Is a lack of active battery cooling in the Nissan LEAF a deal breaker?
Unlike most other EV's, the Nissan LEAF uses passive air cooling for its battery pack. This has been a point of contention between EV enthusiasts and potential buyers of this design choice. But it can lead to faster battery degradation, say some, especially in hot climates or when fast charging repeatedly. Some say it’s not really a big deal for most drivers. The debate is usually about long term ownership costs, resale value and what kind of climate and driving pattern the car is suitable for. It’s a subject that gets brought up quite often when comparing the LEAF to other EVs, or talking about it’s longevity as a used car.
That's not a deal breaker for me. I have had my LEAF for 3 years in a moderate climate, and have not noticed any big battery degradation. It’s been perfectly fine for daily commuting and errands.
Absolutely a deal-breaker. I live in Arizona and battery degradation is real. I've lost about 15% of my range after just 2 years. If you live in a hot place or are keeping the car long term, look elsewhere.
It depends on your use case. It’s not a big deal if you’re leasing or you only plan to keep the car for a few years. You definitely have to worry about that for long term ownership, particularly if you want to fast charge a lot.
I think it's overblown. Liquid cooling is better, however, for the average driver who doesn’t push their car to the limit, the LEAF’s battery is just fine. And it’s simple, so there’s less to go wrong.
It's a trade-off. The cost is kept down due to the lack of active cooling, which is why the LEAF is often one of the most affordable EVs. If you’re on a budget and don’t care about long range, it’s still a decent option.
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Is a lack of active battery cooling in the Nissan LEAF a deal breaker?
06 January 2025 08:13
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