Since it was released in 2010, the Nissan Leaf it has sold more than 500,000 copies in the world and in Portugal alone it has already surpassed the important milestone of 5000 units distributed over two generations.
To celebrate this 10-year success story, Nissan has launched the special 10th Anniversary series, which we've already led.
The next chapter of Nissan's electric mobility will be given with the Ariya, a crossover of futuristic lines and range of up to 500 km. But until it arrives, the Leaf continues to be the “flagship” of the emission-free mobility of the Japanese brand, which has been updating it (in the technological and security chapter, above all) frequently.
The last “touches” took place about half a year ago and are already present in the 10th Anniversary special edition. But with such an effervescent segment, with news every week (almost!), is all this enough to keep Leaf in the “conversation” of the trams? That's what we'll see…
From an aesthetic point of view, whether outside or inside, the Leaf (in its second generation) has not changed. You can see (or review) Diogo Teixeira's test of the Leaf e+ 62 kWh and where he presented, in great detail, both the interior and the exterior of this tram:
10th Anniversary Edition: What Changes?
But even if this Leaf's image hasn't changed, that doesn't mean it hasn't received new notes. Also because this is a special edition that celebrates its 10 years of life and, as such, gives it a slightly more exclusive look.
Highlights include the exclusive design of the 17” wheels, the specific “10 years” badge on the C-pillar and the specific pattern on the roof, A-pillar and tailgate.
More technology and more security
In the latest update, the Leaf now has a Wi-Fi hotspot on board, which through a data plan can “offer” internet to all occupants.
In addition to this, Leaf has also seen an increase in the features that can be controlled through the NissanConnect Services application, which now allows the possibility of closing and opening doors and configuring Smart Alerts through the application.
Also in the safety chapter, the renewed Leaf presents many good news, with an emphasis on the Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention System (IBSI) — available as standard on all versions — which automatically applies the brakes to keep the car in lane when it identifies dangers nearby.
One of the Leaf's particularities is the fact that it has V2G (Vehicle To Grid) bidirectional charging technology, which allows it to store energy in the batteries and “return” it later to the electricity grid, for example to power the house. It's an interesting solution that converts the Leaf into an extra power supply.
Lots of equipment…
The prices of the Nissan Leaf equipped with the 62 kWh battery start at 40 550 euros of the E+ Acenta version and when you look at this particular version, the E+ 10th Anniversary, the prices start a little higher, at 42 950 euros.
However, with this high price (there is no other way to put it…) there is also a vast list of standard equipment that has a very positive impact on the value of this tram.
Most powerful version of the range
In the e+ 62 kWh version, the Leaf's most powerful and longest-running version, the Nissan C-segment electric motor features a front-mounted electric motor that produces 160 kW, the equivalent of 218 hp and a battery pack. Lithium ion (pointed in central position, under the passenger compartment) of 62 kWh.
Thanks to these numbers, the Leaf gets livelier performances, as the 7.3s it needs to go from 0 to 100 km/h attest. The top speed, on the other hand, is a limited 157 km/h, also announcing 385 km of electric autonomy (WLTP).
The increase in power compared to the base version of the model, with a 40 kWh battery, is significant (68 hp more), as is the increase in autonomy (more than 115 km), and this has a very positive impact on the range of features of this model. electric.
In terms of performance, this Leaf e+ feels much faster, always more available and therefore more pleasant to drive. Always associated with a single-ratio gearbox, the Leaf e+ maintains the smoothness of use it has always exhibited (especially in cities), but adds faster retakes and safer overtaking.
Autonomy is key
But the added value of this version is even the battery capacity, which grows 22 kWh compared to the entry-level version. Thanks to this, the Leaf e+ manages to go far beyond 300 km of electric range, without any effort.
Traveling 330 km between loads with this Leaf e+, on mixed routes, is something that can be achieved with relative ease and… without drama.
In other words, and for those looking for a tram to use mostly in the city, on the daily home-work-home route, this autonomy allows you not to charge the Leaf for three or four nights without running the risk of getting “hanging” the next day.
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And the shipments?
But when the battery runs out, it's good to know that the Nissan Leaf e+ recharges the battery 20% to 80% in a 7 kW Wallbox in about 7.5 hours and manages to “fill up” approximately 160 km of autonomy in just half an hour in a 100 kW quick charge station.
On the other hand, if you're thinking of charging it from a household outlet (2.3 kW), think again, because here the Leaf e+ needs more than 30 hours to complete a full charge cycle.
How do you show off on the road?
The Nissan Leaf was never a car that stood out for having a more exciting drive, despite having always been highlighted by the smoothness of use and the “shot power”, characteristics that define almost all electric cars on the market.
In this version with a 62 kWh battery, the Leaf gained weight — almost 200 kg, thanks to the larger battery — and that's felt when you drive it.
This is not to say that this Leaf e+ is worse to drive than its brother with a 40kWh battery, but despite having a very neutral behavior, it still doesn't excite, even if you notice a slightly firmer suspension setting.
It's still not a car that gives us great sensations behind the wheel, especially if we drive in Eco mode, which, in my opinion, I recommend, as something that shouldn't even be negotiable.
It seems like a contradiction, but I leave you this question: does a tram for use mostly in cities need to excite? Of course not. The Leaf is worth the smoothness of the entire electrical system and its ease of use, where the e-Pedal, which allows us to drive with just the accelerator pedal, is increasingly the protagonist.
This system is frankly pleasant to use and requires little getting used to, as it always feels very organic: if you lift your foot off the accelerator more sharply, retention will be faster and stronger; if on the other hand we lift it gently, the retention will be much more progressive.
Fabric front seats are comfortable and offer more than enough side support to keep us in place at all times.
Is it the right car for you?
This question is already the rule in the Automobile Reason tests, but the answer is almost never closed. And this Leaf is no different. It remains a very competent electric and in the e+ version, with more autonomy and more power, it has improved at all levels. But…
The 385 km of autonomy it offers is resisted by some rival proposals (Hyundai's electric cars, for example) that even offer superior autonomy.
Even so, they allow the use of this Leaf during the week to be managed more smoothly, especially for those who cannot carry it at home or at work.
And then there is the price, which without a campaign is something high. Still, and in a way to justify this, the Nissan Leaf e+ presents itself with a lot of good standard equipment, especially in this version I tested, the 10th Anniversary, which still reinforces the model's exclusivity.
For business customers, because of “the fault” of the tax incentives in place, this Nissan Leaf e+ gains a lot more interest and remains an electric to consider.