WOF passed, deposits open for the first 6 builds

Prototype Leaf with the new 52kWh battery — Prototype Leaf, 1,600km on the new pack and counting.

Good news - as expected, the prototype battery went through a WOF inspection with no issues. We are now ready to take deposits and allocate build slots for the first six builds. This is also the point where the project moves under ECVS - full product details live at ecvs.co.nz/52kwh-Leaf-Upgrade.

Pricing

$14,200 including GST. Ex Works.

A $7,500 deposit secures a build slot, with the $6,700 balance due before the battery is dispatched. The price covers the new 52kWh battery and a trade-in of the old pack, which we expect back within a month of removal.

The pricing is set to make the first batch of six work. Subsequent batches will follow the same model, with room to come down as we build stock and reduce the per-unit freight overhead.

Lead time

Approximately 6 weeks from the point we fill all 6 slots: 4 weeks for sea freight of the battery modules, then 2 weeks of build time. Once we have batteries in stock, lead times will reduce.

Warranty

2 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first. As part of the warranty we ask for four LeafSpy reports at 6-month intervals so we can keep track of how each pack is performing in the field.

Installation

52kWh battery installed in prototype Leaf — Prototype install. Production battery removes the extra plugs and the lid bulge.

There are approved installers around the country who can handle the upgrade for you. If you’d rather do it yourself, we provide a full work instruction. The DIY route needs LeafSpy and a compatible OBD scan tool to assess the old battery before removal and confirm the new battery’s state after install.

Prototype battery enclosure during build — Same hole pattern as the factory mounts. Tolerances will tighten further in production.

The new pack is engineered to ECE R100 standard and resolves the issues common in informal Leaf upgrades: no CAN bridge, no chassis mounting spacers, and no rubber lid spacer. Mounting and electrical interfaces match the OEM design, which is why the WOF was uneventful.

Compatibility

Currently for ZE0 (2010-2012) and AZE0 (2013-2017) Leafs only. ZE1 support is on the cards. The vehicle type is on the ID plate at the top right of the firewall, on the upper drivers side under the bonnet, in the “Type” field. It will read something like “ZAA-AZE0” or just “ZE0”.

How to place a deposit

Head to ecvs.co.nz/52kwh-Leaf-Upgrade for full product details and to get in touch about a build slot.

Questions or want to compare notes with other owners? We’ve started a Facebook discussion thread here: facebook.com/share/p/1GA9nf7Uze. Some owners club groups have rules against advertising, so the Facebook page is the place for open discussion.