According to experts, electric car batteries lose around 2% of their capacity per year, and the Nissan Leaf is no exception. After 8 years, old batteries often degrade and reach a state of unstable charge.
Unfortunately, replacement costs can account for about a third of the vehicle’s value. So how much does it cost for the Nissan Leaf battery replacement? Scroll down to learn in detail.
When Does Your Nissan Leaf Battery Require Replacement?
While the battery of the Nissan Leaf is a great improvement over other electric vehicles, it still degrades after a period of use, especially under unfavorable conditions. As soon as you notice the signs below, it is time:
- The charging capacity cannot return to the original optimal level. For instance, the battery only shows 9 out of 12 bars – equal to 70-75%, though it hasn’t reached 100,000 miles or 8 years yet.
- It is unresponsive to charge or has trouble charging.
- Your battery has a 5-10% loss of range after a few weeks or months from purchase.
- It is past its prime of 8 years of 100,000 miles.
- It shows signs of damage like corrosion on cables and connectors or slow start-ups.
Cost To Replace Nissan Battery
The average price of a Nissan battery ranges between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the model. Labor costs then add an extra $1,000 in total.
Starting from 2011 to 2017, LEAF features a 24 kWh battery. Except for 2016, the SV and SL models were introduced with a new option – a 30 kWh battery pack to extend the expected range.
According to car owners, these replacements cost them $3,500 – $4,500. The unexpectedly high expenses may be due to a supply chain shortage as the Japanese manufacturer no longer produces these products. Most of the options available on the auto market are salvaged or refurbished.
From 2018 until now, Nissan has increased its battery capacity to 40 or 62 kWh (LEAF PLUS 2022). The replacement price for these two packs falls between $6,500 – $7,500 for the smaller option and $8,500 – $9,500 for the larger one.
The only exception is the Plus 2022 version, with a battery size of 60 kWh. Though it is not the optimal capacity, the change in chemical composition contributes to the final expense of $10,000 – $15,000.
How To Save Money On Nissan Battery Replacement
Get Warranty Coverage
When your component is damaged, the battery warranty should come out on top of your mind. Most EV batteries usually come with two policies as follows:
Lithium-Ion Battery Coverage
These terms mainly cover defects in materials and installations. In other words, they gear toward internal construction and initial assembly rather than a decline in quality. The effective period of this policy is around 8 years or within 100,000 miles.
Though it may seem like a generous favor, it is a minimum time prescribed by US federal law. Simply put, all EV manufacturers must offer the same condition for their outputs.
Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage
The validity period of this policy stays the same as the one above. Its focus on a reduced range of activity or unusual degradation sets it apart.
The manufacturer has defined these two terms by a specific symbol – “less than 9 segments of range at full charge” (equivalent to 25%)
If your LEAF is under 8 years old or serves under 100,000 miles, you can benefit from a new battery replacement without costing a penny. This rule still applies to the latest car models, but there are some caveats for unacceptable conditions:
- Damage caused by road debris or any similar punctures.
- Any breakdown happens due to extreme temperatures (above 120℉ for 24 hours or below -13℉ for 7 days)
- The owner lets the battery reach a low or empty state within 2 weeks.
Plus, the manufacturer reduced the warranty coverage of the 24 kWh pack to 60 months or 60,000 miles.
When you claim a warranty, Nissan offers a free 40 kWh battery for 30 kWh and 40 kWh options. Smaller packs no longer stay within the valid range, while information for larger items remains unclear.
You should also check the LEAF recall status when looking up warranty policies. You will receive free-of-charge compensation if your vehicle appears on the recall list due to a battery function failure.
Pay For A Donor Car
If you cannot afford a new battery, you can find hope at a nearby scrap yard. Owners rarely consider this option, but it brings certain perks. Look for a LEAF like yours, then consider the following two scenarios:
- Pay for the entire car and have its battery disassembled by a professional afterward.
- Remove the battery yourself to save as much as possible.
No matter which option you choose, it is budget-friendly. On the downside, this plan carries the risk of buying the wrong fit. Hence, you should pay close attention to the actual capacity of the item in the target.
