How Many Miles Will a 2021 Nissan Leaf Last?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is one of the best-selling EVs on the market. It’s a popular choice for used EV shoppers and new car buyers alike. Because of the considerable cost of battery replacement, the question on many used EV shoppers’ minds is, how long will the battery last? Like most EVs, that will largely depend on how it’s driven and charged.
What determines the lifespan of an EV battery?
When choosing an electric vehicle, the lifespan of its battery is a major factor. According to Carfax, the standard EV warranty in the U.S. covers 8 years or 100,000 miles. This data strongly implies that most manufacturers estimate their battery will function without issue for at least 8 years.
It’s common practice for automakers to carefully balance the length of the warranties they offer based on the projected lifespan of their vehicles. Some only cover battery pack replacement in the event of a total failure. Other manufacturers, like Nissan, will replace the battery if it fails to charge above a specific percentage. This percentage is typically around 60%-70% of a full charge.
By considering the type and length of warranty coverage, buyers can estimate how long their manufacturer assumes their battery will last. Warranties are usually designed to end before the natural lifespan of the product is exhausted. The average driver can expect roughly 10 years of reliable performance, maybe more with good charging habits.
How long does Nissan think the Leaf’s battery will last?
Nissan estimates that the battery in the Leaf will last beyond the manufacturer warranty by 2 years. A 10 year lifetime is typical among similar EVS. Charging hygiene and driving habits will drastically affect the lifespan of any EV battery. The 2021 Nissan Leaf will only last as long as its operating circumstances allow. Consistently keeping the battery above 45% of a full charge could extend its life beyond Nissan’s ten-year projection. This is good news for buyers considering a used model.
How the Leaf’s battery lifespan stacks up
The warranty covering the Nissan Leaf’s battery aligns with the industry standard. It’s covered for 96 months or 100,000 miles. Though Nissan only covers the Leaf for 8 years under warranty, the automaker estimates the battery will last at least 10. On average, the typical driver puts around 15,000 miles on the odometer per year. Given that estimate and the expected lifespan of the Leaf’s battery, it’s safe to assume that the EV will last at least 150,000 miles.
The warranty covering the 2021 Nissan Leaf is lower than some other EVs on the market. The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid has the same coverage but is projected to last a whopping 250,000 miles. It’s not uncommon for automakers to offer the bare minimum warranty coverage.
Not all manufacturers take this approach. Some choose to incentivize the purchase of their vehicles by offering extended warranties. Hyundai offers a 10-year warranty on the 2021 Kona, for example. The automaker offered a lifetime battery warranty until 2020. Nissan may not offer a lifetime battery warranty, but the Leaf does offer a painless price tag.
