: (08) 8293 3032 Mobile: 0433 658 683, email: ales@mobilityvehiclesales.com.au, www.mobilityvehiclesales.com.au . I'll get mine done next time I'm in Adelaide. Reprogramming the navigation and entertainment system is another thing and requires the unit to be removed from the vehicle (pretty easy to do), but I haven't progressed with this yet. I am still waiting to be supplied an EVSE as part of compliance. Apparently they supply a 10 amp Holden Volt one, but these are on backorder. I did buy an EVolution one which has selectable 6 / 10 / 15 amp charge current. There is now an 6 / 10 / 15 / 32 amp version which would be handy for a Leaf that can charge at 6.6 kW. As far as I know Japanese AZE0 cars are rarely fitted with the larger charger and mine has only the standard 3.3 kW charger. I also pulled apart Nissan's original Japanese supplied EVSE which is rated at 200 Vac / 15 amp. An EVSE is essentially a "pass through" device and the relays in this one are rated at 250 Vac. The actual charger is built into the car on top of the motor and will accept 100 - 240 Vac - whatever it is fed. A small amount of electronics in the EVSE to operate the relays is run by a universal voltage switch-mode power supply. The mains plug also incorporates a temperature sensor to shut off the charging if the wall socket overheats. As far as I can tell the Japanese Nissan one has the same internals as the 230 / 240 volt versions, but obviously with a different plug for Japan. I've fitted an Australian 15 amp plug, and put a temperature sensor into the plug although probably not strictly necessary thanks to Australia Standard Wiring Rules. I am not suggesting anyone should try this at home, and warn that other EVSEs may not be adaptable to different voltages, but I merely post for information. I keep the EVolution EVSE at home as a semi-permanent installation and put the Nissan EVSE in the boot for emergencies, along with an AmpFibian 10 amp adapter with leakage and overload breaker ($75 at Bunnings). When the compliance supplied Volt EVSE turns up, that one will live in the boot and the Nissan unit will be left at work on a 15 amp circuit for charging there. evolutionaustralia.com.au/product-category/portable-charging-solutions/ampfibian.com.au/product/mini-15a-power-adaptor/Attachments:
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Post by johnmath on Jun 24, 2019 13:46:04 GMT 11
You'll find most 30kw have been updated in Japan already during their recall campaign, IMO you'd be hard pressed to find one that hasn't had an update yet. Thanks for that information. I hope to be able to confirm soon.
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Post by johnmath on Jul 4, 2019 22:04:32 GMT 11
We had a quick unplanned trip to Adelaide yesterday, back today. On arrival we recharged at the Electric Vehicle Charging Hub, 109 Franklin St (adjacent the Adelaide Central Bus Station) using the Chademo plug 22kW charger, which cost $3.90 to recharge to 80%. Charged overnight with the EVSE, ran all our errands and arrived home without further ado. That would have been about $70 worth of diesel in the 4WD.
While in Adelaide Andrew Coxon of Mobility Vehicle Sales updated the dash to English language (cost $199) using the tool from NZ's Ev's Enhanced company. BTW Andrew expects to import another batch of Leafs soon if anyone in Adelaide is looking.
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Post by johnmath on Jul 5, 2019 11:55:16 GMT 11
I just got my OBD2 dongle and fired up LeafSpy Pro. It seems the car has current battery firmware as per Zuuutoootuuu's post above.
Our car arrived without a luggage cover. I tried to get one from a wrecker in NZ only to be told that most Leafs from Japan arrive without the luggage cover. There must be a big pile of them somewhere in Japan LOL.
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szern
EV Enthusiast
Posts: 14
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Post by szern on Jul 5, 2019 13:04:55 GMT 11
Hey John.
Good to hear that your leaf has the updated firmware.
Out of curiosity where did u get the OBDII dongle from, may want to look into getting one when I finally get my leaf.
I’m probably going to the importation through Chris. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Post by johnmath on Jul 5, 2019 15:14:52 GMT 11
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szern
EV Enthusiast
Posts: 14
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Post by szern on Jul 5, 2019 15:33:32 GMT 11
Haha. Would’ve taken it off you if you said it was for iOS. iPhone user here too.
Thanks. Will grab one once my leaf comes in.
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Post by pharmadave on Jul 5, 2019 21:09:22 GMT 11
Hey John. Good to hear that your leaf has the updated firmware. Out of curiosity where did u get the OBDII dongle from, may want to look into getting one when I finally get my leaf. I’m probably going to the importation through Chris. Thanks for the recommendation. Good to hear that you are getting into a Leaf. Keep us posted on your progress. All the best with your search and import process!
