What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2020 Nissan Leaf?
Many buyers waste money on a 48-amp or 80-amp charging unit that this hatchback cannot draw. Your car draws a maximum of 28 amps on Level 2 equipment. Buying a larger charging unit buys you zero extra speed. You need a 32-amp circuit to feed the car properly.
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 10.7 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 21 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 49 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 4.6 miles |
| EPA rated range | 226 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 70.7 kWh at the wall |
Why 32 amps and not more
The onboard charger caps your AC intake at 6.6 kilowatts, which translates to 28 amps. Hooking this vehicle to a 40-amp or 50-amp charger changes nothing because the car limits the current internally. A 32-amp supply covers the 28-amp draw with the required safety margin for continuous loads. Pushing more amperage into the vehicle does not speed up your daily turnaround. The battery holds 70.7 kilowatt-hours, and charging from empty takes 10.7 hours at peak Level 2 rate.
What the install involves
You need a 40-amp breaker to supply a 32-amp continuous load safely. The installation requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet on that 40-amp breaker, or you can hardwire the unit directly. Copper wire sizing must match the 40-amp rating of the breaker. Call a licensed electrician unless you have experience pulling wire and replacing load center breakers.
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
- What connector does this car use?
- The vehicle uses a J1772 connector for all standard Level 2 home charging. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 uses this exact plug type.
- How fast does Level 2 charging restore range?
- You get 21 miles of range per hour of charging. A full replenishment from zero takes 10.7 hours.
- Can I plug this into a standard wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet and takes 49 hours for a full charge. It delivers 4.6 miles of range per hour, which is too slow for most daily drivers.
- What do the EPA charge time numbers mean?
- The EPA lists a charge time of 11.0 hours. Real-world conditions and charging losses account for this minor difference from the theoretical maximum rate.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2020 Nissan Leaf (covering 2 EPA trim listings). Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.