Nissan Leaf EV Charging Cable

Two things decide which Leaf cable you need

First the connector. Cars from 2011 to 2017 use the five pin Type 1 inlet. The second generation Leaf, from 2018, switched to Type 2. Count the pins behind the flap and you have your answer.

Second the amperage, and this is where Leaf owners get caught. The 6.6 kW charger was a paid option on the first generation and a variant distinction on the 40 kWh second generation car, so plenty of Leafs on the road accept only 3.3 or 3.6 kW. A 16A cable covers every one of them. Only the 2026 car, with its 11 kW three phase charger, can use more than a 16A lead at home.

How long a full charge takes

The calculation is the battery over the delivered kW, uplifted 13 per cent for charging losses, quarter hour rounded. Columns are the 24 kWh car at 22 kWh usable, the 40 kWh at 39 and the 62 kWh e+ at 59. Ranges were 199 and 250 km NEDC on the early cars, then 168 and 239 miles WLTP on the second generation. Miles per hour is worked at a conservative 3.5 miles per kWh.

Which length to buy

Every Leaf up to 2024 charges through a flap in the centre of the nose, which is the easiest position there is. Nose in to the charge point and 5 metres has slack. Reverse in and the lead has to come the length of a 4.5 metre car, so 10 metres is the buy.

The 2026 Leaf moves the socket to a front wing. Which side it lands on for a UK car is not something we can confirm yet, so if you have the new car, check before ordering the shortest cable.

How these cables are built

Construction is to IEC 62196-2 with CE marking, IP55 weather protection and a -30C to +50C operating range.

Three pin construction follows IEC 62752, CE marked, IP67 rated, usable from -30C to +60C. Two year warranty from the manufacturer, free next day delivery in the UK, 30 day returns.

Related: Nissan Ariya EV Charging Cable, and Nissan charging cables for every other model we cover. For a wall box or public post the lead is the Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable.

Nissan Leaf charging cable questions

Does my Nissan Leaf need a Type 1 or Type 2 cable?

It depends on the year. A 2011 to 2017 Leaf is Type 1, with five pins. A 2018 onwards Leaf is Type 2, with seven. Count the pins on the inlet and buy to match, because the connectors do not interchange.

Will a 32A cable charge my Leaf faster?

Almost certainly not. The fastest AC charger fitted to any Leaf before 2026 is 6.6 kW, and many cars have 3.3 or 3.6 kW. A 16A cable carries 3.7 kW and is enough for those. Only the 2026 car, at 11 kW three phase, can use more.

How long does a 40 kWh Leaf take to charge?

With the 6.6 kW charger, about seven and a half hours from empty. On a 3.6 kW car it is nearer twelve. From a three pin socket, allow about twenty.

Where does the Leaf plug in?

In the centre of the nose on every car up to 2024, under a flap you lift from in front of the car. The 2026 model moves it to a front wing.

Can I use the Leaf cable at public chargers?

Yes, at untethered Type 2 AC posts if your car is a 2018 or later Leaf. A Type 1 car needs its Type 1 to Type 2 cable for the same posts. Rapid charging on all of them up to 2024 is CHAdeMO, which has its own attached lead.