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 interchange 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 automobiles considerably higher, quicker, and with longer vary than after they had 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 normally works wonderful, however it could possibly show insufficient in extremely popular areas, and may trigger points with DC quick charging. The EVs Enhanced 16 Blade battery makes use of an lively thermal administration system, and has been designed to suit throughout the authentic Nissan battery pack enclosure.
The 16 Blade battery will likely be accessible for all 24, 30 and 40 kWh Leaf fashions, from 2011 to the newest mannequin 12 months. Starting in March 2023, the corporate will supply assist for 2013 fashions with 24 and 30 kWh packs, and different configurations will observe. (Leafs initially fitted with a 62 kWh battery gained’t be supported resulting from bodily mounting variations.)
The 16 Blade battery will are available in three variants, that includes completely different battery chemistries and completely different efficiency traits. The preliminary Inexperienced variant will supply a long-lifespan LFP chemistry and a capability of round 40 kWh. The Blue variant gives a capability of over 70 kWh for optimum vary. The Pink variant will likely be for high-performance purposes.
EVs Enhanced says the 16 Blade’s lively thermal administration allows it to realize constant DC quick charging charges. With a inventory 40 kWh Leaf battery, the charging fee 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 whole charging time.
The Leaf has theoretically at all times been able to bidirectional charging utilizing the CHAdeMO quick charging commonplace (a bidirectional charger is required). “16 Blade GREEN with its long-lifespan LFP chemistry signifies that V2G purposes will likely be a really sensible choice for Leafs fitted with this battery resolution,” says EVs Enhanced.
I’m offered, the place do I order? Effectively, it seems like it will likely be some time earlier than the brand new alternative pack is broadly accessible. It would go on sale first in New Zealand, then in Australia, and the battery enclosures will likely be assembled by licensed native companions. “We’re planning for Australia to be our check case for supplying 16 Blade Inexperienced in kit-set type the place the completed battery packs will likely 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 most effective to have the pack enclosure modifications and meeting accomplished comparatively near the place the tip clients are.”
“The supply of 16 Blade in your nation will depend upon us reaching ample manufacturing volumes to satisfy demand in addition to rules in your nation, but additionally on an organization [that is properly trained] near you.”
Moreover, the 16 Blade isn’t being marketed as an inexpensive aftermarket alternative, however reasonably 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 ought to be underneath 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
