When the Nissan Leaf first debuted in 2010, it pioneered the mass-market electric vehicle. However, its limited range meant it was largely confined to city duty. Fast forward to 2019, and Nissan addressed the growing demand for longer range with a game-changer: the Nissan Leaf e+ (also known as the Leaf Plus in some markets). At the heart of this transformation lies a high-energy-density lithium-ion battery pack boasting a capacity of 62 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and an amperage of roughly 177Ah .
Technical Specifications and Construction
The 62kWh battery represents a significant leap over the standard 40kWh pack, offering a 55% increase in energy storage capacity . This leap was achieved through chemistry and construction improvements rather than simply making the battery physically larger.
Nissan engineered the pack to have a 25% improvement in energy density . It utilizes 288 laminated lithium-ion cells supplied by AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation), a significant increase from the 192 cells found in the 40kWh variant . These cells use a ternary cathode material with a layered structure, allowing lithium ions to be packed more tightly to increase storage capacity .
One of the most impressive feats of engineering is the packaging. Despite the jump in capacity, the 62kWh battery pack maintains almost the same footprint as its smaller predecessor. It fits within the same floorpan architecture, resulting in no loss of interior space or cargo room. The only dimensional change is a 5-millimeter increase in the vehicle’s overall height (on models with 16-inch wheels) to accommodate the slightly taller pack .
Performance and Range Gains
The benefits of the larger battery extend beyond just range. The 62kWh pack powers a more powerful electric motor that produces 160kW (214-217 bhp) and 340 Nm of torque, compared to the 110kW unit in the standard Leaf . This shoves the e+ from 0 to 62mph in around 7.3 seconds, making it nearly 1.5 seconds quicker than the standard model . Reviewers note that this power bump makes the Leaf feel much more confident at motorway speeds, with acceleration from 50-75mph being nearly 13% quicker .
For drivers, the headline figure is the range. Depending on the testing standard, the 62kWh battery delivers:
- EPA (USA): 226 miles (364 km)
- WLTP (Europe): Up to 239 miles (385 km)
- NEDC (Taiwan/Asia): Up to 463 km (287 miles)
This leap effectively freed the Leaf from being solely a commuter car, making inter-city travel viable for the first time.
Charging Capabilities
To complement the longer range, Nissan also improved the charging speed. While the standard Leaf maxes out at 50kW DC fast charging, the e+ version can accept up to 100kW via its CHAdeMO port . This allows the battery to charge from 0-80% in approximately 45-60 minutes under ideal conditions .
At home, using a 7kW wallbox, a full charge from empty takes just over 10 hours, conveniently fitting into an overnight charging session .
Thermal Management and Reliability
The Leaf battery pack utilizes a passive thermal management system (sometimes referred to as “air-cooled”) rather than the liquid cooling systems found in many competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt or Tesla . While this simplifies the design and reduces weight, it has been a topic of discussion regarding repeated fast charging in hot climates. Under sustained hard driving or consecutive DC fast charges, the battery can heat up, which may temporarily reduce charging speeds to protect the cells. However, for the vast majority of drivers, this system has proven reliable, and Nissan includes an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty guaranteeing the battery will retain a certain percentage of its capacity (often cited as 75%) .
Real-World Applications: Beyond the Car
The robustness of the Leaf”s 62kWh pack has given it a second life beyond the vehicle. In the logistics and fleet management sectors, the Leaf e+ is valued for its low total cost of ownership and suitability for last-mile delivery .
Furthermore, because the cells maintain consistent voltage output over time, retired Leaf battery modules are increasingly popular for energy storage systems (ESS) . They are being repurposed to power everything from community shuttles to backup power for facilities, proving that the energy within these 177Ah cells remains valuable long after the car has left the road .
Conclusion
The Nissan Leaf”s 62kWh battery is more than just a larger fuel tank; it is a holistic upgrade that transforms the vehicle. By increasing energy density, boosting power output, and enabling faster charging, Nissan extended the Leaf”s reach without compromising its practical hatchback design. It bridged the gap between early EV adoption and mainstream usability, solidifying the Leaf e+’s place as a pivotal step in the journey toward mass electrification.