Owners of Nissan Leaf electric cars have accused the firm of “dumping its pioneers” after it announced its app would stop working for older vehicles.
The firm says the app – which allows remote control of functions such as heating – is stopping because the UK’s 2G network is being switched off.
But customers have reacted with anger, telling the BBC they did not expect it to be withdrawn.
Experts expect the issue to affect more electric vehicles as the market grows.
Around 3,000 Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 cars made before 2016 are affected by the app being withdrawn.
These older vehicles are fitted with 2G control units which communicate with the app.
Nissan told the BBC: “The NissanConnect EV app currently linked to Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 vehicles produced up until 2016 will shut down from 1 April 2024 in preparation of the 2G technology sunset.”
It added: “Owners will, however, still be able to use key features such as Climate Control Timer and Charging Timer directly from their car’s Navigation System.”
Affected drivers have told the BBC of their disappointment – in part because mobile network operators will not be phasing out 2G until the end of the decade.
“I was very surprised,” said Max Siegieda, a 2013 Nissan Leaf owner in Manchester.
“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.”
He said the app’s remote access for features such as heating the car or charging remotely at cheaper times was “a major selling point” when he bought the car second-hand in 2022.
He was already considering upgrading but now says he would be “reluctant” to buy another Nissan “because of the lack of notice” they gave about the app shutdown.
Source- BBC
