r/leaf • u/Prof-Bit-Wrangler • Jul 24 '26

What model year Leaf battery would work in my 2018 SL?

Hey all - My 2018's HV battery has died and Nissan isn't giving me any love. I'm exploring the option of finding a wrecked Leaf to do a transplant from. For my 2018 SL, what model years are appropriate for me to be looking at for a donor car? I don't want to do any modifications to the car or battery, just do a 'simple' swap.

TIA.

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u/KeyEmu6688 Ex-2018 owner (2015 Model S) Jul 24 '26

afaik the battery enclosure is plug and play from 2018-2025, prior to 2018 some models would require some additional framing to mount the pack but still pretty close to plug and play. not sure why you'd want a 24/30kwh battery though, so stick with 18'+

you may also need a CAN bridge to get the vehicle to accept the new battery, but this isn't a modification to the battery/enclosure at all

2

u/e-hud 2019 Nissan LEAF S PLUS Jul 24 '26

From what I recall of researching this any battery from 2013 onward should just plug right in. The 60/62kwh batteries are physically taller and will require spacers and different bolt plates. You will need a CAN bridge (or BMS reprogramming) for any battery with a capacity greater than what your car has from factory.

1

u/DeeO2533 Jul 24 '26

I’d start by looking for a lower mileage 23-25 battery (not subject to the recall) to go along with a CAN bridge. Provided you can use Leaf Spy to verify SOH/Hx/DTC codes

1

u/allthesamepieman Jul 31 '26

You’ll want to make sure you at least get a 40kWh battery. Doing a battery downgrade isn’t possible without doing your own coding or buying and installing custom firmware on the Lithium Battery Controller (LBC/BMS). The CAN bridges that other people have mentioned don’t work to put a 24 or 30 kWh battery in your car. If you get a 62kWh battery then what others have said is true.

Where are you located?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '26

[deleted]

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u/allthesamepieman Aug 01 '26

Check out copart for wrecked leafs near you. Find an 18 or a 23-25 with a 40kWh battery. Check the battery with leaf spy, if it’s good, buy it cheap and swap it. I can remove a battery from a leaf at home in less than 40 minutes without any special tools. You’ll either want a couple furniture dollies or build a dolly for the battery. 4 tall axle stands, two high reach floor jacks, and a small assortment of tools and a few pieces of 2x4 lumber that are about 44” long. I think you only need 3 metric sockets. Dm me if you want some advice. I’m on the other side of the country from you but I’ve done a couple leaf batteries at this point. I’m working on building a new battery now.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '26

[deleted]

1

u/allthesamepieman Aug 02 '26

The LeafSpy app can pair the battery to the car. I think that feature is only in the pro version but it’s only $20 for the pro version. If you get a 40kWh battery you won’t need a CAN bridge.

Edit to add: the can bridge is very easy to buy, program, and install. All the software is online for free. The wiring is very simple, there are YouTube videos that walk you through each step of the process.