Warning: Battery Replacement Cost Increase
- Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 4:35 pm
- Delivery Date: 04 Jan 2018
- Leaf Number: 007797
- Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:33 pm
- Delivery Date: 01 Aug 2017
- Leaf Number: 311806
- Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 4:25 pm
- Delivery Date: 18 Jan 2017
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:42 pm
- Delivery Date: 02 Aug 2012
- Leaf Number: 019032
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- Delivery Date: 11 Aug 2013
- Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:31 pm
- Delivery Date: 28 Jul 2013
- Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Lothsahn wrote:I just called Nissan about a replacement battery because my 2011 Nissan leaf is down to 8 bars and I only get about 35 miles on a charge. I was informed that the battery replacement cost is now $7000 plus labor and taxes . This means replacement costs are around $8500. This change occurred a couple months ago. I expressed my displeasure that as battery pack costs continue to drop, Nissan has actually raised their pack pricing.
- Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 4:35 pm
- Delivery Date: 04 Jan 2018
- Leaf Number: 007797
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Battery In Nissan Leaf
If you own a Nissan Leaf, its important to know how much it will cost to replace the battery. According to a post in the MyNissanLeaf.com forum, as of Jan 30, 2020, the cost of labor and replacement of a 24 kWh battery in a Nissan Leaf is $5,500. This cost can vary depending on the location of the replacement and the labor costs associated with the replacement.
Its important to note that the cost of replacing a battery in a Nissan Leaf is not cheap. However, its important to keep in mind that the cost of replacing a battery is a lot cheaper than the cost of buying a new car. Therefore, if youre looking to save money, its important to keep your Nissan Leaf well-maintained so that you wont have to replace the battery as often.
Also, Nissan Leaf owners may have to pay $5,500 for labor and replacement of a 24 kWh battery, according to a post on the MyNissanLeaf.com forum. The cost is significantly higher than the $3,500 that Nissan had quoted earlier.
Assessing Leaf Battery Health
Battery health can be estimated by looking at the dashboard bars.
Heres a 2014 24 kWh Leaf
Currently at 10 bars. Compare with the Leaf Spy data further down.
This doesnt provide much detail, so a tool called Leaf Spy is used.
What is Leaf Spy?
A group of enthusiasts reverse-engineered data from the LEAFs OBD port.
They made an app to interpret the data and called it Leaf Spy. It has an awkward user interface but is helpful.
Leaf Spy requires a special Bluetooth attachment that plugs into the OBD port.
Leaf Spy is not an official Nissan product, but allows more insight into battery health.
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Tesla Model 3 Battery Replacement Cost
Current Automotive posted the 2020 receipt of one customerâs replacement of a remanufactured 75kWh battery in a Tesla Model 3:
- Battery: $13,500
- Labor $2,299.27
- Total: $15,799.27
This equates to $180/kWh which is about 31% higher than the Bloomberg cited average of $137/kWh. Since Tesla Model 3s are so new, there is likely very little data on repair costs in the public domain.
However, there is the occasional accident that requires a battery replacement in a Model 3. Based on data we’ve seen for more recent, accident-related replacements, the total amount has come down to $10 – $12,000, with 80-90% of that going for the battery itself. However, it is encouraging that the total price has dropped, landing the cost between $133/kWh – $161/kWh. This is more in line with the Bloomberg estimate.
How Do You Know If Your Nissan Leaf Needs A New Battery

The most gigantic symptoms of damaging Nissan Leaf batteries are if your car is slow to start after turning the key, or if your battery cables and connectors show signs of efficient corrosion. You may also notice a clicking sound when turning the key or if your electronics work but the car won’t start. These are all tell tale signs of failing batteries on your Nissan Leaf. Give our experts at Nissan Cumming a call or book an online appointment here.
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How Long Does The Nissan Leaf Battery Last
Besides pure range, its also important to know how long the battery will last. Electric cars are not cheap, and so drivers want to ensure that the critical components have a decently long life.
Nissan offers a standard 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty on the Nissan Leaf powertrain. The bumper-to-bumper warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles. The battery, however, is given its own special limited warranty of 8 years of 100,000 miles, or at least they are for the 2020 model year. The warranty specifically covers defects in materials or workmanship for that period/distance.
Therefore, we can expect the battery of a Nissan Leaf to last at least for that limited warranty period, 8 years or 100,000 miles. The abcnissan.com blog reports that most owners predict the battery will last for about 10 years. Given that the car was only first released in late 2010, and its second and latest generation is just entering its 5th model year, its still too early to tell for sure how long overall the batteries will last.
In the next section of this article, well look at the common problems that Nissan Leaf batteries face.
