The Nissan Leaf battery comes in two sizes, which means the driving range across trim levels and years can differ substantially. Find the details here.

Written by Rachel Rigolino

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Oct 12, 2022

Table of Contents

How big is a Nissan Leaf battery?
How does the Leaf’s battery measure up to the competition?
How to save on Nissan Leaf insurance

The Nissan Leaf battery size ranges from 40 kWh to 62 kWh, depending on model year and trim level. Choosing the bigger battery with the simplest trim will get you up to 226 miles on a full charge.

The Leaf is considered the first mass-produced EV available in the United States. Yes, the Tesla Roadster technically made its debut two years earlier, but production was limited. In 2010, the Leaf won the Green Car Vision Award and then the 2011 World Car of the Year. High accolades indeed.

If you already own a Leaf or are in the market for one, you’ve come to the right place.

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How big is a Nissan Leaf battery?

With their 2023 Leaf model, Nissan has narrowed down its trim offering to only two: the S, which has a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and the SV Plus, which boasts a bigger 62 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Car and Driver calls the S trim level “dinky by today’s standards” in terms of its unimpressive 147 hp and meager 150 mi range. However, few Leaf owners mistake their rides for sports cars, and if you have a short commute, getting under 200 miles on a charge may be just fine.

For those who want to spend about $8,000 more, the SV Plus offers the 62 kWh battery with a 214 hp engine, giving you both more power and an increased range of 215 mi. In addition, the SV Plus has a number of upgrades, including 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Every new Nissan Leaf battery is protected by a limited warranty. The warranty is for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The protection covers defects in workmanship and materials.

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Nissan Leaf battery, range, and charging specs

Depending upon your year and trim level, your Leaf’s battery will be either 40 kWh or 62 kWh. While the size of the battery will affect your range, so will your trim level.

You may be wondering why the 2022 SL Plus with the 62 kWh battery has less of a range (215 mi) than the 2022 S Plus, which has a 226 mi range with the same battery.

It comes down to the extras. The SL Plus has more bells and whistles in terms of accessories, which means it needs more electrical power, decreasing the range.

Model year	Trim	Battery capacity	Range	Charging time @ 240V, Level 2
2019	S	40 kWh	150 mi	7.5 to 11 hrs
2019	SV	40 kWh	150 mi	7.5 to 11 hrs
2019	SV Plus	62 kWh	215 mi	7.5 to 11 hrs
2019	SL	40 kWh	150 mi	7.5 to 11 hrs
2019	SL Plus	62 kWh	215 mi	8 to 12 hrs
2019	S Plus	62 kWh	226 mi	8 to 12 hrs

Do know that these ranges and charge times are estimates only. Real-world driving experiences will impact your range. For instance, if it’s hot and you use your A/C, your range will be diminished. The same is true in cold weather when you need the heater.

Anytime you need to use electrical components in your car, you’ll be pulling energy from your battery and reducing your driving range.

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How does the Leaf’s battery measure up to the competition?

While the Leaf is not exactly considered in direct competition with a high-end ride like a

Tesla Model 3

Volkswagen ID.4

, comparing the battery specs across competing models can be helpful. Here's how the Leaf's battery measures up:

Model	Battery capacity	Maximum range
2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus	62 kWh	226 mi
2022 Kia Niro	64 kWh	239 mi
2023 Chevy Volt 1Lt	66 kWh	259 mi
2023 Kia EV6 Wind AWD	77.4 kWh	310 mi
2022 Volkswagen ID.4	82 kWh	245 to 280 mi
2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range	54 kWh or 62 kWh or 75 kWh or 82 kWh	350 mi

Another battery-related issue to keep in mind is the life of the battery, or how long it will last before needing to be replaced. Battery life partially depends on how the battery is cooled.

Many car manufacturers use liquid cooling, but the Nissan Leaf uses an air cooling system, where cabin air is circulated through the battery pack. Some EV experts argue that this passive cooling system is not that effective, but if you’re covered by Nissan’s 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, this concern may not be much of a worry.

MORE:

Affordable electric cars to fit your budget

How to save on Nissan Leaf insurance

The Leaf has been a popular EV since it appeared on the automotive scene in 2008, and its price point makes it attractive to those looking for a reliable car with good “green” credentials.

While the Leaf is relatively affordable, a 2021 or newer model will likely set you back more than $30,000. And that’s before you shop around for car insurance.

Luckily, you can lower Nissan Leaf insurance costs without giving up any of the coverage you need by shopping with

Jerry

When you download the Jerry app, you’ll unlock access to over 50 of the nation’s top insurance providers—but we’ll do all the work to identify the very best deals so you don’t have to sit scrolling. And, if you’re anything like the average Jerry user, you’ll save $800+ a year!

“Jerry was pretty amazing. They found me quotes with every company at the cheapest price possible! Then I decided which company and coverage I preferred. As a new, young driver, I had a great experience!.” —Sean E.

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