I Bought A New Nissan Leaf Because The EV Market Is CRAZY! Is This Cheap Electric Car Any Good!?

[@georgewoodland1766]

I’ve had 3 Nissan Leafs starting in 2013 each with a 3 years lease. Just bought my 2019 base model off the lease for $14000 including taxes. It gets 170+ miles on a full charge and am getting 5.1 miles/ kWh. Driving in the B mode. Have 29,000 miles on it and no battery degradation. I charge at home with a level 2 charger. Great car and much better range than the 2013 or 2016 models I had before this one.

[@realworldelectric]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. No battery degradation, good job! I get 4.5 miles/kWh, but I only drive in B mode sometimes. Do you think it makes that much of a difference? Do you drive in Eco mode?

[@444455555ization]

Woah, that’s an incredible deal! Did you use the 4000 dollar ev credit for used cars?

[@techismycologne]

I was in the same boat, except I ended up financing a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt LT w/ all available packages. The Bolt and Leaf are, at least in my opinion, phenomenal values. People talk about the "$25,000 Tesla" all day long and that's exactly what the Nissan Leaf (After tax credit) and Chevrolet Bolt are. You can get both of them for less than $30,000 after tax, title and fee (After tax credit w/ Leaf) and practically get the same range as a base Tesla Model 3 and even more range than a base model Ioniq 5 or EV6. A base Tesla Model 3 costs $50,000+ after tax, title and fee and that's before you even account for any features like autopilot. What blows my mind about them is that they're popular, but not nearly as popular as the EV's that cost $20,000 more - yet they have very few compromises, the biggest being their slower DCFC charging speeds. The power and speed thing is hilarious too. People don't realize that the Bolt and Nissan Leaf (Extended Range) can go 0-60 is about 6.3-6.5 seconds - about the the same as a stock BRZ/GR86. Pretty much everybody I've let drive the Bolt, or shown the Bolt, even EV naysayers - have been impressed with it's power.

[@realworldelectric]

Congrats on the Bolt EV! I agree, they are great values and very good vehicles. Most EVs with long driving ranges are at least $45K+ and more. We won't see a $25K Tesla for a long time. They'll make a lot more money on the Cybertruck (whenever that comes out) and they want to increase the output of their bread and butter: the Model Y. EVs are definitely quick and the instant power is so much fun! Most people don't understand EVs until they drive one. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Leena20]

Can you tell me how the tax credit works ? It’s very confusing . Will it still apply to the bolt since it has a market cap issue ? Will it still apply if I buy it now or do I need to wait till Jan 2023 ?

[@techismycologne]

@@Leena20 I don’t know all the specifics - my 2022 doesn’t qualify but as far as I have heard the 2023’s will.

[@realworldelectric]

@@Leena20 If you want the tax credit for a Bolt EV, you have to wait until Janurary 1st. If you buy it in 2022 it doesn't qualify. But make sure you can take advantage of the tax credit. Many think it's an automatic discount from the price, but it's not. You have to owe taxes at the end of the year to take advantage of it. Here is a good explanation of all the new EV tax credit rules: www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/the-ins-and-outs-of-electric-vehicle-tax-credits.html Thanks for commenting!

[@rp9674]

@@realworldelectric I think that's the old incentive, maybe this is an old comment.

[@ezpoppy55]

I’m so glad to hear your review of an affordable EV. The Leaf sounds very useable, reliable, and functional. Most people don’t want or need “bleeding edge” specs, high priced materials, or bragging rights on features (high end stereo, trick ambient lights, etc…). And a lot of people don’t want to pay for that level of features, either. Excellent video! 🎉

[@realworldelectric]

Thank you so much for the nice comment! Glad you liked it! I think the Leaf is underrated. And you're right, it's a great vehicle for those who don't need the latest and greatest.