If you get an offer that’s cheaper than expected, chances are it is worn out. Never accept alternatives with less than 90% capacity – it is not worth your money.
Look For Aftermarket Companies
LEAF owners can find local third-party companies that service battery replacement at a reasonable price than the official manufacturer. Some even offer upgrades to higher battery models.
Why could this happen? There are many reasons for those bargains. For example, service providers get economic input from imports.
Invest In Refurbished Or Reconditioned Battery
Consider reconditioned batteries if you think battery disposal influences the environment and want to minimize your negative impact. You should have almost no trouble finding a reliable supplier, as the rapid growth of the EV market has fueled this business model.
Companies buy used products and restore their function to optimal levels. A refurbished item is worth $4,000-$6,000. Save the budget and gain environmental benefits – it kills two birds with one stone.
Is Replacing A New Leaf Battery Worth Your Money?
It is not straightforward to conclude the influence of several factors.
First, look at the starting price of a Nissan LEAF equipped with a 40 kWh pack which is around $29,000. After the warranty expires, the battery’s condition deteriorates, and the owner must consider replacing it.
At this point, you must weigh up two factors:
- Will the alternative cost you more than the car value? The actual price of the same car model has dropped even by half after a while.
- Will your car survive the next few years? Your efforts will go down the drain if you put a new battery in a vehicle close to death.
Finally, factor in all the possibilities according to our assumptions and make your next move.
Tips To Prolong Nissan Battery’s Life
Maintenance should always come first to prolong the battery’s lifespan. A proper routine helps maintain optimal performance and saves money. Here are some essential tips to achieve good benefits:
- Keep the terminal clean and in good condition.
- Attempt to prevent dirt, corrosion, and leaks that inevitably damage the battery.
- Never drain or overcharge the battery. It is best to apply the 20-80 rule to charging.
- Keep the battery in a cool place, as the Nissan Leaf battery does not have active thermal management available.
- Check every part of the battery regularly, including posts, cables, terminals, and fasteners.
- Say no to rough driving manners such as hard braking, strong pedal pressing, or sudden acceleration.
How To Replace A Nissan Leaf Battery At Home? How Long Does It Take?
Nissan battery replacement is not recommended for the inexperienced. This professional work requires trained technicians to handle dangerous risks on high-voltage systems.
Lithium-ion cells sometimes go into thermal runaway; thus, a chain reaction leads to overheating. The result is more serious than you might think – the cells burst into flames and shot out into the air like fireworks.
The people in charge must also prepare special tools for working with EV batteries. They are heavy and store a lot of electrical energy. Hence, improper handling may cause electric shock.
Don’t take the risk of doing the whole replacement by yourself, even if you gain some experience. Instead, you’re better off taking your vehicle to a dealer or a certified mechanic.
The crew team lifts your car, removes the old battery, and replaces it with a new one. They then reset the software to be compatible with the current pack.
The entire procedure usually takes place within a day. However, it may require waiting time if your replacement part is not available.
Not all battery replacements necessitate to change the whole battery. If lucky, the mechanic may only detect damage to an individual module or cell. As a result, repairs are faster and less costly.
FAQs
How Many Years Will A Nissan Leaf Battery Last?
The proper driving manner and maintenance help to make the most of the 8-10 year battery life.
Is The Nissan Leaf All Electric?
Yes. The entire LEAF category is 100% electric.
What Is The Range Of A 10-Year-Old Nissan Leaf?
A used LEAF model runs about 64 to 176 miles of range, while the newer ones all make it to at least 100 miles per single charge.
Can Nissan Leaf Battery Be Recycled?
Yes. The auto manufacturer collaborates with Relyion Energy to put its used components to good purposes. Some are recycled, while others are reused for energy storage.
Conclusion
The replacement battery Nissan Leaf is not affordable. Even though you have other choices, it is still a hidden cost to make sure the alternatives function properly. If you want to avoid all the risks, sell your vehicle and buy a new ‘horse.’
Some companies do not care about the battery condition but the mileage or the engine health. You can save extra cash and benefit from discounts or trade-in programs for a new good battery.
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