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Do You Need A Nissan LEAF Battery Replacement?

  • Electric Cars
  • Vanessa Norris
  • 6 minutes

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 A decade ago, electric vehicles weren’t a niche, but with the current emphasis on being environmentally responsible, EVs are experiencing unprecedented popularity. Before businesses like tesla even existed, the Nissan LEAF was the first mass-market electric vehicle (EV). EV packs are powered by the same lithium-ion batteries that degrade over time like any other. Used electric vehicle batteries often have a second life in the form of backup or energy storage. That’s when battery replacement comes in place. Read to know more on Nissan LEAF battery replacement. 

Nissan LEAF batteries: An overview 

The Nissan LEAF is available from 2011 all the way up to 2022, with batteries ranging in size from 22 to 62-kilowatt hours (kWh). Here’s a quick rundown of how battery capacities corresponded to specific model years. When Nissan replaces a battery under warranty, it uses 40 kWh packs. 

  • 2011 – 2017: 24 kWh 
  • 2016: 30 kWh 
  • 2018: 40 kWh 
  • Plus: 62 kWh 

Read more: Ways to Replace Your Car Battery at a Dealership

Nissan LEAF battery replacement

What’s the lifespan of Nissan LEAF’s batteries? 

Nissan LEAF batteries are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles under warranty. The longevity of an electric vehicle’s battery might also be subjective. Thus, that must be taken into account. Any vehicle’s range will decrease gradually over time due to battery degradation. But this is only a problem if it seriously restricts your driving. Think about that in terms of the LEAF. It’s possible that the usable life of a 2015 Nissan LEAF, which had an original EPA range of 84 miles, will be shorter than that of a vehicle with a range of 300 miles or more. 

Read more: Are Nissans Good Cars? Know before Buying

When should you replace a Nissan LEAF’s battery? 

Although the Nissan LEAF has established itself to be a fantastic small entry-level EV over the years, its battery life can deteriorate beyond a usable quantity during the course of ownership. This is especially true if the vehicle has been kept in less than optimum conditions. These are some warnings that it’s time to replace the battery in your Nissan LEAF: 

  • The battery will lose capacity in fewer than eight years / 100,000 miles, dropping to 9 bars or less out of 12 (only holding 70-75% of the original charge). 
  • When the LEAF has been driven for more than eight years or 100,000 miles, its range will decrease beyond what is practical for the owner. 
  • Issues with charging, losing more than 5-10% of range quickly (within weeks or months), or failing to hold a charge at all. 

It is important to know that changing the battery in a Nissan LEAF is not always a do-it-yourself project. Because of the high voltages in all EV batteries, car mechanics operating on these systems must often be specially certified or trained. Although battery replacement kits for the LEAF are commercially available, the actual installation should be handled by an auto shop with expertise in EVs. The first thing you should do if the battery in your Nissan LEAF is having trouble is to check your warranty status. 

Read more: How Much Does Prius Battery Replacement Cost?

How much does Nissan LEAF battery replacement cost? 

A new battery for a LEAF costs between $3,000-$5,000 for the 24 kWh version and $3,500-$4,500 for the 30 kWh version. Most 24 kWh and 30 kWh replacement batteries will be recycled or reconditioned versions of batteries originally installed in Nissan LEAFs, so don’t expect them to be brand new. 

Currently, the Nissan LEAF may be equipped with either a 40 kWh or a 62 kWh battery pack. The 40 kWh LEAF battery has an estimated replacement cost of $6,500 to $7,500. Whereas the 62 kWh LEAF battery has a replacement cost of $8,500 to $9,500. 

We can only speculate on the cost because the 60 kWh pack is all new and features significant improvements in battery chemistry over its predecessors. A new 60 kWh pack will probably set you back between $10,000 and $15,000. 

Battery replacement procedures may cost roughly $1,000 in labor, making the total cost to replace the battery in a Nissan LEAF range from $4,500 to $16,000, depending on the size of the pack and the model year of the car. 

Read more: Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay?

Tips for keeping your Nissan LEAF’s battery running longer 

You probably already know that the lithium-ion battery pack in your LEAF is a crucial part of the vehicle. If you take care of your LEAF’s battery, you can extend its life by years with regular charging and maintenance. Here are some pointers for you: 

Keep the battery charge between 20 and 80%, as this is one of the most fundamental guidelines for preserving the battery. Unlike their gas-powered cousins, lithium-ion batteries deteriorate rapidly when charged to their maximum capacity. Also, battery modules will degrade more quickly if the battery is discharged to between 10% and 0% of its capacity. The optimal time to recharge your leaf is when its battery drops to between 10 and 20 percent and no lower than 80 percent. 

Lithium-ion batteries can be damaged by being exposed to temperatures above freezing or below 0 degrees Celsius. The LEAF’s battery has no active heat management. Therefore, prolonged exposure to high temperatures will reduce its useful life. Make an attempt to park your LEAF in a cool, shady spot or the garage during the warmer months. While the cold doesn’t hasten lithium deterioration, it can reduce the battery’s useful life. 

Fast chargers can quickly replenish your battery but produce a lot of heat, which might damage your device over time. Avoid using DC rapid chargers unless absolutely necessary. The electric vehicle battery in your Nissan LEAF can easily last for ten years if you take good care of it. 

Read more: How Much Does an Electric Car Battery Cost?

Bottom line 

The Nissan LEAF is a great option for those in the market for an affordable all-electric commuter car. Know that Nissan LEAF battery replacement can be quite pricey. Because of the expensive cost of a new battery, you should proactively extend the life of the one in your EV. 

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