The Nissan LEAF has a limited range of 150 mi, which is not very long for some consumers. However, one recent LEAF charging system update will soon change all that.
This charger can charge batteries faster and more safely than traditional chargers. With this update, the owner can schedule a reverse charge on their EV charger and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. A built-in circuit breaker will ensure that the car and home are not damaged if there is an issue with the system.
The new charger will also help owners take back energy from an intelligent grid during peak hours. This is an important feature, as some utilities offer better rates during “peaking” hours.
The ability to charge the LEAF in a home is another benefit of this new charger. The current LEAF can take energy from the grid, but only at certain times when a power company has imposed a limit on how much energy gets used. This can help to avoid usage limits.
The benefits of this new charger are clear for the customer. Consumers now have the choice of a charge station that can charge their car and take energy from the grid, allowing them to time their charging for off-peak hours. Nissan stated that just one hour of off-peak charging is enough to fully charge a car in 24 hours, as long as its batteries have been fully depleted.
If the average LEAF owner chooses to use a bi-directional charger, then the charging infrastructure becomes even more critical to those owners. Because this charger is more expensive, it will likely stay with a few customers instead of being used by many other LEAF owners.
There was some concern that a bi-directional charger could be overkill for an EV with only 150 miles of range, charging twice as fast as other chargers. Nissan stated that the charger is also capable of a 50 percent faster charge, which means that it can charge 60 miles in just half an hour. That will still be slow compared to home charging but is an excellent way to fast charge at a rate similar to most public charging stations.
Nissan plans to work with utilities and state governments to install more of these bi-directional chargers in appropriate places. This will further expand electric car access, helping more consumers make the switch.
In addition, Nissan said it would continue developing other consumer technologies with its Leaf electric cars, such as solar panels and wireless controls. These updates will help make the Nissan LEAF a more attractive choice for many customers. Charging the Nissan LEAF at home allows owners to drive all week and still not be hesitant about returning home at night.
In conclusion, the Nissan LEAF is an excellent car for consumers who want to save money and lower their environmental footprint. This new charger makes it even better by offering additional flexibility and safety. You can visit our Texas dealership for more information on the car.