What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2021 Nissan Leaf SV SL?
You need a 32 amp Level 2 charger for your 2021 Nissan Leaf SV SL. Your car tops out at 28 amps on AC power anyway. Buying a larger charging unit will not speed up your fill times.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 6.6 kW (28 A) |
|---|---|
| Charger size to buy | 32 A |
| Circuit breaker required | 40 A |
| Outlet / connection | NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 A breaker, or hardwired |
| Charge port | J1772 |
| Full charge on Level 2 | about 10.5 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 20 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 48 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 4.5 miles |
| EPA rated range | 215 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 69.4 kWh at the wall |
Why 32 amps and not more
The onboard charger handles a maximum of 6.6 kilowatts or 28 amps. Putting a 40 amp EVSE on the wall gives you headroom. The car pulls 28 amps and leaves the rest alone. It adds 20 miles of range per hour. A full battery takes 10.5 hours from empty. The EPA test lists 11.0 hours for the same job.
What the install involves
Your setup requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 amp breaker, or you can hardwire the unit. Never wire a 40 amp continuous load without the correct gauge wire and breaker size. Pulling power for Level 2 gear means running heavy conduit through your garage. Call a licensed electrician if your panel lacks the open slots for a double-pole 40 amp breaker.
Chargers that match this car
Rugged metal enclosure, built for outdoor use.
Portable cordset. Works on 120 V or a 240 V outlet.
Plugs into an existing 14-50 outlet, no hardwiring.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- Can I use a 40 amp charger with this car?
- Yes. The car only draws 28 amps, so a 40 amp unit like the Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite 40A works fine. Your vehicle dictates the draw rate.
- How long does a full charge take?
- It takes 10.5 hours at the maximum Level 1 or Level 2 rate. The EPA rating lists 11.0 hours due to test variations.
- What kind of plug does it use?
- The car uses a J1772 connector. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 uses this standard for AC Level 2 charging.
- How does Level 1 charging compare?
- Level 1 takes 48 hours for a full battery. It delivers 4.5 miles of range per hour instead of the 20 miles you get on Level 2.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2021 Nissan Leaf SV SL. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.