Nissan is releasing 10 insights learned from a decade of producing the Leaf EV and how the world of electrified driving has evolved since the model began global sales in 2010.
It says that EV sales in Europe have surged with 132% year-on-year increase in battery electric vehicle registrations from July to September 2020.
In ten years Nissan says the Leaf has helped customers, cities and governments achieve a more sustainable future.
Nissan Europe head of electric vehicles Helen Perry says the journey of transformation with the Leaf in the past decade represents the true innovation and advancements of EV development at Nissan.
“Customers continue to choose the Nissan Leaf for its driving experience supported by its advanced technologies such as the e-pedal. It is the perfect balance of exciting yet sustainable mobility.”
From rewriting the EV rule book in 2010, to the current model, Nissan has compiled ten unique insights about the Leaf:
- The Leaf has achieved a number of ‘firsts’
In 2011, it was the first-ever EV to win the World Car of the Year award in the 47-year history of the prize.
- The Leaf’s power has more than doubled
On average, the Leaf’s battery capacity and range have increased by 160% and 120% respectively. These increases have ultimately boosted customers’ confidence on the road. Today, the Leaf offers more than double the original power, enhancing the electrified driving experience.
- The Leaf is about all-new technologies
The Leaf introduced new technologies that helped drivers optimise efficiency, including the e-Pedal for one-pedal driving, regenerative braking and Eco-Mode. It paved the way for future Nissan EVs, such as the new Nissan Ariya all-electric coupé crossover.
- Since the Leaf’s arrival, public charging infrastructure is growing fast
The number of public charging points increased hugely over Leaf’s life, from 2,379 in the EU in 2011, to 213,367 today. Nissan supports this infrastructure growth across Europe, having helped expand 20 of the EU’s charging point ‘corridors’.
- Leaf customers are happy drivers
More than 92% of European Leaf drivers would recommend driving an EV to friends and family. With support offered by Nissan and at dealerships, customers continue to feel satisfied and happy about owning and living with a Leaf.
- Once you drive a Leaf you don’t lose the spark
As a result of all-round satisfaction with their electrified experience, 74% of Leaf owners say they are likely to purchase another EV in the future.
- Electric mobility created new services for customers
As the Leaf developed, so did a wider customer experience. This included the development of the Nissan Charge app that allows EV owners to monitor price and availability of charging points in real-time – including those at Nissan dealerships.
- Each Leaf’s life is very efficient
From the start of production process, through the end of an EVs lifecycle, they generate up to 80% less CO2 than equivalent combustion-engine cars. As its technology and design is refined, the sustainability of Leaf is increasing, helping achieve a cleaner future.
- The Leaf’s batteries have more than one life
EV batteries can be repurposed and recycled. 148 batteries helped to create the world’s largest energy storage system at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena in 2018.
- The batteries are safe and reliable
Leaf batteries have proven to be extremely durable, without any critical incidents reported to Nissan since its launch in 2010 and more than 180,000 units sold in Europe and counting. It comes with an 8-year / 160,000km battery warranty – with a low number of warranty claims says the manufacturer.
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