Nissan Begins Exchange Program For Used Leaf Batteries

Nissan has announced a battery exchange program in Japan for owners of used Leaf models.

From May, local owners of the all-electric hatchback will be able to turn in their used batteries and pay a fee to receive refabricated ones to be fitted into their vehicle.

Previously, owners of the Leaf in need of new 24 kWh batteries have had to part with 650,000 yen ($6200). However, the refabricated ones to be offered from May will start at a more reasonable 300,000 yen ($2850).

With the introduction of the program, Nissan says it will be able to increase the used-car value of its electric vehicles, in turn enhancing the ownership experience and helping to promote the use of EVs.

This isn’t the only initiative Nissan has announced for its batteries. Last week, the company announced that its used batteries could soon power streetlights in the Japanese city of Namie.

Since the introduction of the Leaf in 2010, over 300,000 units have been sold worldwide and last year, the brand introduced an entirely new generation aimed at fighting the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3.

The brand has ambitious electric vehicle plans moving forward, including the introduction of eight new pure electric vehicles, including a crossover. By the 2022 financial year, Nissan wants to be selling one million electric vehicles annually.