How Long Does it Take to Charge the 2023 Nissan Leaf?

The Nissan Leaf offers excellent value if you’re considering a switch to an electric vehicle (EV) for your Boston or Providence commute. You get a stylish exterior and a comfortable, tech-laden interior designed to meet all your driving needs. Nissan has advanced their EV powertrain for maximum range and the fastest home and public charging. Plus, the ever-growing network of charging stations makes your long-distance New England travel convenient. We know that most shoppers like details. So, we had our EV experts break down the Nissan Leaf’s specifications, including how long it takes to charge.

2023 Nissan Leaf Powertrain Options

Nissan Leaf Tekna 2023 by RLGNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

You have two trim levels on the Nissan Leaf with different powertrain configurations. The base model S uses a 40-kWh Lithium-ion battery paired with a 110-kW AC synchronous electric motor. As a result, this powertrain produces 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. In addition, this model comes with a 6.6-kW onboard charger and a 50-kW quick charge port to access DC fast-charging stations everywhere.

The Nissan Leaf SV has a larger powertrain, utilizing a 60-kWh Lithium-ion battery mated to a 160-kW AC synchronous electric motor. This combination puts out an impressive 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. While you’ll also get the 6.6-kW onboard charger, this one comes with a more capable 110-kW DC quick charge port.

Every Nissan Leaf comes with a 110/240-volt charging cable. You don’t need to install a charging box in your home with this cable, as it plugs into your standard wall outlet.

2023 Nissan Leaf Charging Times

The Leaf’s 40-kWh battery can recharge from zero to full in around 20 hours if you use the standard cable and 120-volt AC outlet. You can recharge this battery in 7.5 hours using a 240-volt AC circuit. Public 480-volt DC fast charging stations give you the most rapid results. Using this system, you can recharge the 40-kWh battery to an 80% capacity in around 40 minutes.

The larger 60-kWh battery naturally takes longer to charge. You can recharge with the standard 120-volt charging in less than a day. The 240-volt circuit can fully charge your battery in 11.5 hours. Finally, a DC fast charger can return 80% of the capacity to your battery in only 45 minutes.

What’s the Difference Between Level 1, 2, and 3 Charging?

EV charging stations vary, but all use the same essential elements. You plug your EV charging cord into an electrical outlet on one end and the other into your Nissan Leaf. Then, the electricity automatically transfers to your battery — however, the cord, outlet, and current play a role in charging speeds.

Level 1 Charging

Your new Nissan Leaf comes with a Level 1 charging cord. This cord has a three-prong end to plug into your standard outlet at home and an adapter you fit onto the other end to plug into your Leaf. You don’t have to install an expensive charging station at home or pull permits and hire an electrician if you use Level 1 charging. It’s that simple.

However, Level 1 Charging doesn’t happen quickly. As we stated above, it could take quite a while to recharge fully. Short distances and infrequent travel can be managed with a Level 1 charger. However, you may not want to rely on Level 1 charging at home if you have a long commute or drive often. If so, you might consider installing a Level 2 in-home charger.

Level 2 Charging

A Level 2 charger taps into 240-volt DC power to recharge your Leaf’s battery. Using direct current to restore your battery offers faster results. In most cases, your Leaf’s battery can achieve a full charge in under four hours with a Level 2 charger. You can purchase a Level 2 home charging unit from us when you purchase a new Leaf. Or, you can test out the Level 1 system to see how it performs for your lifestyle. If you decide Level 1 won’t work for you, you can install a Level 2 system later.

A Level 2 charger requires a box outlet that looks similar to that on your home clothes dryer and some ovens. The prices vary depending on the system and local labor costs but expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $1,500. You’ll want to install this box conveniently near your vehicle parking spot and ensure your charging cord reaches it.

Many companies throughout Massachusetts have installed complimentary charging stations for employee and customer use. Shopping malls, restaurants, and public parking facilities have done the same. And, at the rate these stations continue multiplying, it isn’t hard to imagine not having to use your electricity at home.

Level 3 Charging

A Level 3 charging system uses direct current also. However, these systems use 480 volts, making them impractical for a home installation. Home electrical systems don’t support voltage that high. To draw a comparison, imagine putting a gas pump in your driveway. It doesn’t make sense.

Level 3 charging stations have sprouted up everywhere in recent years. Finding charging stations has become more accessible, enabling you to plan your trips with minimal stopping time to recharge.

Nissan Leaf’s Driving Ranges and EPA Estimates

Size matters when considering the battery in your EV, as this directly affects your driving range. The larger the battery, the longer the driving range you enjoy. However, driving habits, what electrical components you operate in your Leaf, and temperature can impact your driving range.

Nissan estimates you can travel up to 149 miles on a full charge in the 40-kWh battery-powered Nissan Leaf S. According to the EPA, the Leaf S gets a 123 MPGe rating driving around town, 99 MPGe on the highway, and 111 combined.

The Nissan Leaf SV Plus boasts a 212-mile driving range on a full charge and gets a 121 MPGe rating on city streets, 98 MPGe on the interstate, and 109 MPGe combined. To calculate MPGe, the EPA uses a formula of 33.7-kWh, equaling one gallon of gasoline.

Test Drive a Nissan Leaf Today

At Nucar Nissan of North Attleboro, we know what shoppers want in an EV. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Nissan Leaf vehicles loaded with features you want at competitive prices. In addition, you can lease or finance a new Leaf with us. So, if you’re ready to elevate your Massachusetts-Rhode Island commute with a new EV, we invite you to browse our online inventory. You can also stop by for a personal demonstration.