Nissan Leaf Battery Replacement: Cost & Logistics To Keep In Mind
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Although electric cars are more popular than ever, thanks to the current push for environmentally-friendly, EVs were quite a niche market a decade ago. The Nissan Leaf was the EV pioneer and is known to be the model that brought EVs into the mainstream way before companies like Tesla were even a thing.
The Leaf was Nissan’s first mass-produced electric vehicle and paved the way for electric mobility. As of today, more than half a million Nissan Leaf units have been produced. The Leaf is one of the most practical options for people looking to go down the electric route without breaking the bank.
One of the main concerns about the Leaf (or electric cars in general) is the overall cost of replacing the electric batteries. How much would a Nissan Leaf battery replacement cost? What can you expect when replacing a Nissan Leaf battery? We’ll answer those questions and more.
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Nissan Leaf Battery Replacement: What’s the Cost?
The Nissan Leaf became a popular EV option due to its attractive starting price. It’s a fully-electric car that is more affordable than many of its competitors. However, while the Leaf is affordable upfront, it does have a sting on its tail. Although the Leaf has a lower price tag, it uses a similar battery pack to more expensive EVs.
According to Recurrent Auto, the cost of a Nissan Leaf battery replacement (2022 model) ranges from $6,500 to $7,500, including labor. This means you’ll spend more than a third of the price of an all-new Leaf model.
Thankfully, BloombergNEF reported the price for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) packs has significantly fallen over the last decade. According to the report, batteries were priced at approximately $1,100 / kWh in 2010. By 2020, the price has dropped to $137 / kWh and is expected to drop more to $100 / kWh by 2023.
As EVs become more popular and mainstream, the dropping price of BEVs will likely result in more affordable all-electric vehicles, and the cost of battery replacement will also become more affordable.
What’s the Lifespan of Leaf Batteries?
Product warranties are generally a good indication of a product’s expected lifespan. In the case of the Leaf, Nissan offers a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers any repairs for fixing defects in materials or workmanship. In addition, Nissan offers a warranty covering capacity loss below nine segments, as displayed on the vehicle’s battery capacity gauge for eight years or 100,000 miles.
On a related note, remember that the lifespan of your EV battery largely depends on personal use. You have to take into account battery degradation, which means that it loses available range over time.
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Nissan Leaf Battery Replacement: What to Expect?
Replacing a Nissan Leaf battery isn’t like swapping a smartphone’s battery or smoke alarm–it’s more akin to replacing an engine. For starters, EV batteries are pretty heavy and store vast amounts of electrical energy. Therefore, you need to work with professionals to handle the replacement job unless you know what you’re doing.
Schedule an appointment with your local mechanic or dealership to replace your Nissan Leaf battery. Once you come in, they’ll hang your Leaf so they can get to the battery. After removing the old Leaf battery, a new one will be installed safely using the right cables. The technicians will likely perform a software update to inform the computer about the new battery pack.
In many cases, the battery replacement should take at most a day to complete. However, your overall experience will depend on several factors, including the mechanic and/or parts availability. Unfortunately, you’ll be at the mercy of the supply chain if the battery needs to be ordered.
It’s also worth pointing out that not all battery replacement jobs require a total replacement of the unit. In some instances, technicians can identify broken modules or individual battery cells. Therefore, the mechanic can swap out the defective cells or modules, saving you a lot of money.
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How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Nissan Leaf Battery
As you might have guessed, your Leaf’s lithium-ion battery pack is one of the essential components of the car. Proper charging and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of the Leaf battery. Below are some quick tips you should follow:
- Pay attention to the battery capacity: One of the most important rules of maintaining the Leaf’s battery is to keep the charge between 20-80%. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, charging the lithium-ion batteries to full 100% will cause them to degrade quickly. Meanwhile, running the battery down between 10-0% will also cause the battery modules to degrade faster. The best practice is to charge your Leaf when it comes down to between 10-20% and up to 80% maximum.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Exposure to warm temperatures will unnecessarily stress the Leaf’s battery and shorten its lifespan, especially with the lack of active thermal management. In warmer weather, make a conscious effort to park your Leaf in shaded areas or inside the garage. Meanwhile, although cold doesn’t promote lithium-ion degradation, it can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
- Limit rapid charger use: Rapid chargers are great for quick top-ups, but they generate considerable heat, which again, may lead to degradation. If possible, limit the use of DC fast chargers only during emergencies instead of
With proper maintenance and care, your Nissan Leaf’s EV battery can easily enjoy a 10-year lifespan before needing replacement.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Leaf is a solid option for drivers looking for an affordable all-electric car with decent commuting power. However, you have to keep in mind that it can be very expensive to get a Nissan Leaf battery replacement. Fortunately, BEV prices are starting to decrease, which is good news for those who wish to get into the electric movement. With such a high price tag for a replacement, you must take active steps to prolong the lifespan of your EV battery.
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