Nissan LEAF

The first generation of the Nissan LEAF It hit the market in 2010, becoming a true worldwide sales success. The recipe for success was based on two basic pillars: a "relatively" affordable price and sufficient autonomy for "almost" any use. Truly ahead of its time, and the forerunner of many models and technologies that have become standard today.

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The first edition was in production until year 2017, when the second generation was officially presented, already as a 2018 model. Throughout the 7 years it was on sale, the energy capacity of its batteries increased until it became a world reference model. So much so that it is one of the best-selling electric cars in the world.

As a curiosity, the Nissan LEAF has also been marketed in other countries with a different trade name. In China, one of the main markets for this type of model, it was sold under the Venucia e30 signature. Early 2022 Nissan introduces a small update focused mainly on a slight aesthetic renewal and the introduction of more equipment.

Technical characteristics of the Nissan LEAF

One of the most significant changes from the first to the second generation of the LEAF is its design. Under that new body hides a completely updated platform from the previous model. Nissan's EV platform which is shared with other models of the alliance, such as the Renault ZOE, considered the first cousin of the Japanese.

One of the fundamental characteristics of the LEAF is its optimal size. Big enough to be practical and small enough to be economical. Located in segment C, the Japanese offers exterior measures that take it to the 4,49 meters long, 1,79 meters wide and 1,53 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a very generous wheelbase, 2,7 meters.

Such a battle allows it to offer interior space for a maximum of five passengers, where three of them are installed in a rear row that is spacious for the legs, although more limited for the shoulders. Regarding load capacity, the Nissan LEAF has a 420 liter trunk, a figure that increases to 435 liters for access versions. Both trunks can grow by folding down the second row of seats in a 60:40 ratio.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Nissan LEAF

Nissan conceived the LEAF as pure electric from the start. One of the first commercial electric cars in the world. Throughout these years the compact has not developed other mechanical options, remaining firm in electric mobility. Its range is supported by two different versions. A range that revolves around the size of the batteries and the power generated by a single motor.

The access version of LEAF offers a lithium-ion battery with 40 kWh of gross capacity. The battery is responsible for supplying energy to a front motor with 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. With this drive unit a 270 kilometer electric range and a maximum recharging power of 50 kW in direct current and 6,6 kW in alternating current.

El Nissan LEAF more capable and performant comes accompanied by a lithium ion battery with 62 kWh gross capacity. Its electric motor generates an output power of 218 horses with 340 Nm of torque. With this configuration, an autonomy in WLTP cycle of 385 kilometers, with a maximum recharging power of 100 kW in direct current and 6,6 kW in alternating current. All versions send power to the front axle.

Nissan LEAF Equipment

Over time the LEAF has been gaining qualities, and not only in regard to its electrical diagram. From doors inside the Japanese compact is offered with improved quality in its second generation. Better materials generate a greater sense of perceived quality for customers, although many hard plastic panels are introduced to reduce costs. The 2022 facelift is primarily focused on improving life on board for occupants.

Despite them, it can be said that we are talking about a very well presented interior. As is customary in the Japanese house, the equipment arrives divided into several levels. From smallest to largest endowment we find: Acenta, N-Connecta, E+ Acenta, Tekna, E+ N-Connecta and E+ Tekna. The differences between them focus on the available equipment, since there are hardly any changes on the outside. These are very closed packages where it is almost impossible to add or subtract elements.

Thanks to the constant evolutions and updates of Nissan, despite its years, the LEAF maintains state-of-the-art equipment. The list of elements is very long, and it is worth highlighting: Full LED headlights, partially digital instrumentation, heat pump climate control, heated front and rear seats, multimedia system with 8-inch screen, connectivity for smartphones and the most complete safety equipment. and driving assistants under the ProPilot umbrella.

The Nissan LEAF on video

The Nissan LEAF according to Euro NCAP

The Nissan LEAF has been subjected to the impact tests carried out by the European autonomous body Euro NCAP in 2018, obtaining the highest possible rating: 5 stars. The score obtained in the different tests is as follows. Protection for adult and child occupants in the event of an impact is 93 and 86 percent, respectively. In the event of a pedestrian or bicyclist being hit, he scored a remarkable 71 percent. Finally, in terms of active driving aids, it achieved a creditable 71 percent protection. These valuations remain valid after the 2022 update as there is no change in the structure of the vehicle.

The Nissan LEAF of Km 0 and second hand

In its first years of commercial life, the Nissan LEAF was considered a "strange" car. That was not an impediment to being the best-selling electric in the world, the first electric for the masses. The first generation was a resounding success, not so much the second, which has been compromised by the arrival of new and more modern rivals. Nonetheless the Japanese achieves a depreciation value of 30%, a very good fact considering the particular conditions it presents.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that there are many units within our reach. The cheapest models correspond to the first generation (2.010 – 2.017). The cheapest units are announced from figures close to 8.000 euros with about 90.000 accumulated kilometers. The Km 0 channel is not as popular, but it offers interesting alternatives. The prices do not represent a commercial advantage, given the interesting discounts and aid offered for new electric vehicles.

Rivals of the Nissan LEAF

Few cars can claim to have blazed a trail in the industry. When the Nissan LEAF hit the market, electric cars could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The Japanese compact was the first battery-powered model that revolutionized the market. Today many more rivals have emerged. Some of them are: Peugeot e-208, Opel Corsa-e, Citroen ë-C4, KIA e Niro, Hyundai Kona Electric, KIA e-Soul, CUPRA born, DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE, Volkswagen ID.3 y MG ZSEV, among others. A much larger list than the initial one, where only the Japanese and the ZOE were.

Highlight

Design
habitability
Technology

To improve

Autonomy
Price more equipped versions
dynamic behavior

Nissan LEAF prices

If there is something good about the LEAF, it is that it has been able to conquer the market based on an excellent price-product ratio. The starting price of the Nissan LEAF is 33.620 euros, without offers or promotions. That amount refers to a model with a 40 kWh capacity battery, 150 horsepower and Acenta finish. The most expensive of the family is the LEAF E+ Tekna with a 62 kWh battery and 218 horsepower. Its starting price stands at 41.970 euros, without offers or promotions.