2013 Nissan Leaf AER 25% up

[bomber991]

I would want a reliable 100 mile range, which would mean that the car would more likely need to be advertised as having a 150 mile range. I could easily see using the A/C, heater, or lights as cutting your range considerably. Also the car needs to cost less than $20k.

Really though I'd prefer a plug-in hybrid. Give me something like a 15-20 mile all electric range and give me 50mpg when the charge is gone. That way I can get by with using no gas for the most part.

[herm]

Andrew, please translate this for us:

A picture of the old and new modules used in the battery of the Leaf

http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/img/c...ml/13.jpg.html

[herm]

Originally Posted by bomber991

Also the car needs to cost less than $20k.

Is that after you subtract the $$ saved in fuel in 100K miles?

[elem]

初期モデルのバッテリーモジュールは缶詰のように箱形の容器にふたをしたような形状だったが、新しいバッテリーモジュールは上下からサンドイッチするようなスタイルに変更。金属外装を削減しつつ同様の強度を確保して軽量化に貢献。実際に持たせてもらうと、やはりわずかながら新型のほうが軽いと感じる。また、黒いケース全体でも、内部パーツの配置変更とケーブル類の軽量化などによって重量減を追求している

1st generation battery module was a closed metal container with a lid, whilst new model module has a sandwich type structure from the bottom up. Reducing the metal content whilst still maintaining the strength they were able to make it lighter. When you actually hold it in the hand it feels slightly lighter. In the overall black battery casing there is some rearrangement of layout and lighter cables to reduce weight.

Best of luck
Andrew

[elem]

Hi Herm

Probably the sandwich layout is to allow better cooling.

Nice pictures.

Andrew

[herm]

Thanks, now its perfectly clear

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Nice. That's part of the weight reduction. I wonder how it affects the cooling.

I'm sure Wayne's going to want to get his mits on a 2013 to see just how far the weight reductions can take him.

Every mile could make a difference. Not enough to make our usual Saturday 105 mile trip, but could help with a 76 mile round trip.

I'll be interested to see how the range increases . Unless they've sacrificed motor performance I expect that 5% weight drop is going to give a really good bump on the EPA.