Nissan has broadened its recall for Leaf electric vehicles, now encompassing almost 45,000 units, urging owners to refrain from using DC fast charging because of a potential fire danger. The recall extends to Leaf models from 2019 to 2022, equipped with both 40 kWh and 62 kWh batteries produced at Nissan's Smyrna facility. This directive is a considerable inconvenience for owners who purchased these vehicles partly for the efficiency of fast charging, a feature the Leaf already offered at a modest 50 kilowatts due to its basic, non-liquid-cooled battery system. The protracted nature of the recall, which has seen several delays in providing a definitive solution, is undoubtedly a source of frustration for the affected vehicle owners.
The root cause of this hazard is traced to lithium-ion batteries from Automotive Energy Supply Corporation, where internal cells can develop excessive lithium deposits. This phenomenon leads to increased electrical resistance, causing the cells to overheat rapidly during DC fast charging. Continued fast charging under these conditions could trigger a battery fire. Initially, the recall targeted 25,704 Leaf vehicles from the 2019 and 2020 model years, but the recurrence of the defect in newer models suggests a more persistent manufacturing flaw than Nissan first estimated. Although Nissan indicates that only about 1% of recalled vehicles might have this specific defect, this still translates to approximately 450 vehicles carrying the risk of fire during what should be routine charging.
Nissan's proposed resolution involves a software update designed to prevent thermal incidents, although specific details remain scarce. This software is expected to monitor battery temperatures during charging and automatically reduce or cease the charging process if abnormal heating is detected. Such an intervention would alert owners to potential defects in their vehicle's battery cells, necessitating a physical replacement. The timing of this ongoing issue is particularly challenging, as a redesigned third-generation Nissan Leaf, featuring a NACS charging port and enhanced DC fast charging capabilities, is set to be released soon. This upcoming model, with its 75-kilowatt-hour battery version, may appear as a much more attractive option to current Leaf owners who are enduring the extended wait for a remedy to their vehicles' battery issues.
This situation underscores the critical importance of vehicle safety and manufacturer accountability. It reminds us that while technological advancements bring convenience, they also carry responsibilities to ensure the well-being of consumers. This incident serves as a poignant example for the automotive industry to prioritize thorough testing and swift, effective resolutions when safety concerns arise, reinforcing trust and commitment to customer satisfaction.