How to Charge a Nissan LEAF: Charging Time, Costs & Options

October 20, 2022

At Nissan, we want to ensure all current and potential LEAF owners understand how charging works so they can be confident Electric Vehicle (EV) owners. In this article, we will break down how to charge your electric car, all of the different charging options, charging time, costs, where to charge and more.

If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of our technology, check out the Nissan LEAF.

How to charge your Nissan LEAF

Charging the Nissan LEAF can be easy whether you're at home or on the go. [[153]] You can connect and charge your Nissan LEAF in four quick steps:

Park and make sure the car is turned off.
Open the charge port lid and cap.
Plug the charge connector into the charge port. When done correctly, the Nissan LEAF lets you know with a quick beep. You can even set the charging timer function to have the vehicle charge at a specific time.
When the battery reaches full, the Nissan LEAF stops charging on its own. To end charging at any point, just unplug the charge connector.

LEAF home charger installation

How to charge your Nissan LEAF at home

It’s important to know how to charge your LEAF in your house. Fortunately, charging your LEAF at home is as easy as plugging your electric vehicle into an appropriate dedicated outlet. Just be sure that no other appliances are being supplied electricity from the same circuit. If you’re using a Level 1 charger, plug the three-prong plug into a 120-volt outlet and the charging cable into your LEAF’s charging port. See Owner’s Manual for charging instructions and safety precautions.

If you’re using a Level 2 charger, an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) wall unit — as well as a 220-240-volt outlet — will need to be professionally installed. [[3]] Once installation is complete, plug the cord from your Level 2 charging unit into your LEAF’s charging port. [[1316]]

How to charge your Nissan LEAF at public charging stations

Charging your LEAF at a public charging station — especially at a direct current (DC) fast charging station — will give you the most range in the shortest amount of time. To get started, locate your nearest public fast charging station. [[153]]

Once you arrive at a DC fast charger station with available CHAdeMO charging connectors, open the door to your LEAF’s charging port and plug the CHAdeMO charging connector from the station into the CHAdeMO port. Your LEAF will recognize when it is plugged in, and you can now pay, re-charge, and get back on the road.

Nissan LEAF charging options

The Nissan LEAF includes charging options that can be categorized based on the charging speed, compatibility, and required voltage. The Nissan LEAF has three main charging options: level 1 charging for standard 120-V outlets for trickle charging, level 2 charging for standard home and public charging, and level 3 for public DC fast charging. [[1316]][[153]]

Level 1 charger - 120-V standard outlet

Using a standard 120 volt outlet, Level 1 chargers are typically utilized at home. While Level 1 chargers can harness household alternating current (AC) electricity via a three-prong plug, they do require a dedicated 15 amp circuit to function properly. This simply means no other electrical appliances should be hooked up to the same circuit to avoid overloading the system. Level 1 charging is the slowest charging option, adding approximately 2 to 5 miles to your LEAF’s driving range every hour.

Alternatively, using the electric vehicle supply equipment, the trickle charging function can be performed. These chargers are portable, come with the vehicle, and do not require the installation of any specialty charging equipment. Trickle chargers are designed to be left for longer a longer period to recharge the car's battery as they power the battery at the lowest amperage.

All Nissan LEAF drivers receive a Nissan Portable Charge Cable that’s compatible with 120-volt outlets, but there are faster at-home charging options available for purchase. [[3]]

Level 2 charger - 240-V home and public charging

Level 2 chargers can be used at home or public charging stations, but at-home charging requires a 220-240-volt outlet, installation of additional charging equipment, and a dedicated 50 amp circuit [[3]]. Some level 2 EVSE chargers have different circuit current requirements. Refer to the manufacturer’s requirements for electrical installation. Find an installer today.

Fortunately, there are more than 35,000 EVgo and EVgo roaming Level 2 chargers in the U.S [[153]] that can add approximately 10 to 25 miles to your LEAF’s range each hour of charging. [[3]] It’s also important to note that Level 2 chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles and hybrids.

Nissan has teamed up with Wallbox to simplify your home charging experience. Whether you need a Level 2 home charger or a bundled home charger and home installation, Wallbox has you covered. [[3446]]

Level 3 fast charger - 480-V public DC quick charging

DC Fast Chargers, can only be used at designated public charging stations. Fast Chargers can replenish up to approximately 80% of your battery’s charge in just 30 minutes. [[1316]] Level 3 chargers are only compatible with certain electric vehicles. Most level 3 chargers are compatible with the Nissan LEAF. [[153]]

The Nissan LEAF utilizes CHAdeMO technology, a fast charging protocol that uses a special electrical connector to deliver direct current up to 62.5 kW by 500-V, 125 A for battery electric vehicles. A revised CHAdeMO 2.0 specification allows for up to 400 kW by 1000-V, 400 A direct current.

Nissan LEAF charging times

Charge times on your Nissan LEAF will depend a number of factors that will affect how long it will take, such as the type of charger you use, battery capacity, temperature and more.