[@lelandhetrick205]

@@realworldelectric As a Nissan Leaf Trim S owner bought new in 2015 with 5 miles on the odometer, I am satisfied and happy operating my car. I drive mix secondary roads and freeway 60 miles round trip for my work commute. At 131k miles last March I purchased a 62 kWh battery pack to swap out my OEM 24 kWh pack (83% SOH) and I am delighted with the range similar to what you have with the plus. The odometer is at 140k currently. Solid dependability and I agree with your assessment for its handling and soft comforts. FYI I live in the greater Seattle area so the climate is mild in temperature, so this is why my OEM 24 kWh battery pack State of Health was so high after nearly eight years and high mileage.

[@realworldelectric]

@@lelandhetrick205 Thank you for sharing all that great info! I'm glad your Leafs have worked out for you! That SOH is impressive!

[@MechayaAlta]

I have a 2022 Leaf SV plus, and it’s much better than we expected. In addition to your comments, we love the SV surround view camera and front electric seat. It’s our around town car. For road trips we have an older Subaru. We don’t like that the folded rear seats aren’t flat with the trunk. The solid metal roof is perfect, since we don’t like panoramic glass roofs.

[@realworldelectric]

That's great to hear! If you have a two-car household, use an EV for around town and a gas vehicle for road trips (until the charging infrastructure and speed improves), just like you're doing. Good job! I wanted the SV model but couldn't find one :(

[@MechayaAlta]

@@realworldelectric consider that one can buy a basic Nissan Leaf and a basic Subaru Outback for about the price of a Tesla Y.

[@realworldelectric]

@@MechayaAlta Very true. Since there isn't a Standard Range model anymore (but it might come back to the US soon), Model Ys are pretty expensive.

[@toniayvettecallender9037]

Thanks for your review! We live in Costa Mesa, too, so I was surprised to see a local person! I appreciated your pros and cons.

[@realworldelectric]

That's super cool! Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@georgiaguardian4696]

Looks really nice and more than capable of commuting. I am considering one.

[@realworldelectric]

The Bolt EV is also a good choice and has similar pricing. Thanks for commenting!

[@nomadchad8243]

I just picked up a 40KW SV 2023 (available in Canada) and I love it. Im also lucky because the Nissan Leaf was my first choice, I didnt get a choice in colour though and I got black. I wouldve prefered Red or Grey but everything else is great. Sound is great at low medium lvls even without the subwoofer. the 40KW is perfect for around town and going out to the cabin. One pedal driving is awesome and charging on 120V has not been a problem at all in our case.

[@nomadchad8243]

interestingly enough is that my 40KW SV was made in Tennessee but not available in the US......

[@realworldelectric]

That's true, Nissan cut down the amount of trim levels for 2023 and the smaller battery pack is only available in the base S trim.

[@realworldelectric]

I fell in love with one-pedal driving the first time I experienced it in a Bolt EV. It's very smooth and makes more sense than using two pedals. If you charge with a 120V outlet I'm guessing you charge every night?

[@nomadchad8243]

@@realworldelectric Maybe in the winter we will but we only use about 10- 20% a day so its more like when it gets to 50% we charge overnight and get about 35% . we set the timer for 7 to 7 because its only 8cents KW at night , peak is around 18cents in the day

[@robertjohnson-taylor100]

I find my Leaf nothing short of brilliant so far, I’ve had it 7 months now. I’m a low mileage driver now since I’ve retired.

[@realworldelectric]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JohnnyC10071959]

I am a new subscriber, and this is the first video on your channel I have watched. Nice work. Dealership markups over MSRP are THEFT - I cannot wait until these thieves are put out of business. Sell direct to consumers, fixed price, no dealer, no bullshit.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks, glad you liked it! I agree, they shouldn't be marking up prices over MSRP even with low inventory. Dealerships are making more money now than before. I'm also a fan of direct sales but very few automakers are doing it that way now. But more will go that route in the future.

[@taylorauger1509]

Purchased a ‘21 S Plus and haven’t paid for fuel/electricity cost in a year and 1/2. The Nissan dealer 10 min from my work lets me charge for free using their CHADEMO station. I commute 90 miles a day round trip. It’s AWESOME!

[@realworldelectric]

Free charging is the best! Thanks for commenting!

[@jerry2780]

I have a 2018 Nissan leaf. I like my leaf okay. I have had no problems with it.

