Nissan Admits Leaf at Fault in G.E. Home Charger Malfunction

[Adarondax]

General Electric is swinging back after reports earlier this month said its WattStation home charging system was responsible for several Nissan Leaf charging system malfunctions.

Originally, G.E.’s charging system was believed to be at the root of the problem some drivers reported after charging their Leaf EVs, but Nissan and G.E. have completed an investigation that concludes the specific charger is not at fault. Instead, it seems the Leaf’s on-board charging software (OBC) is to blame.

In an official release, G.E. representative Sean Gannon said the OBC can allow damage to occur while using certain chargers in certain instances. It isn’t clear what is specifically wrong with the software, but Nissan is advising customers to “avoid charging during times when brownouts or momentary power dips may be likely, such as during electrical storms or high power usage on the grid.”

This is only one of the reported problems with the Leaf’s battery system. Scores of owners living in hot climates have also complained that the battery pack suffers from shrinking power storage capacity unreasonably quickly. Nissan doesn’t seem to be addressing the issue for now, saying the Leaf’s battery pack will retain 80 percent of its charge over five years, at which point it will need service but not replacement.

If flaws continue to surface with the Leaf, it could spell a struggling future for the fledgling EV that has a lot to prove and a rickety stage to do it on.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...lfunction.html

[JamesMcQuaid]

Concur. If Nissan is as committed to electric vehicles as it claims to be, it will demonstrate this by making the purchasers of the v.1 Leaf's whole. Due to these ongoing quality problems, Nissan has blown its opportunity to entrench itself as the BEV leader. Consequently, the Chevrolet Spark EV is positioned to become a real "Leaf blower"

[bonaire]

Ford Focus EV also can put a dent in leaf sales if they deliver it well (but they need to lower the price a little).

I'd much rather buy a Focus EV made in the USA than an imported Spark EV.

[DonC]

I'm fond of the my Leaf. I'm on a list with a bunch of other Leaf owners and overall the car has been very reliable. This problem with the GE Wattstations isn't a big deal. The Volt has had issues with ChargePoint stations and charging in rainy conditions. With such new technology a few issues like this can't be avoided. They'll all get resolved as we move up the learning curve.

The big problem for the Leaf is it's limited range.

[Steverino]

As I recall, the Focus EV uses a TMS like the Volt, so the battery should last longer than the Leaf. The Spark?

[Raymondjram]

As I recall, the Focus EV uses a TMS like the Volt, so the battery should last longer than the Leaf. The Spark?

GM is testing the Chevy Spark EV as we read and write here now. Let the tests end and we can read what GM has done for the Spark's TMS and battery range effects due to temperature extremes. I wish it much success as Chevy's next EV.

[volt11]

Ford Focus EV also can put a dent in leaf sales if they deliver it well (but they need to lower the price a little).

I'd much rather buy a Focus EV made in the USA than an imported Spark EV.

Although no pricing has been announced, would you feel the same way if the Spark EV comes in $10K cheaper?

[scottf200]

As I recall, the Focus EV uses a TMS like the Volt, so the battery should last longer than the Leaf. The Spark?

The large JPG is downloadable here and it sure looks like those are coolant hoses going to the battery ... assuming the picture is accurate.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/chev...2_SparkEV.html

[Dan & Nan]

I'm fond of the my Leaf. I'm on a list with a bunch of other Leaf owners and overall the car has been very reliable. This problem with the GE Wattstations isn't a big deal. The Volt has had issues with ChargePoint stations and charging in rainy conditions. With such new technology a few issues like this can't be avoided. They'll all get resolved as we move up the learning curve.

The big problem for the Leaf is it's limited range.

Are you on the lost a bar list?

I agree, this watt station "problem" isn't a problem as long as they take quick steps to rectify it. It sounds like it's just a software thing and we know that Nissan has techs that can upgrade software (it seems GM hasn't hired anyone capable of adding upgrades ).

[mbepic]

Ford Focus EV also can put a dent in leaf sales if they deliver it well (but they need to lower the price a little).

I'd much rather buy a Focus EV made in the USA than an imported Spark EV.

Assume you don't own or drive one of those 'imported' Camaros?