Are you a proud owner of a Nissan Leaf? If so, you’re probably aware that the battery is a critical component of your electric vehicle’s performance. Over time, battery capacity may decrease, affecting your driving range and overall experience. That’s where battery upgrades come into play. In this article, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about Nissan Leaf battery upgrades and help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- What size battery can be installed in my Leaf?
- How much does it cost to install a battery in my Leaf?
- What range can I expect after a battery upgrade?
- How long does the installation process take?
- What testing is performed during the installation procedure?
- What is the lead time for obtaining a replacement battery?
- What kind of batteries do you install?
- How do I get my car to you?
- Considering buying an older used Leaf?
What size battery can be installed in my Leaf?
The size of the battery that can be installed in your Nissan Leaf depends on the model year. Let’s break it down:
Model Years: 2011-2012
If you own a 2011-2012 Nissan Leaf, you have options for battery upgrade. You can choose a 24 kWh, 30 kWh, or 40 kWh pack. However, we don’t recommend going for the 62 kWh pack due to the limitations of the on-board charger.
Model Years: 2013-2015
For the 2013-2015 Leaf, you have even more flexibility. You can install a 24 kWh, 30 kWh, 40 kWh, or 62 kWh pack.
Model Years: 2016-2017
If you own a 2016 Leaf, the battery capacity depends on the original equipment. You can have a 24 kWh, 30 kWh, 40 kWh, or 62 kWh pack. As for the 2017 model, it can accept a 30 kWh, 40 kWh, or 62 kWh pack.
How much does it cost to install a battery in my Leaf?
The cost of installing or upgrading a battery in your Nissan Leaf varies based on several factors. These factors include the year of the vehicle, the State of Health (SoH) of the donor battery, the year of the donor battery, and market rates. Here’s a general price range for different battery capacities:
- 24 kWh Battery: $4,000-$6,500
- 30 kWh Battery: $5,000-$8,000
- 40 kWh Battery: $8,000-$12,500
- 62 kWh Battery: $12,000-$15,000
Rest assured that at Leo & Sons, we retain the original battery pack as part of the pricing.
What range can I expect after a battery upgrade?
The range you can expect from your upgraded Nissan Leaf depends on various factors, such as your driving style, HVAC system demands, ambient temperatures, and the type of driving (highway vs. city). Assuming your battery has a State of Health (SoH) of 90% or higher, here’s an estimate of the ranges for different battery capacities:
- 24 kWh Battery: 75-85 miles
- 30 kWh Battery: 100-110 miles
- 40 kWh Battery: 130-160 miles
- 62 kWh Battery: 220-240 miles
Please note that these ranges are approximate and may vary based on individual driving conditions.
How long does the installation process take?
The actual installation of the battery in your Nissan Leaf only takes a couple of hours. However, we prefer to keep the vehicle for 3-4 days after the installation. During this time, we run the vehicle through a few charge cycles, record data logs, and perform high-level testing to ensure that both the battery and the vehicle are in good shape.
What testing is performed during the installation procedure?
As part of the installation procedure, we conduct a thorough evaluation of other high-voltage components in your Nissan Leaf. This includes the on-board charger, electric motor, and PTC heater. Additionally, we perform a safety and maintenance inspection of the brakes, tires, fluids, and other critical elements. We utilize specialty equipment to communicate with the replacement pack before installation, confirming its state of health.
What is the lead time for obtaining a replacement battery?
Finding a replacement pack with a high State of Health can be a challenging process. Currently, we have a waiting list. If you’re interested in joining the list, please visit our official website at Ames Farm Center.
What kind of batteries do you install?
At Leo & Sons, we only install high-quality, used genuine Nissan battery packs. Our experience has shown that rebuilt or refurbished packs are not worth the time or money. The Nissan Leaf HV battery is designed to use a specific cell design and chemistry. Attempting to rebuild the battery with a different type of cell is a risky and costly endeavor.
Exciting news: We are an official distributor for EV’s Enhanced, a New Zealand company known for its aftermarket products for the Leaf. EV’s Enhanced has recently announced the development of an aftermarket battery solution. Once these batteries are available in the US market, they will provide a viable solution for older Leaf owners looking to keep their cars on the road for years to come. For more information, visit Ames Farm Center.
How do I get my car to you?
If you are not in our immediate area of New England, we recommend searching online for a reputable shipping company like uShip. They can help transport your Nissan Leaf to our facility safely and efficiently.
Considering buying an older used Leaf?
If you’re considering purchasing an older used Nissan Leaf, we highly recommend getting the vehicle checked beforehand. As part of our commitment to Leaf owners, we offer FREE pre-purchase inspections for Nissan Leafs if the vehicle is brought to our facility. During the inspection, we assess the capacity bars on the dash and provide an estimate of the range on a full charge.
Upgrade your Nissan Leaf battery today, and enjoy an extended driving range with confidence!
Now that you have a better understanding of Nissan Leaf battery upgrades, you can make an informed decision about enhancing your driving experience. Remember, at Leo & Sons, we have the expertise and trustworthiness to provide you with high-quality battery solutions for your Nissan Leaf. Visit Ames Farm Center to learn more and join our waiting list for replacement batteries. Drive into the future with confidence!