[@MHdollrevievs]

A2Z EV sells a CCS to Chademo adapter. I have a new one beside me still in the box for our 2023 Leaf SV Plus.

[@realworldelectric]

I didn't know that! Have you used it yet? Thanks for sharing!

[@jwilkinson341]

I have a 2020 Leaf 62 KW I agree with you they are underrated if only they would have done a few updates to the interior etc., they dropped the ball with a 10-year head start.

[@realworldelectric]

Yup! Thanks for watching!

[@iangardner2311]

Just found your site. Sorry you stopped. Since you bought a Leaf. You might review youtuber Lemon Tea Leaf. He did a series of videos on roadtriping with his Leaf.

[@realworldelectric]

I will check it out, thanks! I'll be back soon!

[@Karthik1516]

In our region (Cincinnati), used Leaf is very cheap. Low mileage 2020+ SV priced below 20K. Even few SL plus are below 25K. We already have an ID.4 first edition. Love it. Sold second ICE. Soon need a second EV. Looking at Leaf.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for sharing! I still like mine a lot! Just make sure your okay with its CHAdeMO port if you plan on fast charging.

[@freetobe3]

At my workplace, the company has a 2019 Leaf, base model, and it's usually reserved for my superiors but occasionally we have to run an errand or clean it and I've tried it for a bit as well as ridden shotgun in it. I'm amazed by how nimble it feels whilst feeling pretty large and heavy.

[@realworldelectric]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@dizneyfreak143]

Thank you for the video!!! I recently purchased a new Leaf but should I be worried about CHAdeMO being phased out?

[@realworldelectric]

Thank you for watching! CHAdeMO won't be phased out anytime soon in my opinion, but they aren't as common as CCS. In my area, EVgo and ChargePoint stations usually have multiple CHAdeMO plugs, but Electrify America stations just have one. Congrats on the new Leaf!

[@MHdollrevievs]

A2Z EV sells a CCS to Chademo adapter. I have a new one beside me still in the box for our 2023 Leaf SV Plus.

[@willpatton9529]

It's funny how people say Tesla is the only EV worth anything, I also love my 2015 24kw Leaf with only 80 miles of range. It dose anything way ask as long as the public charges are working long trips are easy 👌 the family even named her Ruby when the day come to take her to the great recycling center in the sky, I'll be looking to get one like this but red😅

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MisterLumpkin]

Had a three year lease on a 2018 Leaf and it was a fine car as a first EV. It hooked me on one pedal driving and I miss having the charging port at the front of the car. I never understood why EV makers try to mimic gas filling port locations when most EV charging stations are nose-in type slots. But the Leaf had some annoying features that prevented me from buying out the lease and keeping it. The main one was those "wings" on either side of the center console. They jutted out at an angle that I kept rubbing the side of my knee against and after an hour of driving I'd get a sore spot. It seems that they may have pulled those in a bit or made them thinner on your model year. Congrats on your purchase.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for commenting! What do you own now? I got hooked on one-pedal driving when I first drove a Bolt EV in 2017. I also like how the charging port is at the front. I just wish it was a CCS one, but fortunately, there are plenty of CHAdeMO ones in my area. I don't have that problem with the center console, Nissan likely adjusted it. It's a very good EV, but once my lease ends I'll likely get a more modern EV.

[@MisterLumpkin]

@@realworldelectric - We ended up with a Model Y which we took delivery of in November of 2022. I really wanted to drive the Nissan Ariya, but when we were shopping in the spring of 22, they just were not available to drive (or even see). Same with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The dealer kept saying "Come back next month and we'll have some." Never happened. We rejected the Volkswagen ID.4 because it would not do actual one-pedal driving. Same with the Audi e-Tron. Drove the Mustang Mach-E and liked it well enough, but the dealer wanted an extra $12k just for the privilege of buying from them. We drove a Bolt before we leased the Leaf, back in 2017, but hated the seats. They may as well have just put in milk crates to sit on.

[@realworldelectric]

@@MisterLumpkin Congrats on the Model Y! Spring of 2022 wasn't easy for most people shopping for EVs, dealership inventories were low and there were lots of mark ups. The Ariya should be hitting dealerships soon. The Bolt's seats were pretty terrible but the ones on the latest model are much better.

