The Nissan Leaf is a historic and much-loved car. First-generation (2011-2016) Leafs lack the vary that present EV patrons count on, however 1000’s of homeowners (together with your correspondent) nonetheless discover them to be pleasant every day drivers.
One of many many nifty issues about EVs is that it’s potential to switch a degraded or broken battery pack and prolong the lifetime of the car. Now New Zealand-based EVs Enhanced plans to introduce a alternative Leaf battery pack that provides higher efficiency than the unique pack. “By making use of present know-how, it’s potential to make these autos considerably higher, quicker, and with longer vary than once they have been new,” says the corporate.
Not like most EVs, which use some type of liquid cooling within the battery pack, the Leaf has an air-cooled battery. This often works high-quality, however it could show insufficient in highly regarded areas, and may trigger points with DC quick charging. The EVs Enhanced 16 Blade battery makes use of an energetic thermal administration system, and has been designed to suit inside the unique Nissan battery pack enclosure.
The 16 Blade battery shall be accessible for all 24, 30 and 40 kWh Leaf fashions, from 2011 to the most recent mannequin 12 months. Starting in March 2023, the corporate will provide assist for 2013 fashions with 24 and 30 kWh packs, and different configurations will comply with. (Leafs initially fitted with a 62 kWh battery gained’t be supported resulting from bodily mounting variations.)
The 16 Blade battery will are available three variants, that includes completely different battery chemistries and completely different efficiency traits. The preliminary Inexperienced variant will provide a long-lifespan LFP chemistry and a capability of round 40 kWh. The Blue variant presents a capability of over 70 kWh for optimum vary. The Purple variant shall be for high-performance functions.
EVs Enhanced says the 16 Blade’s energetic thermal administration permits it to realize constant DC quick charging charges. With a inventory 40 kWh Leaf battery, the charging price tapers shortly as soon as the state of cost surpasses 50%. The 16 Blade can settle for peak present as much as an 80% SOC, which reduces complete charging time.
The Leaf has theoretically all the time been able to bidirectional charging utilizing the CHAdeMO quick charging normal (a bidirectional charger is required). “16 Blade GREEN with its long-lifespan LFP chemistry implies that V2G functions shall be a really sensible choice for Leafs fitted with this battery resolution,” says EVs Enhanced.
I’m offered, the place do I order? Nicely, it feels like will probably be some time earlier than the brand new alternative pack is broadly accessible. It can go on sale first in New Zealand, then in Australia, and the battery enclosures shall be assembled by licensed native companions. “We’re planning for Australia to be our take a look at case for supplying 16 Blade Inexperienced in kit-set type the place the completed battery packs shall be assembled there by a staff that we’ve educated to construct the product to the excessive requirements that we count on,” says the corporate. “As a result of we re-use the unique battery enclosure when creating a brand new 16 Blade pack, it’s best to have the pack enclosure modifications and meeting accomplished comparatively near the place the top clients are.”
“The supply of 16 Blade in your nation will depend upon us reaching enough manufacturing volumes to fulfill demand in addition to laws in your nation, but in addition on an organization [that is properly trained] near you.”
Moreover, the 16 Blade isn’t being marketed as an affordable aftermarket alternative, however quite as a premium improve. “Our goal sale worth for 16 Blade Inexperienced [is] roughly a 3rd of the price of a brand new 40 kWh Leaf.” The corporate gained’t announce a worth till it begins accepting orders. “No one needs to be beneath any phantasm {that a} completed 16 Blade Inexperienced pack will undercut the retail worth of $11,225 that Nissan USA fees for a brand new however inferior 40 kWh battery. Our focus from the outset has been on making a superior product with a greater design resulting in improved efficiency and an extended life-cycle.”
Supply: EVs Enhanced through CleanTechnica