Common Electric Vehicle Fears
Theres a tendency for most of us to stick with the familiar. This is especially true when talking about a sizable investment like a vehicle. Aside from worries about charging station availability and all-electric driving ranges, there are concerns about the battery packs. What happens as the battery gets older? Once the battery fails, is the entire vehicle done? Are there warranties to cover the batteries as we move closer to an era of electric cars?
Think about the associated costs we have with a gas-powered vehicle. Kelley Blue Book points out there are routine maintenance services we pay for, like oil changes, tire alignment, and rotation. Belts, brake pads, and sometimes the rotors get worn down and require replacement.
New vehicle warranties cover many needed repairs for a limited time at the beginning of ownership. They typically dont cover routine maintenance, and, as the vehicle ages, theres a greater chance of wear and tear. If any failing part falls under the warranty, the automaker replaces the part and covers the cost. Once the warranty has expired, the expense is on the vehicles owner.
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Dozens Of Shops Are Now Replacing Nissan Leaf Batteries
When hybrids like the Toyota Prius were new, everyone knew that they were a bad buy. Eventually a battery would need replacement, and it would cost as much as a house in California, if not more. In reality, the cost was around $5,000 .
When hybrids like the Toyota Prius were new, everyone knew that they were a bad buy. Eventually a battery would need replacement, and it would cost as much as a house in California, if not more. In reality, the cost was around $5,000 .
Over time, though, that changed. Yes, youre still going to be out several thousand dollars if you go to the Toyota dealer for a replacement pack, but like any other vehicle, youre only wise to go to the dealer when your car is under warranty. Private shops got into the replacement business, and now there are even people who will change a Prius battery in your driveway for well under $1000. DIYers can follow the directions on YouTube and refurbish packs for as little at $100.
A screenshot of NissanLEAFBatteryReplacement.coms map.
Digging up information on suppliers and shops is a pain, though.
Electric motors can last hundreds of thousands of miles, and possibly a million miles, with little to no service, so it makes sense to keep older EVs on the road with new packs.
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When To Replace A Car Battery
- Your car doesnt start. A new battery has a specified capacity to provide power. This capacity is referred to as the cranking amps rating of the battery. As a battery ages, the actual amps that a battery can supply becomes lower than its original rating Once the cranking amps fall below a critical threshold, it will be difficult or impossible to start your car.
- Battery or charging system warning light is illuminated. Should a battery or charging system warning light illuminate, a mechanic should perform a few basic tests to determine if a battery replacement is needed.
- Electrical components dont work. Once a battery has started to fail, and the voltage produced by the battery drops, then vehicle electrical components can malfunction, such as the security system. If you are experiencing electrical malfunctions, its a smart idea to have the battery tested.
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How To Keep An Ev Battery In Peak Condition
EV batteries are expensive, and if they’re not properly cared for, they can lose their charge quickly.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your EV’s battery in top shape:
1. Keep the battery clean. Dirt and debris can build up on the battery contacts and cause corrosion. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the battery regularly.
2. Keep the battery charged. When you let an EV’s battery run low, it puts strain on the battery and can shorten its lifespan. Try to keep the battery above 50% charge whenever possible.
3. Store the battery properly. If you’re not going to be using your EV for a while, it’s important to store the battery properly. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place, especially before charging.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures. Extreme cold or heat can damage an EV battery. Try to keep the battery between 32 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit whenever possible.
5. Use a battery charger designed for EVs. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery, so make sure you’re using a charger specifically designed for electric vehicles.
The 2022 Nissan Leafs Battery Warranty
The Nissan Leaf proved there was a market for EVs. Now in its second generation, the 2022 Nissan Leaf is starting at a lower price than its 2021 models, according to Edmunds. The automaker also increased the amount of content on the lower two trims as an added incentive.
The base model has last years portable charging cable standard. The SV Plus models now come equipped with the SV Technology package, which was an available option the previous year.
The Leaf doesnt have the racy appeal of the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Teslas Model 3. It doesnt have the driving range that those offerings do, either. However, its compact size makes it ideal for navigating cities.
For the 2022 model year, it gets a standard Level 3 fast-charging port, though this might not be supported at all public charging stations. It has many appealing standard driver-assist features too.
The 2022 Nissan Leaf starts at $27,400 for a great value. The eight-year battery warranty makes it an even more appealing choice.
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Cost Of Replacement Batteries: Official Channels
There has been a perception in place for a long time that Nissan Leaf owners had very limited options when it came to replacing defunct battery packs. The few choices that were perceived to exist were also incredibly expensive.
Right now, Nissan does offer an official replacement on the older 24kWh battery packs, which are priced at $5499 plus the cost of labor estimated by Toyota to be about 3 hours altogether. If you drive a Leaf from 2011 or 2012, then you will also need to shell out another $225 for an adapter kit to help retrofit the newer battery into your older model.