[@robertgregory8964]

Bought a 3 year old Hyundai Kona Electric long range with 71,000 km (44,000 miles) because it was available. A bit cramped in the rear and cargo although I have fitted a space saver tyre on an old Ford Falcon rim that fits in the rear wheel well without affecting storage. The main criterion was a big battery with fast charger. I got a good price and the battery had been replaced under recall mid last year. One lady previous owner so hopefully not thrashed. The longer I waited to see if new cheaper cars would arrive on the market, the more I saw the prices of existing cars increasing beyond my budget.

[@realworldelectric]

I like the Kona a lot, but you're right, it's a little small in the rear seat and cargo. But it's very efficient and goes beyond its EPA range. I did a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmeoeYKnebygY68 The latest EVs are unfortunately not that affordable. Affordable cars aren't very profitable for automakers. Thanks for commenting!

[@nissanelectrified9583]

The LEAF is a nice car, and most of all it's a GOOD car. Way underrated in my opinion. I always liked driving it. And for the price, it's much better than pretty much all the newer "low cost" EVs. And yes. it's a little rocket that one. 0-60 in 6,5 seconds!

[@realworldelectric]

I completely agree! People don't realize how good and quick it is until they drive one. Thanks for watching!

[@JayMcKinsey]

The Bolt is far better.

[@nissanelectrified9583]

@@JayMcKinsey Depending on your personal catalogue of criteria, you might come to that conclusion. Other will come to different ones. There are many areas in which the Leaf outperforms the Bolt by quite a good margin.

[@realworldelectric]

@@JayMcKinsey I wouldn't say it's far better, but the Bolt is better in some ways. I think both are pretty even. Although, the 2023 Bolt's current pricing is awesome, but it might go back to its previous pricing next year.

[@cs_fl5048]

considered a leaf...but may go on up to a Polestar 2. It will be my first all electric. Had a Honda Accord hybrid...a bit "torquey" for my taste but it was a decent car. Only concern with the Polestar is the Florida Sun and no sunshade for the glass roof.

[@realworldelectric]

I've driven a Polestar 2 many times and like it a lot! Glad you're going all-electric! The glass roof might be an issue on hot days (same for Teslas), hopefully test driving one will help you decide. Thanks for commenting!

[@softwaresignals]

The Leaf is proven, tried and true, does NOT have any fires reported. Some say since the battery pack is not water cooled, that's a problem. I disagree. I read a tech paper a while back that explained the Leaf does not need the added complexity and cost and possible leaking of a water plumbing system back there. The chemistry handles a little heat OK. My '22 Leaf gets 216 miles range, good local or medium day-trip car range. For long trips, a Maverick Hybrid 40 MPG pickup truck works well for us.

[@realworldelectric]

Well said! Thanks for sharing!

[@alolanbrock7771]

What was your lease details?

[@jospoz619]

I just bought another Tesla after a short visit to my Nissan dealer to check a 2023 Leaf. After owning 2012 Leaf for the last 3 year. I wanted to continuo with another “good value Leaf””. The dealer didn’t have any base model Leaf and the SV they had had a mark up of $3k. $37k plus 3k minus the Tax credits puts me at same value as the model 3 base model with a 275 range and all the supercharged network. My 3 cost me 43k minus the tax and puts me on the same money as the Leaf with a small battery and no charging network. I owned both Tesla and Leaf and trust me there is no comparison. I have driven Leaf for over 30k miles and Tesla for 14k miles.

[@matt17757]

Awesome video!! 👍🏻

[@realworldelectric]

Thank you!!!

[@daviddraper6240]

Great video…Is there an adapter available for the chademo so you could use other chargers?

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it! I think some third party companies (not Nissan) might make an adapter but I've never tried one and don't know how well they work.

