Nissan Leaf SV+ cost to own in Maine — the true 5-year total
The Nissan Leaf SV+ starts at $28,140. As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years, owning one (EV) costs about $47,598 in Maine — $793/month, $0.79/mile — including depreciation, charging (with the ~12% AC charging loss most calculators ignore), maintenance, insurance, financing and fees. That's $13,092 more than a comparable Toyota Prius LE (hybrid) over the same 5 years. Maine's electricity (28.4¢/kWh) is 51% above the U.S. average, and gas runs $3.90/gal here — both fed straight into the numbers above. The federal $7,500 EV credit expired Sept 30, 2025 and is not applied.
Maine EV incentive: Efficiency Maine LMI new-EV rebate (income-qualified) — up to $8,000 (income / price caps may apply). Shown for reference; not included in the total above. Source: Efficiency Maine
Nissan Leaf SV+ · Maine · 5-year estimate$47,598 total · $793/mo · $0.79/mi
Where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Nissan Leaf SV+ | Hybrid · Toyota Prius LE |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $17,728 (37%) | $9,639 (28%) |
| Charging / fuel | $7,557 (16%) | $4,104 (12%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$907) | — |
| Maintenance | $3,660 (8%) | $4,320 (13%) |
| Insurance | $13,750 (29%) | $11,500 (33%) |
| Financing interest | $4,728 (10%) | $4,768 (14%) |
| Registration & fees | $175 (0%) | $175 (1%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $47,598 | $34,506 |
The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.
Nissan Leaf SV+ specs & assumptions
- Starting MSRP
- $28,140manufacturer base
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 30 kWh/100miEPA
- Range
- 212 miEPA
- Maine electricity
- 28.4¢/kWhEIA
- Annual miles (assumed)
- 12,000adjustable in tool
Compare the Nissan Leaf SV+ against any car, your miles & your state
What else moves your Nissan Leaf SV+ cost
The 5-year total already folds in depreciation, charging, insurance, maintenance and financing. Here's how the biggest levers work — and the ones that sit outside the total.
- Financing. Borrow the full $28,140 at a typical 7.2% new-car APR over 60 months and interest alone adds about $5,452. Lower the APR or add a down payment in the calculator and the total drops — financing is in the 5-year figure above.
- Insurance. This model averages about $2,750/yr to insure — roughly $550/yr more than a comparable gas car ($2,200/yr), as EV parts and repairs tend to cost more — our own estimate, calibrated to Insurify/Bankrate 2026, and already in the total above.
- Home charger. A Level 2 home charger is a one-time $500–$2,000 installed (depends on your panel and wiring) — not in the total above, but it pays back fast versus public fast-charging.
- Tires. EVs are heavier and make instant torque, so tires can wear ~20% faster — a real running cost most comparisons skip. We fold a higher maintenance rate for EVs into the total.
- Where you charge. Public DC fast-charging can cost 2–3× your home rate. The total assumes 80% home charging; if you can't charge at home, lower that share in the calculator to see the real cost.
Nissan Leaf SV+ battery — replacement cost & lifespan
Most EVs never need a battery replacement inside the 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty, so this is not in the 5-year total above — but it's the cost buyers worry about most, so here it is transparently.
- Out-of-warranty replacement
- $13,000–$20,000estimate · limited data
- Battery warranty
- 8 yr / 100,000 mimanufacturer
- Typical lifespan
- ~12 yrindustry est.
Cost to charge the Nissan Leaf SV+ at home
A full charge of the Nissan Leaf SV+ costs about $19, and it runs about $9.69 per 100 mi at home — versus about $13.00 for a typical 30 mpg gas car. Home charging only (the ~12% AC charging loss is included); public DC fast-charging is billed per session by each network — often 2–3× the home rate — and isn't in these figures.
- Full charge (60 kWh usable)
- $19pack ÷ (1 − 12% loss) × $0.28/kWh
- Per 100 mi at home
- $9.6930 kWh/100mi + 12% charging loss × $0.28/kWh
- A typical 30 mpg gas car
- $13.00/100miat $3.90/gal — for comparison
Recalls & reliability record — Leaf
Official U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety record for the Leaf, MY 2017–2026. Figures cover all powertrains and trims sold under the Leaf nameplate for the model years shown. A recall means a free remedy is available at no cost. Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov), data as of .
Recalls (13)
- Seat Belts
Dealers will replace the rear outboard seat belt assemblies, free of charge.
- Electrical System
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and should not charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed.
Park outside, away from structures, until repaired — NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory.
- Electrical System
Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed.
- Electrical System
Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge.
- Back Over Prevention
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary.
- Vehicle Speed Control
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge.
- Service Brakes
Dealers will inspect and replace the right-hand brake tube, as necessary, free of charge.
- Equipment
Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge.
Full recall history: every Leaf campaign → — all 13 campaigns, grouped by year.
Consumer complaints
NHTSA has 528 consumer complaints on file for the Leaf (MY 2017–2026). The most-reported areas: Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System, Service Brakes. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA.
Nissan Leaf SV+ head-to-head comparisons
The 5-year cost gap against the cars buyers cross-shop:
← Nissan Leaf SV+ cost (U.S. average)