Nissan Leaf review

The Nissan Leaf is a pretty good way to get into electric vehicle ownership, because it has strong performance and a sleek design, although you’ll need to spend a decent amount extra to get the best range, mind you.

Gone are the days when buying an electric car marked you out as some kind of automotive pioneer. Not any more; having an EV is a bit like having a reusable face mask – you’re doing the right thing but don’t need to shout about it.

That said, the Nissan Leaf stands out with its angular front end, smooth grille-less bumper and optional contrasting roof. There are a few subtle blue highlights that hint at the Leaf’s electric credentials; all very subtle. A Volkswagen ID.3 probably shouts ‘I am an electric car!’ more, if that’s what you’re after.

It’s a similar story inside, where you’ll find a fairly unassuming, yet nicely laid out cabin. Entry-level models look pretty plain, but higher-spec cars come with some partial leather seats with blue stitching to spruce things up a bit.

Appropriately for a futuristic electric car, you don’t have to fork out for any of the Nissan Leaf’s infotainment tech. Sat-nav, smartphone mirroring and a digital driver’s display all come as standard. It’s just a shame that the 8-inch touchscreen isn’t particularly responsive.

There are no major compromises when it comes to the passenger space. There’s space for four adults to sit comfortably – although three in the back is more of a squeeze than in an e-Golf – and the boot is a decent size for a small family hatchback.

You’ll want to consider the Nissan Leaf if you’re looking for a cheap-to-run electric car that’s comfortable and has a decent boot. You’ll need somewhere to charge it overnight, though.

Unlike some electric cars, the Nissan Leaf is perfectly capable of heading far enough away for a weekend break with friends. The standard 150hp model can manage 168 miles between charges while the top-of-the-range 217hp Leaf e+ can manage as many as 239 miles.

Charging from empty to full at home using a 7kWh charger will take 6.5 hours, while if you plug in to a 50kW rapid charger while out and about then you’ll get from 20% to 80% in 60min on the standard model and 90 minutes on the e+ version. If you charge the e+ model at home it will cost around £9, or some £18 cheaper than fuelling a petrol car with the same range.

The electric motor is almost silent while you’re cruising along, which helps the Nissan Leaf cope well with motorway journeys for a relatively small electric car. You won’t hear a great deal of wind or tyre noise at speed, either, and it softens bumps really nicely too.

The swift off-the-line acceleration of the Nissan Leaf means it feels punchy enough to nip through town traffic, too, regardless of which version you go for.

There’s an upright seating position and large windows, which help give you a good view out – just the thing for manoeuvring about town. You even get a range of safety features designed to prevent avoidable crashes and there’s an optional Pro Pilot feature that’ll accelerate, brake and steer for you on motorways to help take the sting out of long drives.

The Nissan Leaf makes a good family car, and a better one if you choose a couple of the desirable added extras, too. If you have got easy, regular access to charging then it should offer cheap electric-car running costs, too.

How much does it cost to charge a Nissan Leaf?

The cost of charging your Nissan Leaf is dependent on the type of home charger you have and what electricity tariff you are on. If you charge the standard 40kWh Leaf from empty using a three-pin household plug then it will take around 13 hours and cost from as little as £6.60. The longer-range 62kWh Leaf e+ will take a little longer – around 20 hours – and cost from £9.

If you have a 7kWh charger at home then charging from empty to full will take 6.5 hours, while if you use a public rapid charger then it will take 60min or 90min to get from 20-80% depending on the model you have.

How many years will a Nissan Leaf battery last?

Like any battery-powered object, the lifespan of the Nissan Leaf’s battery depends on various factors including how much you drive it, how often you use a public fast charger and whether you live somewhere prone to extremely cold winter weather. Nissan offers an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the Leaf’s battery, so you can expect it to last at least that long without any significant reduction in range.

Like the idea of owning an electric car? Next step is to get offers from trusted dealers with our latest Nissan Leaf deals.