[@MHdollrevievs]

@MHdollrevievs 0 seconds ago A2Z EV sells a CCS to Chademo adapter. I have a new one beside me still in the box for our 2023 Leaf SV Plus. Reply

[@StormsparkPegasus]

Someone at my work has one of these...they were driving like a bat out of hell in the parking lot. I have a Model 3...I could've kept up with them if I wanted to (fast acceleration is just an EV thing in general), but I didn't see any need to be as reckless as they were. My only question about the new Leaf is, have they swapped the Chademo port for CCS? Because Chademo is being phased out in the US.

[@realworldelectric]

Bad drivers and instant power don't mix well :( The current generation Leaf will keep Chademo. The next Leaf (which is supposed to be a raised hatchback or crossover) will have CCS. The Nissan Ariya has CCS. Chadmo will be phased out but it won't be a for a while.

[@rogerolander458]

Going to CA from where I live, there is a section on I-70 that has a significant uphill grade, is 230 miles long and which has only ONE CHAdeMO charging station. If that charging station fails it will most likely not be repaired because Japan and China are the only countries that continue to support and use the CHAdeMO protocol. Which sadly renders the Leaf as a nice town car but not one likely to have great resale value because it's obsolete charging Protocol makes it a poor road car. But this summer I located a used 2022 Leaf with 4500 miles at a VW dealership. The asking price was a couple of thousand $ more than the local Nissan Dealer was asking for a new 2023 Leaf SV! Crazy market is right!!!

[@realworldelectric]

Having a CHAdeMO port is one thing I complained about in the video, but in my area of southern California it's not much of a problem because there are many CHAdeMO stations. But in other parts of the country it can be a problem. Most EVgo and ChargePoint DCFC stations in my area have multiple CHAdeMO plugs. Electrify American usually just has one per station. The Leaf is basically the only EV that still uses CHAdeMO in the US, but there are enough of them that CHAdeMO stations will still be built and repaired/replaced for the time being. Also, the Leaf's resale value right now is great because EVs are in high demand. The fact that it uses CHAdeMO won't affect the resale value for a while in my opinion. It is a crazy market! Haha! Thanks for commenting!

[@rp9674]

I think leaves have a j1772 connector. That's all my Fiat has and I rarely miss DC fast charging, it's harder to find and more expensive and more likely to be broken.

[@vegansoy]

What is your monthly lease payment?

[@realworldelectric]

I pay 331/mo with zero down. They had an 18 month lease special at the time. It also included $1500 cash back.

[@GuitarWrangler]

I leased a 2020 Leaf SV in December 2020 for $131.67 a month! Nissan had a crazy year-end offer that I couldn't pass up, even though I had a 2019 Chevy Bolt at the time. Well guess what -- Chevy bought the Bolt back in April 2021 for almost exactly what I had paid! Fast forward to today . . . since my 2-year lease expires in December I'm turning this one in very soon, with only 14,600 miles on it. I found out that Nissan will let me buy it for $20,265 but I want a new EV and Nissan doesn't have anything I want. Anybody out there want to buy this from me? You'd have to add tax and registration of course.

[@realworldelectric]

That's a killer deal! I wish they still had deals like that today. Thanks for commenting!

[@diylife4229]

Where are you

[@TechItOut]

We just exchanged our top of the range a couple of hours ago. Minus points were front door windows rattle when half lowered, centre console so hard it hurt your knees and would be very painful in an accident and the turning circle was awful. The main problem though was the safety braking systems kept breaking down. The poor range of about 80-120 miles didn't really bother us as it was mostly for local use. On the plus side the interior was comfortable as was the ride (if you hit bumpy roads the cruise control turns off) Good interior and boot (Trunk) space. E-Brake/town mode is very good. The rear view mirror can also be switched to camera mode.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for the comment! What year is your former Leaf? I've never heard of a Leaf having a digital rearview mirror, you probably live in a different market. With that range, it sounds like you had the smaller battery pack. Fortunately, I haven't had any of those issues.

[@TechItOut]

@@realworldelectric Hi it was a 2021 UK market. It looks like a normal manual mirror with the little tab for the anti dazzle.

[@realworldelectric]

@@TechItOut Oh I see, I think you mean the auto-dimming feature that helps with headlights at nighttime. That's a good one!

