Embarking on the journey of car diagnostics often begins with the quest for the right tools. Recently, I acquired the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII scanner, driven by the need to delve deeper into my vehicle’s performance data. My initial experiences with this compact device have been quite insightful, albeit with a few expected quirks. The primary advantage touted by this scanner is its WiFi connectivity, but this immediately presented a classic modern dilemma: juggling data connections on a smartphone.
The challenge with a WiFi OBDII scanner like the Vgate iCar 2 is its exclusive use of the WiFi channel for data transmission. For smartphone users, this typically means disconnecting from your mobile data network while the scanner is active. This can be inconvenient if, like me, you want to simultaneously use apps that require internet connectivity, such as online guides or cloud-based diagnostic platforms, while monitoring live car data with an app like LeafSpy. My workaround, which many might find relatable, was to repurpose an older smartphone specifically for OBDII diagnostics. This dedicated device maintains the WiFi connection to the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII scanner, leaving my primary phone free for other data-dependent tasks. Priced affordably – I found a new unit for £16 – the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBD2 Scanner seemed like a promising entry point into OBDII diagnostics, and positive online reviews further solidified my decision. Coupled with an Android phone, the setup was straightforward and hassle-free.
Initially, I experimented with the Torque app, a popular choice for OBDII data visualization. However, my exploration quickly led me to LeafSpy, particularly the free ‘Lite’ version. While initially hesitant to spend on apps (a common sentiment, perhaps!), the wealth of additional information offered by LeafSpy Pro quickly justified the £12 upgrade. For Nissan Leaf owners, LeafSpy Pro is especially compelling, unlocking a deeper level of insight into the car’s battery health and overall system performance compared to generic OBDII apps.
My test vehicle is a Nissan Leaf 30kWh, with approximately 81,000 kilometers on the odometer, and just shy of two years of service (1 year and 10.4 months). It has seen around 800 Quick Charges and 1750 Level 1/Level 2 charges. Using the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII scanner with LeafSpy Pro, I began to observe several key metrics. One immediate observation was a discrepancy in State of Charge (SOC) readings. The dashboard SOC display consistently read about 5% higher than what LeafSpy reported. This gap narrowed to approximately 2% when the SOC dropped below 50%. Further testing at even lower charge levels would be needed to understand this variance across the entire battery range.
Battery State of Health (SOH) is a crucial metric for EV owners. With the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII, LeafSpy provided SOH readings that fluctuated between 93.4% and 95.6%. This variability could be attributed to various factors, including battery temperature and recent usage patterns. Another interesting metric is GIDs, which, as I understand it, is a somewhat unconventional unit representing available battery power. While the exact calculation and significance of GIDs can be debated, online resources suggest a fully charged 30kWh Leaf should register around 365 GIDs. However, real-world scenarios rarely see a 100% charge, and GIDs values dynamically adjust with charging levels, making direct interpretations somewhat complex.
Beyond battery metrics, the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII scanner also reads tire pressure and temperature. In my case, temperature readings were absent for one wheel, a minor anomaly I haven’t investigated further. Interestingly, LeafSpy also allows access to some hidden vehicle settings, such as door locking/unlocking behavior and courtesy light configurations. Navigating the full spectrum of LeafSpy Pro’s capabilities can feel like a deep dive, perhaps even requiring a ‘PhD’ in EV diagnostics to fully master! However, even with a basic understanding, the app offers considerable value. Expect a learning curve – potentially a couple of weeks – to explore all the settings and data streams. Using LeafSpy while driving presents a choice: focus on a single data screen or dedicate significant time parked to thoroughly examine the data outputs. Charging sessions offer a prime opportunity to interact with LeafSpy, although sometimes a walk or a nap might be a more appealing alternative.
In conclusion, the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII scanner is undoubtedly a valuable tool for car owners interested in understanding their vehicle’s health and performance. Similar to Formula 1 teams analyzing telemetry data, this scanner provides insights that can potentially lead to more efficient driving habits. I anticipate using it on my upcoming e+LE model as well. While I don’t foresee spending excessive time constantly monitoring data, its availability for periodic checks and longer journeys is a definite plus.
Would I repurchase the Vgate iCar 2 WiFi OBDII? Yes. Would I recommend it? Also yes, but with a caveat. For users heavily reliant on continuous data connectivity, the Bluetooth version might be a more seamless option, avoiding the WiFi data conflict. However, for my needs, the WiFi version works well. Is LeafSpy Pro worth the investment? Absolutely. Considering the cost of other less practical expenditures, LeafSpy Pro’s diagnostic capabilities are a worthwhile indulgence. My intended usage pattern involves routine checks during charging sessions and data monitoring on longer trips – a practical and informative addition to vehicle ownership.
