The Nissan Leaf was a pioneer in the EV industry when it came on the scene in 2011, and it’s still a favorite pick among drivers looking to lower emissions and fuel costs without breaking the bank on the latest Tesla model. But just like gas-powered car owners have to worry about regular oil changes and other engine maintenance, Leaf owners have to keep their eye on the life of their EV battery.

As the original Leaf celebrates its eleventh birthday, most of those first-generation batteries are dying—and the cost of replacement can rival the cost of a new car. So what’s the best approach to a 2011 Nissan Leaf battery replacement?

Jerry

, the trusted

car insurance

broker app, has answers. We’ll go over battery replacement costs for the 2011 Leaf, compare the battery capacity and range for the OG Leaf with later models, and even show you how to save on

Nissan Leaf insurance costs

to free up some cash to do what you want with your battery.

How much does it cost to replace a 2011 Nissan Leaf battery?

The cost to replace a 2011 Nissan Leaf battery is approximately $5,500.

A lot of automotive repair costs vary considerably based on the price of parts and labor, but high-voltage electric vehicle battery replacements are a little simpler. The original 2011 Nissan Leaf uses a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a 75-mile range which costs roughly $4,500. Labor costs for the replacement average around $1,000, adding up to a total replacement cost of $5,500.

Because the Nissan Leaf battery warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, your battery replacement won’t be covered under warranty. And auto insurance won’t cover repairs, such as battery replacements, that are required by normal wear and tear. As a result, you’ll be paying for your battery replacement out of pocket—and with the fair market range for a 2011 Leaf between $4,500 and $7,000 according to Kelley Blue Book, replacing the battery might cost as much as the car itself is worth.

So should you just head to the nearest Nissan dealer for a new car? Not necessarily. If you’re happy with the Leaf you have now, a 2011 Leaf can keep trucking for a long time if you’re willing to shell out for the battery replacement.

Can you put a new battery in an old Nissan Leaf?

But who says you have to replace the old battery in your first-generation Leaf with a first gen battery pack? One alternative solution many older Leaf owners are exploring is installing an upgraded Leaf battery pack in their 2011 model to extend both range and battery life. In fact, an electric car repair shop in Portland called EV Rides has become famous for doing just that!

While this kind of battery swap is possible, it’s not going to be cost-effective in most cases. It’s true that the batteries in newer Leaf models are priced better per kWh—$137/kWh for a 2020 40 kWh pack vs. $187/kWh for the 2011 battery—the overall costs are higher.

There are a couple of reasons these battery upgrades cost more than just replacing the 2011 battery with a fresh one. First of all, the price of a 40kWh Nissan Leaf battery—the current replacement for all Leaf batteries replaced under warranty—is between $6,500 and $7,500. In other words, you’ll pay essentially as much for the new battery as you would for a used Leaf.

Labor costs are also likely to be higher. Replacing an EV battery is a lot more complicated than swapping out a standard 12-volt car battery, especially if you’re working with aftermarket parts. If you want to put a new battery in your 2011 Leaf, it likely won’t slot in perfectly, requiring the mechanic to make some adjustments or modifications.

Still, this is a viable option for some drivers. You’ve got the best shot of making it work if you can find the right parts at a salvage auction, which can lower the overall cost of the replacement.

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Nissan Leaf battery capacity and range

Curious about how your 2011 Nissan Leaf battery compares to later models? The table below compares battery capacity and driving range for different Nissan Leaf models.

Model years	Battery capacity	Driving range
2011 – 2013	24 kWh	73 to 75 miles
2014 – 2017	24 kWh	84 miles
2016	30 kWh	107 miles
2018+	40 kWh	151 miles
Leaf Plus (2019+)	62 kWh	226 miles

MORE: The 2022 Nissan Leaf vs. 2022 Chevy Bolt: an EV battle

How long does a 2011 Nissan Leaf battery last?

The lifespan of a 2011 Nissan Leaf 24 kWh battery pack is approximately 10 to 15 years—or, measured in distance, 100,000 to 150,000 miles.

That’s a shorter life expectancy than the new battery packs in second-generation Leafs. Of course, the 24 kWh battery is smaller than new modules, but that’s not the only problem. See, early Leaf models didn’t have temperature control functions, which led to battery overheating and faster degradation. All lithium-ion batteries will degrade over time, but exposure to high temperatures sped the process up for older batteries.

A few ways to extend the lifespan of your 2011 Nissan Leaf battery (or battery replacement) include:

Avoid high temperatures. If you live in Florida, Texas, or another warm-weather state, this could be tricky, but heat contributes to battery degradation. Keep your Leaf cool during storage and use.

Skip the fast charger. Sure, a DC fast charging station can get your Leaf to 80% state of charge (SOC) in just 30 minutes—but it’ll wear your battery out faster. Stick to a Level 2 or Level 1 household adapter when you can.

Don’t shoot for 100%. It may seem counterintuitive, but you actually don’t want your battery at 100% for long periods of time. Charging to 80% instead of 100% can extend the life of your battery.

MORE: Is the 2012 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid a good car?

How to save on Nissan Leaf insurance

Looking at the cost of a 2011 Nissan Leaf battery replacement might have you ready to head to the dealership to trade in your old Leaf for a new car.

Before you try that, download the

Jerry

app. While Jerry can’t make your battery replacement cheaper, we can help you pick up some serious savings when it comes to the other major cost that EV owners face: auto insurance.

Because electric car repairs tend to be more expensive, the insurance policies that come with these eco-friendly vehicles are often pricier, too. But it’s easier than you think to overpay for insurance—and even easier to find lower prices with a

trusted insurance comparison tool

like Jerry.

Just download the app, enter your information, and you’ll have competitive customized quotes in 45 seconds. Pick your coverage, look up definitions, and get end-to-end support from Jerry’s insurance agents as you lock in your new low rate. On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance just by shopping in the app!

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