[@TechItOut]

@@realworldelectric Hi. No it actually switches from mirror to rear camera. Search for "Introducing the Nissan Smart rearview mirror"

[@realworldelectric]

@@TechItOut Gotcha! We don't get that for the Leaf in the US market.

[@randomname931]

did you mention the markup on the leaf?

[@realworldelectric]

I didn't specify what it was. The one I got had a $3k markup but the lease special I got included $1,500 cash back. So technically it was a $1.5k markup. Thanks for watching!

[@XcaliburReborn]

It’s not just in one country, we get the same. Kona ev 2020 when I checked last year was 23k with 20000 miles on the clock. A year later in 2022 the same 2020 kona ev with 37000 miles on the clock was selling for 25k

[@realworldelectric]

I had no idea but it makes perfect sense. The supply chain shortage is affecting everyone. Where do you live?

[@musk-eteer9898]

imo, the worst electric car is still better than any gas car.

[@dobermanguy9437]

One day I stopped at a Nissan dealership I wanted to check out the Nissan Leaf they didn't even have one to look at so what's the point of even wasting my time when the dealer does not have one for you to test drive

[@realworldelectric]

That's happening a lot right now because EVs are in high demand and the current supply chain shortage means dealerships have low inventory right now. I didn't test drive the Leaf I bought because they didn't have any on the lot, but I had driven in the past and knew I liked it. It's the same with gas cars that are in high demand, some dealers don't have some models on the lot due to low inventory. It's not the dealership's fault, automakers can't build enough right now.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I have never heard of an 18 month lease??

[@realworldelectric]

Neither had I until I got this one. It was a special that particular dealership had at the time.

[@TuanLe-ko5rm]

I think it’s a fine car for a comparable gas car. Nissan need to up their game on ev asap with the battery cooling issues.

[@realworldelectric]

The next Leaf (which is supposed to be a raised hatchback/crossover) will have modern/improved cooling. And so does the Nissan Ariya. Thanks for watching!

[@stopato5772]

So you did not buy a Leaf, you are leasing one?

[@realworldelectric]

Yes, I leased this Leaf, the lease ends in about 9 months. And I actually purchased a second Leaf last month in order to get the $7,500 EV tax credit. I will be making a video on that one soon!

[@Antoinemalone]

You shouldn't have to settle. There were and still are so many dealers selling at MSRP. You might have to buy out of state but still many are selling with no markup, just have to put the leg work in. There is even a markup tracker website which shows which locations sell at MSRP and which don't. I used to want the EV6 I still have one ordered but I'm not going to buy since I changed my decision but just a few months ago I ordered one in Socal with no deposit and no markup. Just got to look around. Buy what you want, don't settle. So definitely if you still want an ev6 (or any other EV) order now and just put the effort in. It's pretty easy. I think the wait on the ev6 was 8-10 months. Edit: Wait, your wife works at Rivian but you have to settle for a leaf? 🤔

[@realworldelectric]

Your right but I waited too long to start shopping around. The lease on my previous car was over and I needed something fast. I looked around from LA to San Diego and didn't want to go out of state. At the time (back in May) just finding an EV was hard enough. It seems a little easier now. I recently bought another EV (can't say yet but making a video soon) and got it at MSRP. I wish I could afford a Rivian but I can't yet. The one I want is between $80-90k. Thanks for commenting!

[@lsh3rd]

Nissan could string along the LEAF for another 5 years simply by adding CCS charging. I’d love to see a drag race between a LEAF plus and a Civic Si… it’d probably be close.

[@realworldelectric]

The next generation will have CCS. Rumor says it arrives in 2024.

[@lsh3rd]

@@realworldelectric there is nothing to substantiate this rumor… it doesn’t seem like Nissan has any intention to extend the life of the LEAF at all.

[@realworldelectric]

@@lsh3rd There is nothing offical yet, but I know some people in the industry that have knowledge of this. There will likely be a new generation Leaf, but it will be all-new and look completely different.

