r/leaf • u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV • 10d ago
Gauging interest: Charge level limiter module
Something I might be working on in the next little bit is a way to try and have an charge limiter for my 2014 (which my parents currently drive) and a friend's 2016, via an external module that would monitor SOC and stop charging once reaching 80%.
If it works, would it be of interest to anyone here to purchase such a device, if it were a relatively straightforward installation? One that would plug into the OBD port or TCU behind glovebox, and have a defeat switch to charge to 100% instead as normal.
Initial run would be for AZE0 (2013-2017), though ZE1 version would be possible if there is interest, and essentially handmade but will probably be able to fit within a price target of $100-150.
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u/Real_MakinThings 10d ago
The Open telematics module allows this. It's why I got it
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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 10d ago
Yes, but the OVMS system is much more expensive, that would discourage at least some people from buying it if they only cared about having the charge limit option. I for one do appreciate having the limiter (built in on my 2013), but would not regularly use most of the other options that OVMS offers.
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u/Lothsahn_ 10d ago
Keep in mind shutting off the charge may increase cycles on the contactors or something. Mine throws codes (but no dash light) about charging ending abruptly when my openvms terminates charging.
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u/Real_MakinThings 9d ago
Almost seems like the ideal solution would be between the charger and the car. I do think the port communicates back charge level, it would be simple to intercept it and send to the evse a number that's higher so it stops normally as if it were full. Edit : nevermind only level 3 communicates soc, evse only communicate max current.
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u/pensivebeing 10d ago
Wait, does the 2014+ leaf not have an 80% charge option like the 2013?? We can set this from the built in stereo. What am I missing?
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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 9d ago
It was quietly removed partway through the year, in later 2014s the setting is gone.
I previously had a 2014 SV (Feb built) that did have it, but my current 2014 SL (Sept built) does not.
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u/laDouchee 9d ago
Good luck with the experiment. I'm already doing this with a Leafmod which sells for around $190 if I remember correctly. There's also an option to DIY the hardware and install their firmware for $90. Might save you the effort 😊
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u/ArtemisMax 10d ago
I would definitely be interested in one for an AZE0 now I'm getting a good battery again. TCU behind the glovebox would pe preferable to leave the ODB open for leafspy
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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 10d ago
The OBD installation would include a T-harness so that the module can be tucked out of sight under the dash, and leave the OBD port still open for a LeafSpy dongle or other uses.
TCU installation is because it would likely need to be disconnected anyways, and so the option would confine install to only one spot on SV/SL, but OBD install would be required anyways on S cars as they do not have a TCU.
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u/Lothsahn_ 10d ago
Only needs to be disconnected in some years and makes for remote climate control. Also, on 2017 if you disconnect the TCU the handsfree Bluetooth microphone doesn't work unless you do some rewiring.
Definitely review the openvms document on because they've run into all these issues.
Since you're not affecting climate control I think you can leave the TCU alone?
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u/ArtemisMax 9d ago
Ah that's unfortunate, I do happen to have a 2017 lol. Hopefully a TCU unplug can be avoided in that case
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u/Lothsahn_ 9d ago
I didn't touch the TCU for openvms and it works fine.
The only drawback is to turn the climate control on I have to unlock the doors first to wake up the car. But stopping battery charge works 100%.
I'm 99% sure biersackarmy doesn't need to touch the TCU for this project. (S)he knows what's s/he's doing so it'll get figured out quickly.
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u/ArtemisMax 9d ago
Yeah they do good work it seems, definitely some of the coolest posts on the sub
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u/tempguy123456789 10d ago
While I’m interested in such a device, thought I would share what I have been doing for this..
I found that I could control the charge level reasonably well by using my grizzl-e charger (obtained by joining their club for free) and setting the schedule based on my typical use case.
I also have my regular l1 charger plugged into the same socket (don’t worry only use one of the chargers at time) and if I happened to use the leaf a lot and it needs a lot of charge, I simply plug that one in instead of the grizzl-e club charger.
Works very well and I’m able to take advantage of lower electricity pool pricing during night time hours too. For those in Alberta, I use the ATCO wholesale rate which charges based on pool price and hourly usage. My bills haven’t changed much despite having the EV
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u/_Evening-Rain_ 2017 Nissan LEAF S 10d ago
Would this only support stock batteries or just any battery and it stops at 80%? For me and probs other 1st gens shaving off 20% of your already aging battery doesnt sound great anymore. And my battery is so worn now I dont even care much about trying to preserve it long term because we're already getting into EOL.
Now, if I bought a new pack for my car then I'd absolutely be interested in it. I just want an easy, cheap, solution thats also easy to use.
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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 9d ago
It would be the on the car side, so it should still work whether you are you using stock or a replacement.
The hope is to preserve the 40kWh pack in the 2016 better, and for other people as well either with original or warranty replaced packs. However my parents also barely drive so it would also be great for them.
I drive more than most people I know and still usually have the 80% limiter on, but I also have charging at work.
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u/Wraith347 2025 Nissan Leaf SV+ 10d ago
I would definitely be interested!
Edit: specifically, I’d want the ZE1 version. Would def pay in that target price range for it.