Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf (Japanese: 日産・リーフ, Hepburn: Nissan Rīfu, stylized as LEAF) is a battery-electric car manufactured by Nissan, produced since 2010. It has been offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback until 2025, which will be released as a crossover SUV model. The term "LEAF" serves as a backronym to leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car.^[3]

Nissan Leaf
A second generation Nissan Leaf
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	October 2010 – present
Model years	2011 – present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact/Small family car (C)[1] (2010–2025) Crossover SUV[2] (2025–present)
Body style	5-door hatchback (2010–2025) 5-door SUV (2025–present)
Layout	Front-motor, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Nissan Altra Nissan Hypermini

The Leaf was unveiled on 1 August 2009^[4] as the world's first mass market electric and zero-emission vehicle.^[5] Among other awards and recognition, it received the 2010 Green Car Vision Award, the 2011 European Car of the Year, the 2011 World Car of the Year, and the 2011–2012 Car of the Year Japan. The Leaf's range on a full charge has been steadily increased from 117 km (73 miles) to 364 km (226 miles) (EPA rated) by the use of larger battery packs and several minor improvements.

As of September 2021^[update], European sales totalled more than 208,000,^[6] and as of December 2021^[update], over 165,000 had been sold in the U.S.,^[7] and 157,000 in Japan.^[8] Global sales across both generations totalled 577,000 by February 2022.^[9] The Leaf was the world's all-time top selling plug-in electric car until it was surpassed in early 2020 by the Tesla Model 3.^[10][11]

First generation (ZE0; 2010)

2013 Nissan Leaf (Australia)

Main article: Nissan Leaf (first generation)

The first generation Nissan Leaf was in production from 2010 to 2017. It was unveiled on 1 August 2009^[4] as the world's first series produced battery electric vehicle.^[5] Before it officially commenced production, Nissan developed three prototype battery electric vehicles—dubbed the EV-01, EV-02 and EV-11. The former two were based on the Z11 Nissan Cube while the latter was based on the C11 Nissan Tiida.^[12] It began production on 22 October 2010 at the Oppama facility in Yokosuka, Kanagawa.^[13][14][15] Until early 2013, models sold in Europe and the US were imported from the Oppama plant adapted stylistically for the respective markets. On 12 December 2012, battery manufacturing began at the Smyrna plant, with official production of the Leaf initiating on 9 January 2013. Manufacturing in the UK began on 28 March 2013.

Initially, the Leaf was available exclusively with a large battery pack composed of 192 flat, laminated lithium-ion cells developed in collaboration with NEC, which offers advantages such as simplified design, efficient cooling, and optimal packaging. The battery pack is located under the floor and between the wheels, optimising the vehicle's handling and interior space. The electric motor produces 80 kW (110 hp) of power with a range of about 160 km (100 miles) when the battery is fully charged. Recharging can take 16 hours on 110V or 8 hours on 220V power. Fast charging is also available with a specific charger, which can restore 80% of the battery capacity in approximately 30 minutes.

The first generation Leaf garnered both acclaim and criticism from multiple automotive critics. Car and Driver, an American automotive magazine, expressed unfavourable opinions about the inexpensive materials used in the vehicle, asserting that they seem more fitting for a car priced at half its actual cost. However, they commended the Leaf for its spacious boot/trunk, along with features like standard heated seats and, in higher-end models, a heated steering wheel and leather seats. Opinions on the battery performance and safety aspects vary, with some finding the battery and range underwhelming and others expressing concerns about safety levels.

Second generation (ZE1; 2017)

Second generation
2018 Nissan Leaf N-Connecta (UK)
Overview
Model code	ZE1
Production	October 2017 – present
Model years	2018 – present
Assembly	Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) United States: Smyrna, Tennessee United Kingdom: Sunderland (NMUK)
Designer	Kazuhiko Watanabe[16]
Powertrain
Electric motor	110 or 160 kW EM57, synchronous[17]
Transmission	Single-speed fixed (8.193:1 ratio)
Battery	40 or 62 kWh lithium-ion[18]
Range	40 kWh: EPA: 240 km (149 miles) WLTP: 274 km (170 miles) 62 kWh: EPA: 341 km (212 miles)
Plug-in charging	AC onboard charger: 6.6 kW at 27.5 A DC: 50 or 100 kW J1772 or Type 2 and CHAdeMO connectors
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,490 mm (176.8 in)
Width	1,788 mm (70.4 in)
Height	1,530 mm (60.2 in)
Curb weight	1,580–1,640 kg (3,483–3,616 lb)

In October 2017, for the 2018 model year, Nissan launched the new generation Leaf in Japan, and deliveries in North America and Europe began in February 2018.^[19] In 2018, global sales reached a record level of 87,149 units, third behind the Tesla Model 3 and the BAIC EC-Series.^[20]