[@realworldelectric]

@@lsh3rd Here is one article about it: www.motortrend.com/news/next-generation-nissan-leaf-patent-images/ Here is another: www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/nissan-leaf-future-report/

[@johnpreston5393]

I have a 1st gen leaf and i honestly wouldn't recommend it. My car can only drive like 30 miles now and Nissan has shown they aren't interested in users being able to replace batteries affordably. The fact that there is nothing to manage heat for this battery ruins what could be a great car

[@realworldelectric]

There are a lot of factors that affect the range of the battery over time. The first gen Leaf had a short range but that battery pack is generally robust if treated right. Did you buy it used and what year is it? Battery replacement isn't cheap for any EV yet, especially at a dealership. Once EVs get more popular, there will be more third-party auto shops that should be able to do it for less. There is a heat management system but the battery pack isn't liquid cooled like most are.

[@justanotherguy7798]

Actually a pretty good looking car, there are plenty of 10 year old Leafs still on the road and doing well, good job taking the leap and I’m sure you will enjoy driving the car, . Once you drive an EV I don’t know how you can go back to an ice vehicle, so all you ice vehicle owners don’t you go out and test drive an EV especially if you just bought a newer ice vehicle, you will kick yourself.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks! And you're right, Leafs have proven to be reliable. I've loved EVs since I drove the Bolt EV back in 2017. I think EVs surprise most people the first time they drive them. I will keep an EV as a daily driver, but will probably have a fun little ICE car on the side for weekend driving soon. Thanks for commenting!

[@goru426]

I have a friend who bought a Model 3 in 2020 and he is not happy. Too much road noise and many fitment issues all over the car. The interior is plain vanilla and boring as hell. I think the Nissan Leaf is a better choice compared to early Model 3s.

[@realworldelectric]

Model 3s have some build quality issues but they have plenty of positive aspects like quick acceleration and excellent handling. They also have a great navigation system (as long as the reception is good). Teslas also have that "cool" factor that some people like. Personally, I'd pass on a Tesla because there are now other EVs that are just as good or better.

[@kennedyip]

The darn Nissan dealers are still asking for $5000 "market adjustment" on top of the MSRP.

[@realworldelectric]

That's happening a lot right now. What state do you live in?

[@basildavis2683]

@@realworldelectric I just bought a 2023 Bolt EUV Premier in AZ (Which is right behind Cali on high gas prices and long commutes). I waited 14 weeks to order from factory and had them spring a $2500 market adjustment on me. I talked them down to about $1600 over, no BS add-ons, and they add free tint. I was a bit chuffed but given what other dealers are trying to pull ($5000+ over MSRP) I thought I did fine given its a 2023. Nice bonus, my 2023 Battery is stronger than official spec, the computer rates it at 269 miles rather than the listed 254. I also get to charge for free at work which makes the payments much more palatable.

[@realworldelectric]

@@basildavis2683 That markup isn't too bad considering what most dealerships are doing. I like the Bolt EUV a lot, I almost got a Bolt EV but it was marked up 4k and I got a better deal on the Leaf. Charging for free is the best! I also get free charging from my wife's employer. We love it!

[@djkenny1202]

Increases above MSRP means Leave. I would never pay Above, but always below. Payment is not thing to base on, its the cost of the car.

[@realworldelectric]

I agree but in today's market it's not that easy. You might be able to get below MSRP in a less desirable model, but in a popular model or in an EV (which are currently in high demand), it's unlikely. Some people can wait until the market gets better but if you can't, you might have to pay over MSRP depending on that you want.

[@MaplEV_Leaf]

I also bought a Nissan Leaf because the EV market is crazy! I preordered the Hyundai Ioniq 5 first, but as it turned into a 2-3 year wait for delivery, I turned my eyes on the used EV market and found a 2019 Leaf Plus (62 kwh battery) in excellent condition and battery health. Here's my story and experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZDYiGp8eMeDrtk

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for sharing! I'll check it out!

[@tonyj7636]

Yes, I bought a 2015 Leaf in January and it is VERY punchy. I have to keep it in ECO mode or traction control kicks in accelerating on corners. I do charge at home off my solar panels and only put gas in my motorcycle about every two weeks, $10. My range varies with ambient temperature about 64 to 80 miles between 70 and 115 degrees respectively. It is an older model with 30% battery degradation. That isn't as much an issue with newer models.

