The transformation of a first-generation Nissan Leaf into a stretch limo is a unique and intriguing endeavor. This unconventional vehicle has been making its rounds in Las Vegas for an undisclosed amount of time before being purchased by an individual who decided to enhance its capabilities by adding a secondary high-voltage battery. The addition of this second battery raises an interesting question: how far can this dual-battery Nissan Leaf limo travel once the gauge cluster reads zero miles?
Kyle Conner, the owner of this modified Nissan Leaf limo, embarked on a mission to determine the answer to this question. The vehicle, originally equipped with a modest 24-kilowatt-hour battery, now boasts two such batteries, one placed inside the car on a custom-built rack and the other installed in the original cradle under the floor. These two batteries are connected in parallel, theoretically extending the car’s range significantly.
In a video posted by Out of Spec Testing, the dual-battery Nissan Leaf limo was put to the test to see how far it could go on an empty battery, with the climate control turned on and traveling at speeds between 30 and 50 miles per hour. As the miles ticked by, the vehicle continued to operate even after the low battery warning appeared. Eventually, the car entered “turtle mode,” which limited acceleration but allowed it to maintain a speed of 30 mph with the accelerator fully depressed. Surprisingly, the vehicle continued to travel even after the gauge showed zero miles, covering a total of 18.9 miles before coming to a stop.
Despite the lack of a thermal management system for the old batteries, the Nissan Leaf limo demonstrated resilience by accepting a DC fast charge from a mobile power station with a CCS to CHAdeMO adapter after being deeply discharged. This unexpected ability showcases the enduring nature of the aging electric vehicle, proving that even without advanced features, it still has some life left in it.
While this particular test may not be directly relevant to the average electric vehicle owner, it serves as a fascinating demonstration of the potential of older electric cars and their ability to continue operating beyond expectations. The dual-battery Nissan Leaf limo’s impressive performance after reaching zero miles on the gauge cluster highlights the durability and versatility of electric vehicles, even those without the latest technology.