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Back in 2017, the second generation Nissan LEAF aimed to electrify the affordable part of the EV market - in more ways than one. It tried to go further - not only in terms of powered-up range but also in its efforts to bring fresh levels of space, comfort and technology to the full-electric part of the family hatchback segment. By the early part of this century's the decade, rivals were beginning to overtake it in all these areas, but this lesson still has something to offer if you looking for a budget priced compact family EV from the 2018 to 2025 period.
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History
Back in this century's second decade, if you thought of an affordable all-electric car, you were usually thinking of a Nissan LEAF, which back then was the world's best selling EV, with over 300,000 models sold by the time of this ZE1-era MK2 design's introduction in early 2018. Like its ZE0-era predecessor, this second generation LEAF was a Focus-class five-door hatch that took on rivals of the time like the Volkswagen e-Golf, BMW's i3 and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric.
To interest at least some of those people, Nissan improved EV range with this MK2 model, though the distance you could travel between charges was still some way off Tesla levels. Still, you could go almost twice as far as you had been able to in early versions of the original model thanks to a much gutsier 40kWh battery for mainstream variants, which replaced the old car's feeble 24kWh unit. It also helped sales that the MK2 version of this car now looked more conventional and that it was more driveable than before courtesy of a torquier electric motor that was 40% more powerful, putting out 150PS.
An 'e-Pedal' system means you'll hardly ever need to use the brake, making your super-refined journeys even smoother. Plus there was a 'ProPILOT' package that delivered semi-autonomous driving capability and a 'ProPILOT Park' system that claimed to be able to slot your LEAF into the tightest space at the press of a single button. A larger-battery 62kWh variant arrived in 2020 to sell alongside the volume 40kWh version. By 2023, only a 40kWh 'Shiro' special edition model remained in the line-up. The Z01-era MK2 LEAF model sold until late-2025 when it was replaced by a much more competitive all-new Z02-era design.
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What you get
This MK2 LEAF was a larger, lower and more sharply sculpted design that broadened this model's customer base considerably. Buyers moving into electric vehicle ownership for the first time will also find the transition easier once they get behind the wheel. There's a high-set SUV-like driving position, but otherwise the feel seems at first glance very much as you'd get in any ordinary family hatch. Closer inspection though, reveals some unique LEAF cabin features; a stubby little auto gear lever and an instrument binnacle display that curiously mixes an analogue speedo with an accompanying customisable colour TFT display. Pretty much everything else you'll need to know is delivered by the centre-dash 7-inch 'NissanConnect EV7' monitor that nearly all variants got. It's not as sophisticated as the screens you get in rival EV models, but with smartphone-mirroring and navigation including a map showing local charge stations, it delivers most of what you'll need to know.
The rear bench can comfortably accommodate a couple of adults and three kids will probably be fine too. Taking three large folk though, is made difficult by the prominent height of the centre transmission tunnel. Lift the tailgate and find yourself faced with a 436-litre cargo bay - around 100-litres more than the previous generation model could offer.
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What to look for
There are various things a used buyer has to look out for here. Because not all of the front of the car is visible from the driver's seat, there might be more minor scuffs on the front and that of the bodywork than usual. And potentially minor damage to the wheels. We've heard of electrical problems like unexplained warning lights. And there have been reports of app connectivity issues. There was also a recall for potential DC fast charging related battery overheating, so check that the car you're looking at has had this attended to. It affects 2021 and 2022 models with the 40 and 62kWh batteries.
As usual with in EV, check the charging leads thoroughly to make sure it hasn't been run over. Do a full charge to make sure that everything is working as it should. Check that all the infotainment systems work properly, the navigation software has no glitches and the Bluetooth links. Check for child damage in the rear and in the boot. And insist on full service history.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2022 Nissan LEAF 40kWh - Ex Vat autopartspro.co.uk) A cabin filter is in the £5-£19 bracket. Front brake pads typically cost in the £23-£63 bracket. Rear brake pads typically cost in the £12-£36 bracket. Front brake discs cost in the £35-£60 bracket. Rear brake discs cost in the £20-£40 bracket. A wiper blade's in the £3-£25 bracket.
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On the road
Can an electric car really be enjoyable to drive? Nissan reckoned this one was. A light tap on the throttle delivers the kind of seamless pull-away demeanour you'd expect from this kind of car. But a sharp stab with the right foot fires the LEAF forward like a scalded cat. The 150PS power output you get from this MK2 model represented a 40% increase in motor power and a 25% increase in torque over the MK1 version. And an increase in battery capacity from 24 to 40kWh for standard models meant that operating range was increased to an official (and actually reasonably realistic) ''Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure' figure of 168 miles. Those who needed more were offered a larger-battery 62kWh variant from 2020 onwards.
Either way, to even get decent driving range, you're going to need to make copious use of the various driving aids Nissan provides. An 'Eco' mode restricts throttle travel; and there are two ways of harvesting regenerative energy that will slow down the battery's rate of power drain. As with the previous LEAF, the most obvious way of doing this is by selecting the provided 'B' ratio on the gearbox, which gleans regeneration energy from the powertrain. With this MK2 model, there was the extra option of using the standard 'e-Pedal' system, which in addition also gains regenerative energy from the friction brakes. With 'e-Pedal' activated, you'll hardly ever need to press the brake pedal - the car slows itself - which sounds strange but is something you adjust to pretty quickly.
Greater chassis torsional stiffness means that handling is considerably better than the original version of this model could offer. And further aided by re-worked steering and Nissan's 'Intelligent Trace Control' and 'Intelligent Ride Control' systems. Plusher models got the brand's suite of 'ProPILOT' semi-autonomous driving aids. And the 'ProPILOT Park' system which can slot you into a space at the press of a button.
You'll want to know about charging. Using a 7.4kW wallbox, a full AC charge will take 7.5 hours. At a DC rapid charging point, you'll be able to replenish your battery to within 80% of its charge in around 40 minutes. Charging from a domestic plug would take a yawning 21 hours.
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Overall
Nissan's EV remit had been broadened quite a bit by the time of this second generation LEAF model's design. With this Z01-era design, only longer journeys required nervous range calculation. The looks didn't leave the neighbours assuming you'd joined the Green Party. The charging was now more straightforward. And the interior no longer made you feel like you were in some kind of concept car. In this MK2 model, you'll quickly adapt to the smooth driving demeanour made possible by the clever 'e-Pedal'. And the extra connectivity, the semi-autonomous driving aids and the stronger standards of safety are all welcome.
But of course there was still plenty of scope for improvement. This MK2 LEAF is better value than its direct rivals but in terms of cabin quality, it still lags a little behind some of them. Which helped an army of segment rivals overtake this car within a few years of its launch. As a budget choice though, this second generation LEAF might be tempting if EV range isn't everything.
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