How to charge the Nissan Leaf at home

Among the pioneers in the EV market, the Nissan Leaf stands tall as an icon of eco-friendly driving. The Nissan Leaf is a zero-emission vehicle that utilises an electric motor. It’s perfect for city-goers and short-distance commuters or anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.

As one of the most affordable EVs in the market in Ireland, the 40kWh starts from just €28,495. For that price, it is no wonder it is one of Ireland’s most popular electric cars!

How long does the Nissan Leaf take to charge?

The Nissan Leaf takes a different amount of time to charge depending on the battery capacity and the type of charger being used. Using a typical 3-pin charger, a fully discharged battery will take roughly 21 hours to recharge.

Even in eco mode, this can significantly diminish when charged with a zappi, and it can “fast” charge in under 60 minutes.

On LEAF SV/SL versions, the infotainment display allows you to view the battery level. The icons for full (four bars), half full (three bars), low (two bars) and very low (one bar) represent the status of each of the four lithium-ion batteries.

What charger does the Nissan Leaf use?

The Type 1, 120-volt charger that comes with the Nissan Leaf is more commonly referred to as a standard 3-pin charger (the same kind you use to plug in your kettle or charge your phone with). While this charger is good for occasional or emergency use, it isn’t recommended for routine charging of your car.

This is mostly due to the cost and it can take up to 21 hours to completely charge your vehicle in this way! Instead, owners typically choose to buy a Type 2 charger.

The Nissan Leaf has a Type 2 plug that may be used to charge at home, at work, or at public charging stations throughout Ireland.

How much does it cost to charge the Nissan Leaf?

The price and time for charging your Leaf EV will change depending on the type of charger utilised. For instance, your Leaf will be fully charged in 30 minutes using a 50kw rapid or fast charger.

However, a slow 3kw charge may take up to an incredible 21 hours! Depending on the charger and charger location, the price to completely charge your EV will vary depending on these various charging methods.

Based on needing to charge your vehicle to 100% and using the average electricity costs in Ireland, this will be around €14 for the 40kWh model. However, this cost can be reduced by using renewable sources like home solar panels or a flexible tariff.

What is the best charger for the Nissan Leaf?

The zappi, a smart EV charger that enables you to charge your car quickly and affordably, is the best charger for the Nissan Leaf. The zappi charger can be set to charge your car during off-peak hours, when electricity prices are lower.

It is compatible with both AC and DC charging stations. By doing this, you can ensure that your car is charged and ready to go whenever you need it while also saving money on your energy bills.

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Why is the Nissan Leaf so popular in Ireland?

The Nissan Leaf was the first widely available and affordable all-electric car, as the first available in the affordability category for EV’s the Nissan Leaf has continued to grow in popularity for an accessible and user-friendly EV.

The low running costs of the Nissan Leaf make it very appealing to the mass market, however the lower range capacity of just 167 miles, makes it more appealing to city-goers and commuters as opposed to long distance drivers.

More about EVs and FAQs

How far can the Nissan Leaf go?

The 40kWh model of the Nissan Leaf is advertised as having a 270km milage on a full charge. However, this figure does vary depending on many factors including road conditions, driving style and even the weather.

Considering the average driving conditions and temperatures reported in Ireland, this figure is likely to be around 230km (143 miles). Which is still a very reasonable distance, especially considering the reasonable price tag!

What happens when the Nissan Leaf runs out of battery?

If you have never run out of petrol when driving, it is unlikely you will run out of battery. The concept of recharging is the same as refilling your vehicle.

We’d recommend heading to the nearest charging station when your vehicle reaches between 15-20% capacity, or charging when you get home. If you ever find yourself needing a quick top-up, then you’ll be pleased to know Ireland now boasts over 1,350 charging points with more on their way.

How many kWh does an EV use?

In the perfect conditions, an electric vehicle (EV) will use on average around 0.25 kWh per mile, though this figure will fluctuate slightly based on changes in rolling resistance, temperature, wind direction and daily weather conditions.

How low can my electric vehicle battery go before it needs charging?

To maintain the longevity of a vehicle battery it is recommended that you maintain a minimum charge of at least 15-20%. The average distance between charge points in Ireland is 10 miles meaning the bare minimum charge required would be 4%, though this is not recommended for the health of your vehicle.

What is the longest range on an electric car?

652 km is the official range of the Tesla Model S Long Range and currently in the top spot for the longest range on an electric car. The average between the top 10 longest range vehicles is 550 km.

Although this range might make the Nissan Leaf look less appealing, it should be noted that with this long-range also comes a higher price tag. With the cost of the Tesla Model S starting from €90,990. With the average Irish person driving less than 50km per day, the Nissan Leaf is the perfect budget friendly EV.

What is the average range of an EV?

340 km is the average range of an EV, when comparing 40 of the best selling electric vehicles in Ireland, in 2022. Range is determined by many factors including vehicle weight and the kWh size of the battery.