When you consider that a brand-new Nissan Leaf is around $31,000, a new 24kWh battery for potentially $6,000 or more is a pretty expensive proposition. Furthermore, you spend all that money to restore a pretty low driving range, too. It would likely be more worthwhile to just take the $6,000 and use it as a downpayment on a brand-new car!
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How Long Does A Nissan Leaf Battery Last

Some papers suggest that newer models hold their charge for longer, on average some conclude theyre actually less efficient. Its unclear.
In short, some models have batteries that last well beyond whats expected. Some fail sooner than they should.
The lithium-ion batteries in older first-generation Nissan Leaf models lose about 5% of their original capacity per year.
That might sound like a lot, but its typical for any battery-operated appliance. Take your smartphone, for example. It loses about the same amount.
Lets say, for example, that your 24 kWh Nissan Leaf had a maximum range of 100 miles when new. Its range will drop to approximately the following with each passing year:
- 1 year 95 miles
- 5 years 75 miles
- 10 years 50 miles
Along with reduced range, the performance will suffer more and more. Youll find it difficult to accelerate or maintain a high speed.
Second-generation Leafs with 30 kWh batteries are expected to last about twice as long. After 10 years, they should still be at 75% capacity.
These estimates are consistent with other EVs on the market.
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Chevy Bolt Battery Replacement Cost
As you may be aware, currently all Chevy Bolt batteries are set to be replaced under a recall for a manufacturing defect in their batteries. Perhaps it can help you get a sense of when the pre-recall Chevy Bolt batteries may no longer have met your needs and may need a battery replacement. Below are some examples of Chevy battery replacements costs prior to the recall.
- According to a post on chevybolt.org, a dealership quoted a Chevy Bolt owner in November 2018 $16,250 for a battery replacement, with $870 for labor. Given that Chevy Bolt batteries are rated at 60 kWh, that equates to approximately $271/kWh, about 68% higher than the 2019 average price.
- According to Chevrolet themselves, in 2017 they reported that the price of a battery pack for a Chevy Bolt was $262/kWh.
- According to a 2020 Greencars, a 66 kWh Chevrolet Bolt battery costs ~$16,000, or $250/kWh.
How Much Is A New Battery For A 2012 Nissan Leaf
Assuming you would like a detailed, professional, witty, and clever explanation about the cost of replacing the battery in a 2012 Nissan Leaf, here it is:
The cost of replacing the battery in a 2012 Nissan Leaf depends on the power, size, and quality of the battery. Prices for a replacement car battery range from about $45 to $250.
An additional, If your battery is dead, you will need to replace it. Depending on the power, size, and quality, prices for a replacement car battery range from about $45 to $250.
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Nissan Leaf Batteries: Problems
Overall, the Nissan Leaf has proven itself to be a reliable car, ranking 6th in reliability among 30 Nissan models in the PainRank listed on carcomplaints.com. Among the most common problems reported by Leaf owners, battery problems dont seem to feature very prominently, or even at all.
The site nissanproblems.com lists 4 most common Leaf problems, which include a fault with the automatic emergency braking system, problems with the sunroof glass supposedly shattering and a fault in the occupant classification system. Equally, some Leaf owners complain about faults within the braking system.
The general consensus is that the second-generation models are much more problem-free than the first generation. When it comes to the batteries, the only real problem you have to face is the potential price for a replacement if the regular wear and tear leaves it in need of a switch out.
Is The Nissan Leafs Battery Replacement Cost Worth It
This depends on the following two main factors:
- If it is going to cost you more than you bought the car, then it is definitely not worth it.
- If the vehicle looks old and does not seem like it will last for another few years to come, then it may not be worth it. This is because you will be paying a lot for the new battery just to put it on an old car that wont last long. It doesnt make sense.
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Nissan Leaf Battery Replacement Alternatives
Fortunately, there are other cheaper alternatives to Nissan Leaf battery replacement that you could consider.
Depending on where you live, you will find 3rd party companies that tend to replace the Nissan Leaf battery at a cheaper cost.
These companies can also upgrade your 24kWh battery to a more range battery like 40kWh or even to a 62kWh battery.
This means you will not only spend less on the battery replacement cost but you will also be getting more range in your Nissan Leaf.
Why will it cost you less to replace the battery at a 3rd party/aftermarket company?
This is because the batteries are usually from vehicles that have recovered from crashes, or imported Nissan Leafs and have battery health thats not less than 75%.
However, it depends on where you live. If you live in the UK, you will find many aftermarket companies that replace the old Nissan Leaf batteries at a cheaper price.
See also:
What To Know Before Buying a Nissan Leaf .
As the world of EVs continues to evolve at a fast rate, there are now companies that offer battery extender services.
This might really be helpful, especially if you need to buy time with your Nissan Leaf as you save for a new car or battery.
However, this may not be the ideal solution for Nissan Leafs that have very severe battery degradation.
You could hence take advantage of that and trade in your old Nissan Leaf for another car.