Among the more popular cars in the modern Nissan lineup is the wonderful ‘Leaf’ electric vehicle. It’s a great option for families and individuals, and it’s helped to blaze a trail in the industry. While most manufacturers were slow to get an electric vehicle to market, Nissan was brave – and they filled a niche that wasn’t being catered to by the new wave of EV manufacturers, or by the established motoring giants.
Let’s take a look at where this pioneering EV came from, and why it might be worth considering today.
Nissan for EV technology
The all-electric Leaf (or LEAF, as it’s often stylised) first hit the market more than a decade ago, in 2010. Alongside the car, Nissan demonstrated a charging station that would effectively allow homeowners to ‘share’ power between their homes and their vehicles. This was a precursor to the at-home charging technology that underpins the EV market today.
Over the years that followed, the weight and efficiency of the vehicle were respectively reduced and increased. By 2017, the second-generation Leaf was offering a range of up to 400km – more than double that of the original model. While Tesla might have been garnering headlines throughout this period, Nissan’s technical accomplishments were arguably much more impressive.
3 reasons to purchase a Nissan
So, what’s so compelling about the modern version of the Leaf – or its predecessors on the second-hand market?
Range
We’ve already mentioned the impressive range of the modern incarnations of the Leaf. In the vast majority of cases, the range of the Leaf will be enough to cover your commute to and from work, and for longer trips across the country. Provided that you have a place to charge the vehicle, you’ll be able to take it just about anywhere.
If your budget doesn’t extend quite as far, the lower-end models, like the Leaf S, still allow for just under 150 miles of range.
Costs
One of the major upsides of the Leaf over the other EV options is its affordability. You can expect to pay much less for the Leaf, especially if you’re willing to venture into the second-hand market. Look for a used Nissan from a reputable approved dealership, and you’ll stand a great chance of avoiding problems. Wherever you buy from, it’s a good idea to inspect the vehicle thoroughly and in person.
Latest tech
The modern Nissan Leaf is bristling with quality-of-life improvements, including a large touchscreen accompanied by tactile buttons and knobs. There are heated seats, plenty of rear passenger space, lane assist, and a range of other features. If you’re going to be buying used, then you’ll be limited when it comes to customisation.