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Post by pharmadave on Jul 5, 2019 21:11:33 GMT 11
I just got my OBD2 dongle and fired up LeafSpy Pro. It seems the car has current battery firmware as per Zuuutoootuuu's post above. Our car arrived without a luggage cover. I tried to get one from a wrecker in NZ only to be told that most Leafs from Japan arrive without the luggage cover. There must be a big pile of them somewhere in Japan LOL. I wonder what the reason is for not having a rear parcel shelf upon import, maybe quarantine? I do have a friend in Japan who might be able to help with bits and bobs which might be hard to source here... but something as bulky and fragile as a parcel shelf...perhaps not.
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Post by zuuutoootuuu on Jul 5, 2019 23:18:03 GMT 11
It's an optional item.
Considering johnmath has the same coloured interior as the old 1st gen model Leaf, Nissan Australia should be able to supply it if an Aussie VIN is provided to them.
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Post by johnmath on Jul 5, 2019 23:26:41 GMT 11
Yep, $460. Or $180 from NZ.
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Post by johnmath on Aug 3, 2019 14:11:13 GMT 11
Our Leaf has now done about 3,000 km on the rough roads of the island and with our sedate driving (to avoid kangaroos, sheep, cows, tourist drivers and other local fauna) we're averaging 7.9 km/kWh giving a range of 200 km even with a battery health of 85%. Because we are off grid power I wanted to be able to charge our Leaf as slowly as practicable, so I purchased a multi-charge rate EVSE from EVolution to make a low cost dedicated home charging setup for the car. The 6, 10 or 15 amp charge current is set by shaking the unit like a cocktail maker, so it has to be easily removable. It comes with a screw loop and I mounted it in a plastic gelato container from a shop for rainproofing and cord storage. The setup works well and the EVSE can lift out easily to shake to change charge rate. One day I hope to find a junked stainless steel bain marie tub of the same shape to replace the plastic gelato tub. Today I also ordered spring spacers from Spaccer in Germany. The intention is to lift the front suspension by 15 mm and the rear suspension by 27 mm for added ground clearance, especially when loaded with five adults and luggage. Once the spacers are fitted I will replace the 205/50R16 tires with Toyo Neo 215/55R16 for an increase in tread width, sidewall height and tire diameter. This is the largest tire that can be legally fitted in place of the originals in SA. The reason for doing this is twofold, firstly for ride comfort from the larger diameter and width (+5%) and higher sidewalls (+17%) and secondly for additional clearance, which along with the spring spacers will add 15 + 15 = 30 mm front and 27 + 15 = 42 mm rear. The weight of the batteries under the car makes the centre of gravity very low so I don't expect any adverse effects on handling from lifting the vehicle. The reason for lifting is the terrible dirt roads and tracks with heavy corrugations and ruts on the island where we live. The noise, comfort and ride is already quite reasonable with the original suspension and tires, but should be noticeably better after the modifications. I'll report back in a few weeks.
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Post by johnmath on Aug 25, 2019 11:07:39 GMT 11
The suspension spacers are on their way from Germany. Here's a clip of the type of track I typically drive on here on Kangaroo Island:
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Post by brunohill on Aug 26, 2019 10:05:56 GMT 11
The suspension spacers are on their way from Germany. Here's a clip of the type of track I typically drive on here on Kangaroo Island: Those rocks worry me. I have a few roads around here like that and when oncoming, want to be rally drivers force you off the sides of road, I have nightmares of a rock damaging the battery. I may follow your lead if keep the my LEAF.
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Post by johnmath on Aug 26, 2019 13:14:57 GMT 11
I believe that at least some car park fires involving electric vehicles have resulted from prior damage to the battery pack. The Leaf's undercarriage shield is pretty flimsy and there for aerodynamics and to direct airflow to cool the battery, not protection from road debris and rocks.
I'm aiming for an extra 28mm clearance at the front (about +20%) and 40 at the rear. The extra clearance at the rear is to allow for the loaded weight of 4 adults and luggage, as we occasionally pick up guests. According to the service manual the headlights are adjustable for vertical angle with a single screw, which I'll need to do to correct for the car's stance after the lift.
