Nissan has been working to reassure owners about the batteries in its Leaf EV.
Nissan plans to launch a new battery replacement program in 2014 that could let owners of the Leaf electric-vehicle benefit from anticipated improvements in lithium-technology that could result in smaller, lighter, longer-range – and less expensive – batteries over the coming year.
While details of the program have yet to be finalized, the maker would permit U.S. Leaf customers to swap out their original batteries for new ones, whether because the old packs were losing power as they aged or because improved batteries were to become available.
“Technology is evolving and battery prices are projected to decline as EVs become increasingly mainstream,” said Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of Electric Vehicle Sales and Marketing. “Therefore, this new battery program today affords more flexibility for the future so that customers can both upgrade to the latest available technology for their LEAF and enjoy more predictable vehicle operating costs.”
Nissan Leaf battery packs being produced at the maker's new factory in Tennessee.
Batteries are the most expensive part of an electric vehicle – and the most frustrating for owners and potential buyers. While today’s lithium-ion technology is a significant improvement over older battery chemistry, but it still is expensive and offers relatively limited range and long charging times.
Proponents predict that not only will costs come down but that as with older nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium technology will become lighter, more powerful and quicker to recharge.
(New high-speed charging standard could boost demand for battery-cars. Click Here for the story.)
Specifically how the U.S. program will work remains to be seen but it takes Nissan’s North American strategy closer to the approach in Europe where most EV buyers lease their batteries separately from their vehicles so, at a pre-determined time they can opt for a potentially better replacement.
Other makers, notably including Tesla Motors, maker of the Model S electric vehicle, have been studying similar upgrade options. Tesla, meanwhile, has announced plans to set up not just a nationwide network of high-speed chargers but battery-swap locations. That approach would make it extremely easy to opt for a newer, more powerful battery pack if one were available.
(Tesla demos 90-second battery swap system. Click Herefor more.)
The Nissan plan also appears to be aimed at assuring consumers they will always be able to have a reasonable amount of range for their Leaf EVs, even if the battery technology doesn’t improve.
Earlier this year, Nissan announced an expansion of its battery warranty program. Notably that included a new 5-year/60,000-mile coverage for loss of capacity. The maker now will replace a Leaf battery if it drops during that period to less than 70% of its original capacity.
“The battery replacement option will provide the peace of mind that customers have an economical option should they choose to replace the battery for whatever reason,” says Gottfried.
The battery replacement program will cost owners $100 a month.