Nissan Leaf Owners Angry as App Support Ends for Older Vehicles
Owners of Nissan Leaf electric cars are expressing their frustration and disappointment after the company announced that its app would no longer be supported for older vehicles. The app, which allows remote control of functions such as heating, will stop working due to the UK’s 2G network being switched off. While Nissan claims that this decision is necessary, customers are outraged and feel that the company is abandoning its early adopters.
The issue at hand is expected to affect more electric vehicles as the market continues to grow. Approximately 3,000 Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 cars manufactured before 2016 will be impacted by the app’s withdrawal. These older vehicles are equipped with 2G control units that communicate with the app. Nissan has clarified that owners will still be able to use key features like the Climate Control Timer and Charging Timer directly from their car’s Navigation System.
Affected drivers have expressed their disappointment, particularly because mobile network operators are not planning to phase out 2G until the end of the decade. Max Siegieda, a 2013 Nissan Leaf owner in Manchester, stated, “I would have expected at least six months, 12 months, something like that to arrange alternatives. This is a key feature of the car that’s going away.” Siegieda emphasized that remote access for features such as heating and charging at cheaper times was a major selling point when he purchased the car second-hand in 2022. He now feels reluctant to buy another Nissan due to the lack of notice given about the app shutdown.
David Morris, who owns a 2014 Nissan Leaf, received an email notifying him that his app would stop working next month. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “When you buy a car, you expect to have support for it for at least 10 years.” Morris also questioned whether he would purchase another vehicle from Nissan if they do not provide long-term support.
Dr. Benjamin Gorman, a senior lecturer at Bournemouth University, criticized Nissan for not incorporating backward compatibility into their design. He suggested that the car should have been able to connect through a phone or Bluetooth, even if the app was no longer supported. Gorman labeled this lack of foresight as “bad design.” He also warned that other electric vehicle owners may encounter similar issues in the future as technology advances and companies cease issuing updates. Additionally, he highlighted a growing trend in the industry where car manufacturers are starting to charge monthly subscription fees for access to extra features and apps.
However, Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at car firm Cinch, urged perspective when considering this problem. He explained that the issue is largely due to the Nissan Leaf being a trailblazer as the first mass-market electric vehicle. Sheehan believes that while newer cars may eventually lose some functionality as technology progresses, they will likely remain operational for much longer than the first Leaf with its outdated technology.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, it is crucial for manufacturers to consider the long-term support and compatibility of their vehicles. While advancements in technology are inevitable, it is essential to ensure that early adopters and loyal customers are not left feeling abandoned. The case of Nissan Leaf owners highlights the importance of providing clear communication and alternative solutions when discontinuing app support for older vehicles.