Nissan LEAF

EV that started it all has a new, stylish and more useable design

Words by Mark Slack

We’re all very familiar with EVs now and many companies are making great strides in sales of their electric cars. Sometimes people perhaps forget that one of the initial leaders, arguably they created, the practical and useable EV. 

Nissan launched the LEAF back in 2010 when few practically useable electric vehicles were available, or had even been developed. Although it lost that initial appeal as more manufacturers joined the EV fray it has remained a constant and now the LEAF has been relaunched in a new, more dramatic and stylish form.

Nissan has revealed that its all-new, British-built LEAF goes on sale this month. And the 75kWh model will be priced from £35,999, or if purchased in the UK £32,249 with the government’s electric car grant, and production commenced last month in the UK.

With a range of up to 386-miles (WLTP) on the 75kwh versions there are four trim levels: Engage, Engage+, Advance and Evolve, a second version with a smaller 52kWh battery will also be available, with a range of up to 271 miles. Pricing of this model will be announced at a later date. 

Standard equipment for the ENGAGE trim level includes a heat pump, navigation, 18” alloy wheels and dual 12.3” display screens. Next in the range is the ENGAGE+ offering Heated front seats, heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging. 

The equipment levels keep stepping up with the Advance model including a dimming panoramic roof, head-up display, powered tailgate, full-length front signature lamp with illuminated Nissan logo, 3D rear lamps and privacy glass.

Topping the range is the Evolve with a BOSE nine-speaker audio system, 19” alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, power 8-way; slide/recline/height/tilt front seats and driver’s massage seat.

Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has sold close to 700,000 models worldwide, rightly earning its place in history as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. 

As mentioned, prices start at £35,999 for the lead-in Engage trim level, moving to the next level with the Engage+ the price is £36,899, the Advance version at £37,999 and finally the top-of-the-range Evolve model at £39,999.

Words by Mark Slack