Nissan claims to be at the forefront of all-electric vehicles with the Leaf. Yet the Japanese company and its U.S. division are currently been accused in the U.S. that it has misled buyers about its EV's battery life and true driving range.
Humberto Klee and David Wallak say that Nissan advertises a range of 100 miles (160 km) or less, depending on a number of variables like the road conditions and the weather.
The plaintiffs claim is that the carmaker does not say that the Leaf can attain this range only if its battery is fully charged.
One can’t help but wonder what this is all about; until, that is, you read the rest of the federal class action lawsuit:
“Before purchase or lease, Nissan failed to disclose its own recommendations that owners avoid charging the battery beyond 80 percent in order to mitigate battery damage and failed to disclose that Nissan’s estimated 100-mile range was based on a full battery charge, which is contrary to Nissan’s own recommendation for battery charging.”
It does sound odd for Nissan to recommend not charging the battery beyond 80 percent and at the same time, releasing a maximum range figure that is attainable only with a 100 percent charge.
On its behalf, Nissan replied even though it “regrets that a very small number of Leaf owners are dissatisfied”, in its opinion “the lawsuit lacks merit”.
Among other things, Nissan's statement reads:
“Nissan has provided information on how the vehicle works, its estimated range and factors that can affect both range and battery life through many sources, including the Nissan Leaf website, owner's manual and detailed written disclosure.”
The lawsuit has been filed against both Nissan Motor Company and Nissan North America with the Central District Court of California, which will be the one to decide whether the plaintiffs’ class action has merit or not.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Story References: Top Class Actions via Autoblog Green
11 Comments:
"The plaintiffs claim is that the carmaker does not say that the Leaf can attain this range only if its battery is fully charged..."
Which planet do these people come from? Planet of the plonkers?
land of the sue.
They could sue carmakers advertising "Potential driving range" to be 1,000km or more on a tank of petrol, neither did they say the tank has to be full!
Stupid lawsuits bragging for money......
FUCKED UP AMERICANS I TELLYA
I BELIEVE THAT LITHIUM BATTERIES DON'T LIKE TO BE STORED FULL, BUT IF YOU ARE DRIVING FROM FULL IT WILL NO LONGER BE FULL SO IT IS NOT BEING STORED YOU IMBECILES.
I just bought a Leaf last weekend (lease, actually). They made it clear that 80% is the recommended filling to maximize battery longevity, but 100% is possible.
Nissan pulls some Class-A shit and this likely no exception. Why didn’t Nissan provide the LEAF with the necessary electronics to cease battery charging at 80 percent? Now, would I sue Nissan? No, but I would raise hell so that other prospective owners would know clearly what they are getting. Nissan always answers a known problem with some "vague and ambiguous" bullshit statement written by their legal department versus being forthright.
Now to decide which lawsuits are lamer, Apple vs Samsung or these retards vs Nissan.
another bunch of domestic communist ass holes trying make a quick buck....
You have to be the biggest homo on here... If you don't own a Leaf, sell Leaf, or even READ about the Leaf and its disclosure form or even the web statements that CLEARLY state what has effects on range, then I would suggest you shut your fat trap.
There is only one "vague and ambiguous" bullshit statement on here.... it's yours.
seems retty obvius to most people. The lawsuit that does make sense is the one bysome Califonia pople abot the battery loosing capacity much fater due t the heat. Areas like Texas, Phoenix and inland California are losing 10% a year. Cool areas like Seattle only lose 1% year.
All Other top EV design like Tela and even the new FORD Focus ve liquid coolig for the battery and controller. So they only loose 1-2% a year ,even in the heat. Funy Nissan made the batteryheater standard after 1 year but never addressed the heat problem. The heat loose is permanent, the old onlytemporary.
This is a ridiculous claim and the plaintiffs should be punished for bringing this up. If you are dissatisfied with the range why did you purchase an EV with less than 160km range at a premium to begin with. Was it to boast and show everyone how much you love the environment.
For a lithium battery, to gain better life cycle and extend the use of the battery it is recommended that you operate the the battery between 20% and 80% state of charge. This keeps you off of the ends of the charge and discharge curves with margin to spare. Nissan did not mislead anyone. Even in a gas engine vehicle, to maximize the fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your car (transmission/engine) you have to shift gears but I was never told that by the manufacturer or dealer.
The buyer needs to take personal responsibility to get educated about the product and determine if it fits his needs and stop blaming someone else on his own stupidity. I am sure the dealer asked about the intended application, use, and driving habits to make sure the Leaf would be a good fit for the driver.
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