Nissan announced a new battery replacement program for its U.S. LEAF customers who want to replace their original equipment lithium-ion battery pack. The program is set to begin during the first half of 2014 (the automaker plans to release an official start date at a later time) and will work with the standard battery warranty for the LEAF, which is a five-year, 60,000-mile coverage against battery loss (below 70 percent) and eight years/100,000 miles against defects.

All LEAF batteries installed through this program will have coverage similar to the standard battery coverage terms. These terms state that the vehicle will be able to maintain at least 9 bars of charge capacity or approximately 70 percent and receive protection from defects in materials or workmanship for the time they own their Leaf and remain in the battery program. The terms also state that if necessary, Nissan will replace the battery with a new or remanufactured battery to restore capacity at or above a minimum of nine bars.

The Nissan LEAF battery replacement program will cost approximately $100 per month, according to the automaker. The program will be administered by Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation.