Nissan Leaf: Round Three for the Electric Vehicle Pioneer

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most important models in recent automotive history. When the first units of the series rolled off the assembly line in 2010, it was the first mass-produced vehicle to be designed exclusively as an electric car. For nearly a decade, the model dominated the market as the world’s best-selling electric car. In 2019, Tesla replaced the Leaf as the electric vehicle pioneer with the Model 3. This was also evident in the second-generation Leaf from 2018, which was heavily criticized by some in the trade press. The third generation is now set to improve on many aspects.

The new Nissan Leaf will arrive at dealerships on September 19. And in doing so, it’s making history once again. Nissan proudly points out that the Leaf is the first electric vehicle ever to reach the market in its third generation. Accordingly, the manufacturer put the new Leaf in the spotlight at an event in Düsseldorf and showcased the brand’s entire electrified lineup alongside it.

In addition to the Leaf, the Areal Böhler event grounds featured the Qashqai and X-Trail—both available with e-Power drivetrains—as well as the brand’s other electric cars: the Ariya SUV, which has been on sale since 2022, and the new Nissan Micra. Incidentally, the small car—which has been available at dealerships since the beginning of the year—is said to be one of the reasons why the new Leaf is only now hitting the market.

After all, the official unveiling of the third generation took place more than a year ago. The first test drive event also took place nearly a year ago. However, the official market launch at dealerships is now set for September 19. Apparently, the two new electric models were not introduced simultaneously to avoid overburdening the sales network. So the Micra got the head start. Then came the summer break. Now it’s the Leaf’s turn.

More than 700,000 Nissan Leafs have been sold worldwide since its market launch in 2010. For a vehicle that played a key role in establishing the electric passenger car segment, that sounds like a solid figure. However, a lot has happened since then. Electric mobility has moved beyond its niche status and has become a key focus for the entire industry. Sales figures have skyrocketed. Tesla, for example, sold more than 900,000 units of its best-selling Model Y last year alone. The Nissan Leaf is a far cry from those numbers. Visually, however, the third generation has noticeably caught up with Tesla’s best-selling electric vehicle. The compact electric car introduced in 2010 has since evolved into an SUV coupe.

The Japanese automaker is particularly proud of the progress made in efficiency and range. According to WLTP, the electric car is expected to consume less than 14 kWh per 100 kilometers. The sleek, aerodynamic design also contributes to this. The drag coefficient is 0.25. As a result, the electric model’s range is expected to increase to up to 624 kilometers. This moves the Leaf significantly up the list of electric cars with the longest range. Compared to the previous generation, the maximum range has roughly doubled.

However, this figure applies only to the variant with the larger battery, which has a capacity of 75 kWh. The model with the smaller 52-kWh battery has a maximum range of 436 kilometers. But even that is more than the second generation’s top-of-the-line model could offer.

Nissan attributes the increase in range—in addition to aerodynamics—to the battery cell chemistry used. For the Leaf, the manufacturer uses a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, which differs from other battery types—such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP)—due to its high energy density. This allows more energy to be stored in the same space. As a result, even with the large 75-kWh battery and a weight of less than two metric tons, the Leaf remains comparatively light for an electric car.

The car also proves to be light and refined during a test drive through Düsseldorf and the surrounding area. With a maximum power output of 160 kW, the Leaf accelerates briskly but not as brutally as some other electric cars. A toggle switch below the dashboard lets you select the driving modes Eco, Standard, Sport, and Individual. Next to it is the button for e-Pedal mode, which enables more aggressive regenerative braking.

Unlike, for example, the Nissan Micra, however, true one-pedal driving isn’t possible with the Leaf. The car doesn’t decelerate all the way to a stop but always creeps forward slightly. Ultimately, this is just a matter of getting used to it and hardly detracts from the overall impressive impression of the third-generation Leaf.

The infotainment system deserves special mention: The integration of various Google services into the two 14.3-inch screens feels intuitive right from the start, especially for Android users. This includes, among other things, intelligent route guidance specifically designed for electric cars, including charging planning. Navigation instructions are delivered directly to the driver’s ear via speakers integrated into the headrests.

Overall, the interior makes a harmonious impression. Most of the materials used feel high-quality. Nissan has also opted against touch-sensitive surfaces on the test car’s steering wheel. Instead, there are classic buttons and tactile controls—for example, to operate the radio or customize the cockpit display.

However, this is precisely where it becomes clear that, at least during the test drive, the Leaf cannot live up to the manufacturer’s efficiency claims. The display shows slightly less than 17 kWh per 100 kilometers. On the one hand, that’s more than the WLTP efficiency rating Nissan specifies for the new generation; on the other hand, it’s still less than what the second generation consumed according to WLTP.

So the direction is right: With the third generation of its former electric pioneer, Nissan has—at least on paper—caught up with the competition again. Now the Leaf must prove whether this progress will also be reflected in sales figures. The car is hitting the market with prices starting at 35,950 euros. (aum)

Nissan Leaf Evolve Specifications

Length x Width x Height (m): 4.35 x 1.81 x 1.55
Wheelbase (m): 2.96
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, 160 kW (217 PS)
Max. torque: 355 Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.6 sec.
WLTP average energy consumption: 13.8–14.7 kWh
Battery capacity: 75.1 kWh
Range (WLTP): 585 km
Max. charging power: 11 kW AC / 150 kW DC
Curb weight / Payload: 1,956 kg / 444 kg
Trunk volume: 437/1,052 liters
Towing capacity (unbraked): 750 kg
Price: starting at 48,000 euros
Test vehicle: 49,350 euros