Leaf undergoes heat treatment

VIA (the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association) recently had an independent trial heat treatment conducted on a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, to meet the requirements of the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) updated Import Health Standard (IHS).

This trial was also observed by NZTA officials.

During the treatment process to achieve the required 60 degrees for 10 minutes, the greatest temperature recorded by sensors attached to the vehicle was 80 degrees.

The highest temperature recorded by the internal traction battery sensors was 36.6 degrees, which is well within the optimum operating temperature range for the Li-Ion batteries fitted to the Nissan Leaf.

VIA is satisfied that the heat-treatment process set out by MPI in the IHS is not likely to adversely affect Nissan Leaf traction batteries.

However, the commercial decision on whether to process EVs through heat treatment remains with that of the importer.

VIA also intends to test a Mitsubishi I-MiEV as these vehicles utilise a different style of battery.

Read the full test report here.

For any questions, please contact VIA Technical Manager Malcolm Yorston on 0800 VIA VIA (842 842) or email technical@via.org.nz.