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Post by johnmath on Sept 5, 2019 21:59:20 GMT 11
The spring spacers arrived from Germany yesterday. I looked at installing the front ones, but with my tools it isn't going to happen. My spring compressors were too bulky for the Leafs cramped turrets, so it will be a job for the garage. I'll still have a crack at the rear suspension which should drop with just undoing the two shock absorber top nuts. I ordered Toyo 205/65/R16 tires today, but they are a new tire to replace the Nanoenergy and won't arrive for a couple of weeks. I am hoping for much quieter ride from Toyo which is Japan's premium manufacturer.
The car lost it's first battery bar at 35,000km yesterday I decided to run the car to "turtle" mode today to see if a complete discharge might affect battery capacity registration. Having driven about 170kms the previous day much at 100kph, and with the range gauge already on *----*, I got about an extra 10 kilometres driving up the local hill and then rolling back down and repeating. On the last run, the power dropped 700m from home, so I u-turned and limped home with just one 'dot' of power available for the last 100 metres or so.
Being off grid there wasn't enough sun today for a complete recharge without drawing down the house battery. However interestingly the dashboard is saying the battery is at 85% charge, but LeafSpy is reporting only 80% charge. I am wondering if this exercise will adjust the the car computer's notional capacity upwards to agree with LeafSpy? And if so, will I get my 12th bar back?
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Post by rusdy on Sept 7, 2019 0:02:25 GMT 11
... However interestingly the dashboard is saying the battery is at 85% charge, but LeafSpy is reporting only 80% charge. I am wondering if this exercise will adjust the the car computer's notional capacity upwards to agree with LeafSpy? And if so, will I get my 12th bar back? 2 different issues here: The SOC difference between dash and leafspy is normal (https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?t=24708) Whether the car will learn the capacity without software update (i.e. by full charge and discharge cycles only)... I pass on that one
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Post by johnmath on Sept 7, 2019 9:27:26 GMT 11
Thanks Rusdy, I wasn't aware of the LeafSpy discrepancy.
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Post by johnmath on Sept 21, 2019 16:34:05 GMT 11
The spring spacers and larger tires have now been fitted to our 2016 Leaf giving considerably more ground clearance. The garage fitted front and rear spacers while we waited and then we drove 500 metres down the road and had the tires fitted. I put on Toyo Proxes C100plus 205/65R16, which I am told are replace the NeoEnergy range. There were no issues with mudguard or suspension arm clearances, or wheel alignment.
Despite the +5% tire diameter the speedo still reads slightly higher than actual road speed. Inside there there is noticeably less road noise, probably because of a combination of better tires, higher sidewalls and the additional rubber pads in the suspension spring spacers. Overall the ride comfort is better and there doesn't appear to be any discernible effect on handling. With an extra 30mm clearance at the front and 47mm at the rear I am no longer worried about bottoming out and damaging the battery pack on the rough dirt tracks here, even when loaded with four adults and luggage. I will have to aim the low beam upwards slightly, which I believe is a single screw adjustment.
I can now actually see under the car and am thinking about fitting a space saver spare wheel under the boot in the void above the aerodynamic underbody panel.
It turns out that because there is no fuel cost, we drive considerably further than we used to. I am surprised how much impact the cost of filling the tank in our other car was having on whether we chose to go out or stay home.
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Post by brunohill on Sept 22, 2019 0:56:25 GMT 11
You should be able to hang a 62 kWh battery under it now and still have plenty of clearance.
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ryadan
EV Tyre Kicker
Posts: 5
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Post by ryadan on Jan 5, 2020 16:00:08 GMT 11
I was on holiday in Tassie recently (loved the place) and our hire car was a black Suzuki Swift. There is no way I would purchase a black car, even in the beautiful Tassie weather that beastie became like a mobile oven very quickly.
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Post by pharmadave on Jan 10, 2020 13:43:43 GMT 11
johnmathFrom memory you live on KI right? How are you and your family going with the bush fires?
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Post by johnmath on Jan 10, 2020 21:32:52 GMT 11
johnmath From memory you live on KI right? How are you and your family going with the bush fires? Fortunately (for us) we are at the eastern end of K.I. and the fires are at the western end. A few of our friends have lost their homes and property, but we are safe.
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Post by pharmadave on Jan 10, 2020 22:34:17 GMT 11
johnmath From memory you live on KI right? How are you and your family going with the bush fires? Fortunately (for us) we are at the eastern end of K.I. and the fires are at the western end. A few of our friends have lost their homes and property, but we are safe. Good to hear from you. Terrible to hear about what’s happened on K.I. Not just the people and property by also the wildlife. Hope it comes under control soon and proper help and assistance is given afterwards.
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