Double the Power: The Extended Range of a Modified Nissan Leaf Limo
This report details an unconventional experiment on a modified electric vehicle, showcasing its surprising resilience. The focus is on a Nissan Leaf limousine, originally a first-generation model, which has been equipped with two batteries. The primary objective of the test was to ascertain the actual driving distance achievable once the car's dashboard display indicates a completely depleted battery, pushing the limits of electric vehicle endurance.
Unveiling the Resilience of a Unique Electric Limousine
In a fascinating demonstration of electric vehicle tenacity, Kyle Conner of Out of Spec Testing recently conducted a meticulous range examination on a custom-built Nissan Leaf limousine. This particular vehicle, a first-generation model that once served the vibrant streets of Las Vegas, boasts a unique dual-battery configuration. Originally fitted with a modest 24-kilowatt-hour battery, this limousine was ingeniously retrofitted with a second 24-kilowatt-hour battery, strategically placed in the car's original battery cradle beneath the floor, while the initial pack resides within the vehicle on a custom-designed rack. These two power sources are wired in parallel, theoretically enhancing the vehicle's overall driving range.
The core of Conner's investigation centered on a practical, real-world scenario: how far could this double-battery Nissan Leaf travel after its instrument panel registered 'zero miles' remaining? With the climate control actively engaged and maintaining speeds between 30 and 50 miles per hour, the test pushed the vehicle to its operational brink. Seven miles beyond the initial low battery warning, the limousine gracefully transitioned into 'turtle mode,' a protective state that significantly curtails acceleration while remarkably still providing cool air from the A/C system. Even at this reduced capacity, the car maintained a steady 30 mph, despite the accelerator pedal being fully depressed. A remarkable 12 miles past the 'zero' mark, meaning an additional five miles after entering turtle mode, the electric limousine continued its journey. The test concluded at an impressive 18.9 miles after the car's onboard system declared it unable to proceed further, at which point the transmission shifted to neutral and refused re-engagement, even after a restart. The average energy efficiency recorded during this segment was 4.1 miles per kilowatt-hour, achieved at an average speed of just over 30 mph.
Intriguingly, the older, thermally unmanaged batteries of this vehicle exhibited a notable ability to accept a direct current fast charge immediately following this deep discharge. Using a mobile power station with a CCS to CHAdeMO adapter, the vehicle commenced charging without issue. This surprising recovery capability highlights the robust design of the original Leaf, underscoring its capacity to perform beyond expectations even when pushed to its limits.
This compelling experiment, while perhaps not directly applicable to the typical electric vehicle owner, profoundly illustrates the latent reserve capacity within electric vehicle batteries. It provides a reassuring insight: even an aged electric car, devoid of modern thermal management systems, retains a significant amount of operational range past its stated zero. This knowledge offers a crucial safety margin, assuring drivers that they may have sufficient time to reach a charging station even when facing an unexpectedly depleted battery, enhancing confidence in the practical utility of electric transport.