If you take care of it and use it with careful use the battery of the Nissan LEAF can endure for at least a decade or sometimes longer. Based on the frequency at which you recharge and operate the vehicle. But, all electronic vehicles (EVs) such as the Nissan LEAF generally experience an annual decline of just around 2 percent in the capacity of their batteries. In time the entire Nissan LEAF batteries, like any other battery are eventually unsafe to be used. The replacement cost of the battery in certain Nissan Leaf EVs can be an intimidating task. However, changing the battery pack in the Nissan LEAF is surprisingly less complex than you would think.
Recognizing the Signs for Battery Replacement
This article will provide information on how to recognize signs of deterioration in battery performance. And as well as the warranty protection for Nissan LEAF batteries, and the cost of replacement. And the most important aspects to take into consideration in the event of purchasing a used Nissan LEAF.
When is it Time to Replace a Nissan LEAF Battery?
It is important to remember that this piece is targeted at the current Nissan LEAF users. However, the information on batteries provided here can be useful for prospective buyers of used Nissan LEAF vehicles.
While it’s true that the Nissan LEAF has established itself as a popular entry-level EV over time. But the battery’s lifetime in the course of its life will eventually diminish to the level that it’s not efficient. This is particularly true if the vehicle is subject to harsh environmental conditions. A few indicators that the Nissan LEAF battery might need replacement are:
- A decrease in driving range, leading to a total cost of fewer than 9 bars from 12 (equivalent to keeping only 70%-75% of initial charge) in less than 8 years, or 100,000 miles.
- Reduced range, which does not meet your driving requirements after the LEAF has exceeded eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Charge issues or charging, a drop of 5-10% in a short period (such as a couple of weeks, or even months), or inability to hold the charge.
It’s crucial to point out that replacing the battery in a Nissan LEAF is best handled by professionals due to the potentially risky nature of working with high-voltage electric batteries. Although DIY kits are available to replace the LEAF’s battery the actual replacement needs to be handled by an electric repair shop for vehicles.
Exploring Nissan LEAF Battery Warranty
Nissan LEAF warranty on the battery can be found in two different categories.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Warranty: This guarantee is primarily for the original components and the installation of the LEAF’s batteries. It covers battery replacements for a period of up eight years. Or up to 100,000 miles for problems that are related to defects in material and workmanship.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Protection: This portion of the warranty is focused on the battery’s performance in terms of range and is sometimes difficult to comprehend. It’s the same period that the battery’s warranty – 8 years or 100,000 miles. But it guarantees replacement in the event of a decrease in usable range or other unusual degradation. For 2021’s Nissan LEAF, such range loss is defined as “less than 9 segments of the range when at full charge” which is a reduction in capacity by more than 25%.
For LEAFs with less than 100,000 miles, and less than 8 years ago, there is warranty coverage for malfunctioning batteries. But, certain conditions are applicable:
- The warranty does not cover battery issues that result from damage, whether caused by road debris or any other form of puncture.
- Problems with batteries in LEAFs that are subjected to extreme temperatures (above 120 for more than 24 hours) as well as cold (below the -13 mark for more than seven days) are not considered.
- The warranty is void if the battery is empty or low level of charge for longer than two weeks.
- LEAFs that have battery packs that have 24 kWh provide the capacity to cover warranty coverage for just 60 months (5 years) or 60,000 miles which could be expired for certain packs.
Additional details regarding the warranty conditions for different Nissan LEAF models are available via the official Nissan website.
Evaluating the Cost of Nissan LEAF Battery Replacement
Let’s take a look at the different sizes of batteries used by have been used in the Nissan LEAF has used since the year 2011:
- 2011-2017 Nissan LEAF: 24 kWh
- 2016 Nissan LEAF: 30 kWh
- 2018-Present Nissan LEAF: 40 kWh
- Nissan LEAF Plus (up to 2022): 62 kWh
- 2023 Nissan LEAF Plus: 60 kWh
The current cost of replacing a LEAF battery ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 for the 30 kWh battery and $3,000 to $5,000 for the 24 kWh version. The prices may seem expensive possibly because they are in high demand. After all, Nissan does not make these batteries. The replacement batteries are typically lightly utilized (salvaged) or used Nissan LEAF batteries that have been refurbished.
For larger batteries–40 or 62 kWh — the replacement cost is estimated to be about $6,500-$7500 and $8,500-$9500, respectively. The price for replacing the 60 kWh battery, with its unique chemical changes to the battery is expected to be between $10,000 and $15,000.
Costs for labor to replace batteries can be as high as $1,000 which could result in a replacement cost that ranges from $4,500 to $16,000. That based on the size of the battery pack as well as the year of manufacturing for the replacement.
Can I Upgrade My Nissan LEAF to a Larger Battery?
A few owners of the LEAF have succeeded in increasing their vehicle’s performance by installing larger batteries specifically for older models of LEAF. The upgrade of the battery in a Nissan LEAF is generally feasible. However, it could require time for repair shops to find the correct battery. Sometimes, delays of up to some months may be expected in warranty work for batteries. And patience might be needed to locate the correct battery to upgrade.
The advantage of LEAF batteries is that they can be swapped. While it’s not as easy as switching one pack to another, major changes aren’t needed for making the change.
Let’s look at which cars are suitable for battery upgrade:
The pack of 62 kWh is currently the biggest used by Nissan. For LEAFs that are already equipped with this type of pack, there isn’t a larger alternative to replace it. As the pack wears out, replacing the pack with one that is smaller or used could be an option.
For the pack of 60 kWh, its compatibility with upgrades to batteries isn’t certain, since it’s a brand-new LEAF battery.
For LEAFs with the 40 kWh battery, a fresh forty kWh pack replacement is typically the preferred choice. Upgrade to a battery with 62 kWh capacity is feasible however, the cost of labor might be more expensive due to the differences in the pack’s form and weight.
Except 2011 and early 2012 Nissan LEAF models. Which could require custom adapters for battery upgrades the 30 and 24-kWh packs. And can be upgraded to a 40-kWh pack for a cost that is reasonable.
Recycling Options for Nissan LEAF Batteries
Recycling batteries is an important aspect of the transition to electric vehicles. The majority of batteries are recyclable to a certain extent with about 95 percent of their components that could be reused for manufacturing.
In the case of the aging Nissan LEAF batteries even though Nissan does not have a formal recycling program for reclaiming batteries. They are adamant about the extension of battery lifecycles by reuse. Even if these batteries are no longer able to provide sufficient energy to power vehicles. However, their power may be sufficient for other purposes. They can be reused LEAF batteries have powerhouses as well as emergency power sources in areas of disaster. And have been used to store energy for solar farm energy storage.
If the LEAF battery modules have been completely exhausted. Many firms specialize in breaking down the batteries to make reusable parts.
Should You Consider a Used Nissan LEAF?
Because this LEAF has been available for more than a decade now and is still in the market. Locating a used Nissan LEAF at a reasonable cost is a possibility. If you are willing to wait especially since supply chain issues could delay the replacement of batteries by a long time. The LEAF is an attractive option for EV enthusiasts. The latest model year LEAFs provide peace of mind because of their affordable Lithium Ion Battery. As well as Lithium Ion Battery Warranty on Capacity. When looking at a used LEAF one should examine the car’s history as well as its usage and charging practices. And the warranty may provide some security against unanticipated issues.
Conclusion:
In the end, knowing the details of Nissan LEAF cost of battery replacement warranties, costs, and upgrade options is crucial for current owners as well as prospective buyers. If it is evident that the EV environment continues to change by the minute. Knowing all you can about it will help users to make the most informed choices to enhance you and your Nissan LEAF experiences.