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Nissan Leaf

Nissan

Nissan Leaf: The EV pioneer. One of the first mass-market electric cars, a global best-seller.
Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The EV pioneer. One of the first mass-market electric cars, a global best-seller.

The Nissan Leaf was one of the first mass-market electric cars, launched in 2010 and becoming the best-selling EV in the world for much of the following decade. It made electric motoring accessible and practical for everyday drivers, with a friendly hatchback body and steadily improving range over its generations. The Leaf used an air-cooled battery (a point of debate for longevity) and the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard. The Leaf Plus added a larger battery and more range. As a pioneer, it played a major role in proving the viability of electric cars. On WhipJury, the Leaf appears as a practical, pioneering electric submission.

Leaf highlights

First generation (2010-2017). The pioneering mass-market EV, modest early range.

Second generation and Plus. More range, more power, refined design.

Leaf on WhipJury

A pioneering EV, valued for its role in popularizing electric cars.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Leaf

Was the Leaf the first mass-market EV?
It was one of the first and most successful, launched in 2010 and becoming the best-selling electric car in the world for much of the 2010s.
Does the Leaf have battery cooling concerns?
The Leaf uses an air-cooled battery, which can degrade faster than liquid-cooled designs in hot climates or with heavy fast-charging. This is a known consideration on used examples.
What is the Leaf Plus?
A version with a larger battery and more power, offering significantly more range than the standard Leaf.
What charging standard does the Leaf use?
The Leaf uses the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard, which is less common than CCS in many markets, a consideration for fast charging.
Is the Leaf reliable?
The electric drivetrain is simple and durable. The main consideration is battery health on older, high-mileage, or hot-climate cars.

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