The original Nissan Leaf was one of the first mass-market electric cars to hit the market. Here’s a look at what you need to know before you buy the sleeker and more technologically advanced second-generation model. And you can value whether a used Nissan for sale is a great choice for purchase.
Nissan’s Leaf may not have the same eco-friendly image as the Tesla Model 3, but it’s said to be the first mainstream electric car that’s practical and can be used as a regular petrol or diesel car.
Based on information from Wapcar Automotive News, home electrics can be everywhere these days, but in 2011, when the first Leaf hit the market, electric cars were a preservation of quirky little city cars. When the second generation went on sale in 2018, Nissan delivered a refreshed family car that looked better, could go further, and was more practical than its predecessor, at a time when most manufacturers weren’t sure. Other auto manufacturers are launching the first efforts.
Is a used Nissan Leaf a good car?
While the first Nissan Leaf had a polished look that could be described as “picky”, the new one eschews the quirky look of its predecessor in favor of a less polarizing look. It’s not quite as pretty, but the clean lines give it a more modern touch that helps it blend in with other family cars.
Because that’s it. A typical family car has only an electric powertrain. It seems like an odd distinction to make now, but it had little direct competition when it was released.
As a result, it is one of the most affordable electric family cars on the used market. First-generation models from before 2018 will be the cheapest, but if you can find the budget for this second-gen version, it’s still great value for money thanks to its larger, dynamic battery More powerful engines, upgraded interiors and great driver-assistance technology. .
That being said, the smaller battery versions of second-generation cars don’t have particularly great range, so we’d recommend looking to the e+ models, on sale since 2019, if that’s a problem.
In early 2022, Nissan announced a mid-life facelift for the Leaf, bringing subtle styling tweaks, new alloy wheel designs, new two-tone blue exterior paint and an infotainment system Position 8.0 inch series.
What body types are there?
The Nissan Leaf is only available as a hatchback, and the fact that it has five doors makes it very easy to get into the backseat.
Looking for a more spacious electric Nissan? The company is launching the Ariya SUV, though first deliveries aren’t expected until late 2022, so you’ll have to enter the new car market to get your hands on one in the near future.
What are the power options?
The standard car has a 147-horsepower electric motor and a 40kWh battery that provides a range of up to 168 miles, with a top speed of 90 mph.
Above that is the e+, introduced in 2019, producing 217hp with a range of up to 239 miles from its 62kWh battery. This results in a slightly higher top speed of 98 mph and quicker acceleration on the way out.
The leaf can charge at up to 50kW, which isn’t that fast, getting you from 20% to 80C in about 40 minutes on the standard model or 90 minutes on the e+. Plug it into a home wall box and a full charge takes about 8 hours or 11 hours, respectively.
What trim levels are there?
At launch, five trim levels were available. The range started with the Visia (although this was phased out fairly quickly due to little adoption), with equipment including air conditioning, cloth seats, cruise control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for 7.0 inch infotainment system.
The Acenta adds a suite of accessories like 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights, while the N-Connecta option gets you larger 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, and satellite navigation. and heated seats.
Only 1,500 2.Zero models will be produced as a special launch edition, just below the Tekna lineup. Equipment includes ProPilot, suede-effect bio-fabric seats with front and rear heating, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera.
Tekna models offer the best set of accessories, but will also of course be the most expensive option. Highlights include an upgraded Bose sound system, LED ambient lighting and partial leather seats. They are also the only models outside of certain special editions that feature ProPilot as standard.
To introduce the e+ powertrain in 2019, a 3.Zero version was made available for this model and 40 kWh battery models. It offers new color options and a contrasting roof.
In early 2020, limited edition N-Tec was introduced on e+ models. Only 1,000 units were produced based on the N-Connecta trim, which added ProPilot, LED lights, electronic parking brake, a metallic blue front splitter and a revised suspension.
And in 2021, a special edition went on sale to celebrate the Leaf’s 10th anniversary. Called the Leaf10, it’s also based on the N-Connecta but only comes with a smaller battery.
However, changes are minimal, with new badging on the C-pillar to mark it as a special model, a new black and gray paint scheme and new vinyl trim for the exterior mirrors and roofline.