Level 1 is the slowest charging option, but conveniently allows you to temporarily plug into a standard 120-V outlet for charging in a pinch. [[1316]][[TK]]
Level 2 charger (for 240-V home and public charging) can fully charge your LEAF within approximately 7.5–11 hours depending on your battery capacity. A Nissan LEAF with a 40kWh battery will take about 7.5 hours to fully charge, whereas a Nissan Leaf with a 60kWh battery will need around 11 hours. [[153]] [[3]]
Level 3 DC public fast chargers provide the shortest charging time, fully charging your LEAF in 40-60 minutes depending on your battery capacity. [[1316]][[153]]

LEAF charging time chart

Here are common charge times for the Nissan LEAF:

Charging Level	Time to Charge
Level 1 (120-V)	Up to 2.5 days[[1316]][[3]][[153]]
Level 2 (220-240-V)	7.5-11 hours[[1316]][[3]][[153]]
Fast Charger (480-V)	40-60 minutes[[1316]][[3]][[153]]

Getting your LEAF ready for your next trip can be as easy as plugging it in. With the 6.6 kW onboard charger and the Quick Charge Port, there is more than one way to keep your Nissan LEAF at full charge. Learn more about electric car charging times.

Woman Using EVgo App To Charge Electric Vehicle

How much does it cost to charge a Nissan LEAF?

The cost of charging a Nissan LEAF varies because electrical rates differ by location and even time of day. Get started with our EV incentives tool and find out how much you can potentially save with EV rebates and incentives.[[3450]]

For even more savings, Nissan has partnered with EVgo, the nation’s largest public network of fast-charging stations, to offer charging credits to qualifying new LEAF owners or lessees. Restrictions apply. [[153]]

Calculate your savings[[108]] Energy Perks by EVgo

Take advantage of charging benefits with Nissan

As a Nissan LEAF owner, understanding your charging options — including at-home charging and public charging stations — can help you get the most out of your electric vehicle. Along with this summary on LEAF charging, you can find other related EV articles on our blog.

Electric articles

If you’re ready to uncover for yourself the real-world perks of owning a Nissan LEAF, dive deeper into the LEAF's features.

And, for the latest in cutting-edge EV technology, stay tuned for the exciting release of our first electric crossover — the Nissan ARIYA.[[3808]]

Stay fully connected with NissanConnect EV services

NissanConnect EV services was designed exclusively for Nissan LEAF owners, allowing access to the many unique features of their electric vehicles. From the convenience of your home or while on the go, you can control select vehicle functions via the NissanConnect EV & Services app through compatible smartphone or device.

Explore NissanConnect EV Services

LEAF charging station information

The NissanConnect EV services include charging station information, including distance, charger type, directions, and phone numbers, so you can find the nearest station.

LEAF remote start charge

Start charging your vehicle immediately with Remote Start Charge by overriding the charging timer.

Learn more about EV charging station information

Learn more about remote start charge

LEAF charging station map update

With NissanConnect EV services, you can automatically receive updates on charging station locations and details through your navigation system each month (or manually on demand).

LEAF battery status

Keep tabs on your battery status and range of your vehicle with Remote Battery Status Check. The app allows you to monitor your percent charge, plug in status, charging status, time until complete charge, and driving range while charging. [[1316]][[3]][[153]]

Learn more about EV charging station map update

Learn more about LEAF battery status

LEAF charging FAQs

Can you charge a Nissan LEAF with a regular outlet?

Yes, LEAF features a standard 120-V charging cable, which allows you to temporarily plug into a standard 120-V outlet for a Level 1 charge. [[1316]]

Where is the charging port on a Nissan LEAF?

The charging port of the Nissan LEAF is at the front of the vehicle. After opening the charge port lid, the charging indicator lights will flash and the lid will open. The Nissan LEAF has a normal or trickle charging connector that can locked to the normal charge port and that will stay locked while charging is active or until complete. [[1316]][[3]][[153]]

Where can I charge my Nissan LEAF?

You can charge your Nissan LEAF at home or at public charging stations. Public charging stations can be found at many different places, including convenient placements at grocery stores, gyms, movie theatres, shopping centers, and more. [[153]] Discover EVgo public charging stations near you using EVgo’s expansive network of fast chargers.

How much electricity does a Nissan LEAF use?

The amount of electricity a Nissan LEAF uses can vary based on road and weather conditions and several other factors, including how fast you drive. The 2023 Nissan LEAF S is equipped with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and has an EPA range of up to 149 miles, while Nissan LEAF SV PLUS models are equipped with a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery that has a range of up to 212 miles. [[1563]] Find out more about potential savings and incentives. [[108]]

How do I know when my Nissan LEAF is fully charged?

Nissan LEAF owners can monitor their vehicles charging status with the charging status indicator lights displayed on the dashboard. There are three lights to indicate the level of charge and all three will illuminate when complete. Battery status information can also be obtained with Remote Battery Status Check, which will display your percent charge, plug in status, charging status, time until complete charge, and driving range.

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