Mechanically, the second generation Leaf is similar to the first, while adding more range, and more power. Stylistically, it is a major departure from the previous model.^[21] The interior adds Android Auto Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

It has a 40 kWh battery pack (39 kWh usable) with an EPA-rated range of 243 km (151 miles).^[18] The electric motor produces 110 kW (147 hp) and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) of torque.^[17] It charges through either a 6.6 kW regular plug (SAE J1772 in US/Japan, or a Type 2 connector in EU countries) or a 50 kW CHAdeMO, and has the ability to send power back to the grid.^[22]

Propilot Assist, a lane centering system, is available on the two highest trim levels for an additional cost, and has automatic parking in some markets.^[23] The car offers one-pedal braking where easing off the accelerator pedal causes significant regenerative braking, to the point where the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop without the driver touching the brake pedal, at which point hydraulic brakes are automatically applied, to hold the vehicle in position.^[24]

From 2019, a Leaf e+ (Leaf Plus in North America) variant has been offered. It has a larger 62 kWh battery (59 kWh usable) providing an EPA range of 364 km (226 miles),^[25] and a new 160 kW motor. It can use CHAdeMO chargers up to 100 kW.^[26]

In September 2020, Nissan showed off a novel UK prototype emergency services version of the Leaf for natural disaster response, dubbed the RE-LEAF,^[27] based on the 62 kWh LEAF e+ (sold in the U.S. as the Plus).^[28] The working concept vehicle is ruggedized with an elevated ride height of 70 mm (2.8 in), underbody protection and all-terrain tires on motorsport wheels. It is intended to serve as a reliable mobile power source for a small command center, offering weatherproof external power outlets for site lighting, tools or emergency medical equipment. Other modifications include a cargo area in place of the rear seats, separated from the passenger area by a cage, a rear hatch area that opens to a workstation area with pull-out computer desk and 810 mm (32 in) LCD monitor, and roof-mounted emergency lights.^[29] While there was no word of an actual production version, the concept was well received in the automotive, EV and tech media.^[30][31][32]

In June 2022, the Leaf received a facelift for the 2023 model year. In the US, the EPA range was slightly reduced to 240 km (149 miles) for the 40 kWh version and 341 km (212 miles) for the 62 kWh version.^[33]

• 
  Rear view (UK)
• 
  2021 Nissan Leaf e+ Nismo (Japan)
• 
  2021 Nissan Leaf e+ Nismo (Japan)
• 
  Interior
• 
  2023 (model year) facelift model
• 
  Rear view of the facelift model

Trim lines

Europe

European Leafs are offered in the following trim lines: Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, and Tekna.

The N-Connecta adds from Acenta an intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection and front and rear parking sensors, part synthetic leather and cloth trim, heat pack with heated seats and heated steering wheel, 43 centimetre (17 inch) alloy wheels, and privacy glass.

Tekna adds from N-Connecta ProPILOT Advanced Driver Assistance System, Bose speakers, part leather seats with Ultrasuede trim, LED fog lamps with cornering function, and electronic parking brake.

North America

The North American Leafs were initially sold in S, SV and SL trim lines. In 2018, for the 2019 model year, the S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus trims were added. The S and SV trim levels can be had with either the Leaf or Leaf Plus battery pack. The SL is only available in the Leaf Plus configuration.^[34]

The Mexican model arrived on 24 August 2018 as a 2019 model, and was offered in S, SL, and SL Bitono trim lines.^[35]

Production and future plans

In celebration of World EV Day, 9 September 2020, Nissan marked the production of the 500,000th LEAF.^[36]

UK production ceased in March 2024, after 270,000 units produced in Sunderland plant, both generations included.^[37]

Awards

The Leaf was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the US IEEE in 2018.^[38]

In 2022, the Leaf was chosen as the 'Best Family Electric Car' at the UK Carbuyer’s Best Used Car Awards.^[39]

Third generation (ZE2; 2025)

Third generation
Overview
Model code	ZE2
Production	2025 (to commence)
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact crossover SUV
Layout	Single-motor, front-wheel drive
Platform	AmpR Medium
Related	Nissan Ariya
Powertrain
Electric range	Up to 485 km (300 miles)
Plug-in charging	NACS

Nissan began to release details of the third-generation Leaf in March 2025, which was expected to be released later that with substantial updates to its design, platform, and performance. Departing from its previous hatchback form, the new Leaf will adopt a subcompact crossover-style body built on the AmpR Medium platform, shared with the larger Nissan Ariya compact crossover.^[40]

Nissan has stated that the vehicle will offer "significant range improvements", with an estimated driving range of over 485 km (300 miles) on select configurations—compared to the previous model’s EPA-rated range of 240 to 341 km (149 to 212 miles).^[40] The Leaf will also support faster charging and become the first Nissan vehicle to adopt the North American Charging System (NACS), making it compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network.^[41]

The new Leaf will retain a single-motor, front-wheel-drive layout and will not offer dual-motor, all-wheel-drive like the Ariya. Availability has been confirmed for North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.^[41]

Global sales

The production version was unveiled in August 2009.^[42] After receiving 20,000 pre-orders in the United States,^[43] Nissan stopped taking reservations in the United States until early 2011. Production in Japan started in October 2010,^[13] and delivery in the US^[44] and Japan began in December, with deliveries in other markets beginning in early 2012. By December 2020 the Leaf was sold in 59 markets around the world.^[45]

The Leaf was the world's best selling electric car from 2011 to 2014^[46][47][48] and 2016.^[49] Sales fell in 2015 with overall sales led by the Tesla Model S.^[47][50] As of December 2019^[update], the Leaf listed as the world's all-time best selling plug-in electric car.^[51] By early 2020, the Tesla Model 3 surpassed the Leaf to become the new best selling electric car in history.^[10]

By February 2022, global Leaf deliveries totaled 577,000 cars.^[9] As of September 2021^[update], Europe was listed as the biggest market with more than 208,000 units sold,^[6] of which 72,620 units had been registered in Norway, the leading European national market.^[52] As of December 2021^[update], U.S. sales totaled 165,710 units through December 2021,^[7] and 157,059 units in Japan.^[8]

Sales by market (2010–2024)

Country	Total	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010
US[53][54]	196,107	11,226[55]	7,152	12,026	14,237	9,559	12,365	14,715	11,230	14,006	17,269	30,200	22,610	9,819	9,674	19
Japan[47][56][57][58][8][59]	185,026	5,211[60]	10,026	12,732	10,843	11,286	19,789	25,722	16,925	14,793	9,057	14,177	13,021	11,115	10,310	19
UK[61][62][63][64]	64,830		5,263	9,207[65]	9,069[65]	8,233[65]	5,283[65]	5,416[65]	5,463	4,463	5,236	4,051	1,812	699	635
Norway	59,046	1,608[66]	2,471[66]	3,222[67]	5,313[68]	5,221[69]	6,127[70]	12,303[71]	3,374[72]	4,162[72]	3,189[73]	4,781[74]	4,604[74]	2,298[75]	373[75]
France[76]	31,178		1,324	2,410	3,529	3,395	3,739	4,668	2,381	3,887	2,200	1,600	1,438	524	83
Germany[77][78]	24,154		1,995	3,593	5,051	3,597	2,620	2,380	841	1,121	831	812	855	451	7
Canada[79][80]	22,101	1,664	2,002	1,542[81]	1,223	1,535	2,881	5,735	946	1,375	1,233	1,085	470	240	170
Sweden[82][83][84][85]	17,938		2,269	3,850	3,090	1,815	1,541	1,831	981	836	841	438	317	129
China[86][87]	4,170[a]								4	2,095	1,273	582	216
Netherlands	14,672		561	907	1,214	1,632	3,817	3,384	513	666	447	510	462	265	294
Spain[88][89][90][91][92]	7,133		238	379	705	885	1,509	1,258	530	344	344	465	263	154	59
Italy[93][94][95]	2,103								448	460	389	332	323	146	5
Denmark[96]	1,202								20	85	224	577	211	73	12
Ireland[97][98][99][100][101]	1,366								258	352	405	192	43	69	45	2
Belgium[102][103][104][105][106]	1,510								389	466	162	178	141	114	60
Austria[107]	1,149								384	333	156	121	88	64	3
Australia[108][109][110][111]	2,685		484	331	367	370			384	156	136	173	188	77	19
Switzerland[112]	2,967		92	143	395	542	536	428	131	158	145	106	178	74	39
Total top markets	639,337	19,709	33,877	50,342	55,036	48,070	60,207	77,840	45,202	49,758	43,537	60,380	47,240	26,311	21,788	40
Total global sales[113][46][50][47][114]	303,678								~47,000	49,245	43,651	61,507	47,716	26,973	22,094	50

1. Chinese sales correspond to the rebadged Venucia e30.

In popular culture

The Nissan Leaf is the subject of Roger McGough's poem "Ode to the Leaf", from his 2012 collection As Far as I Know.^[115]

See also

• Canto sound
• Electric car use by country
• List of best-selling automobiles
• List of production battery electric vehicles
• Revenge of the Electric Car: 2011 American film documenting how the electric car was brought to world markets.
• Zero-emissions vehicle: a vehicle that emits no exhaust gas from the onboard source of power.