[@realworldelectric]

Thanks for sharing all that information! I love how punchy EVs are! I'm glad it's working out for you. And good job using the solar panels! Thanks for watching!

[@freetobe3]

I believe there's a few businesses that focus on upgrading older 1st gen Leafs by replacing the batteries and controllers to newer, more energy dense ones. If you ever wish and have the money to, you can make your vehicle as range capable as the 2nd gen ones.

[@tonyj7636]

@FreeToBe yea, Bob on Fully Charged did it with a company in EU and tripled his range. At the time it was about $8000 or $10000. After I pay it off I may consider that. However, in two years, there will probably be much better reasonably priced new vehicles on the market, so I will have to see. Right now I'm saving for a Buell Fuell.

[@freetobe3]

@@tonyj7636 To be frank, the biggest difference for upcoming EV models will be battery technology, body wise they can't become much better without using extremely hard to maintain materials, and aside from some creature comforts like phone connectivity, most cars are about the same. So basically your car with an upgraded battery setup will be 99% of a newer Leaf at a cheaper cost. I could be wrong though and I don't know the wear and tear of your vehicle body and cabin wise.

[@tonyj7636]

@FreeToBe my car won't talk to networks anymore (2g) doesn't have the driver assistance systems like lane keeping that is becoming more relevant as I age

[@grapeknutz]

Stealerships suck!

[@realworldelectric]

I briefly worked at one and didn't last long because I hated how they took or tried to take advantage of people.

[@joshreed1216]

Chademo is the biggest problem with the Leaf. I cant believe they didnt change over in the upcoming 2023 but their other EV that is comming out has ccs. Long trips are a pain and longer than a ccs would take because there are a lot less chademo.

[@realworldelectric]

True, but the other big problem is the air-cooled battery that heats up quickly during DC fast charging. That's why the Leaf is more of a city car, it's not made for long road trips. The longest trip I've done in mine is 200 miles. If you charge at home or at work and mostly drive around town, then it's not a problem. In my area, there are lots of CHAdeMo plugs, so it's not a problem for me, but it can be in other parts of the country.

[@mars353]

I just happened to stumble across the Ioniq 5 on the used car market. There seem to be a lot of them and makes me think that owners are dumping this car right after they buy it. Maybe you dodged a bullet when it wasn’t available.

[@realworldelectric]

Possibly, but I've heard good things about it. I briefly drove one and I liked it. I hope to do a review on one soon!

[@Charlie-UK]

Leasing Nissan Leaf vehicles is probably the best policy. The cash resale value of Nissan Leaf EV's is dropping off a cliff, because, people want Liquid cooled battery packs. They just last so much longer than Air cooled packs...

[@realworldelectric]

That might happen in the future but not now. I've seen plenty of sightly used Leafs going for the same or more as new Leafs. The majority of buyers aren't aware that the Leaf isn't liquid cooled. Not only that, Leaf batteries are very robust. Here is one article about it: cleantechnica.com/2022/09/21/surprise-nissan-leaf-batteries-last-much-longer-than-expected/

[@Charlie-UK]

@@realworldelectric It's a side effect, which won't last forever, of massive demand for EV's, limited supply & Fossil Fuel price spikes...

[@kclefthanded427]

Only time will tell if its worth it. Stay tuned

[@o751106]

I would have bought a Volt over this. Too ugly.

[@realworldelectric]

The looks are definitely not for everyone. I like the Volt, it has a long electric range.

[@Jim_Tacitus]

I recently decided to get a LEAF and am considering upgrading the battery pack. It’s not as easy as I thought it would be.😮 All I can say, it’s that the EV market is going crazy! I can’t find a used LEAF! People are on the hunt for them and scooping them up! Good luck my friend and please continue to make more videos! They help me understand the “EV Life”! 😊 -Jim

[@realworldelectric]

It's unfortunately that way for now, but the new car market should get better soon once the microchip shortage improves. Since new cars are hard to find, people are snatching up used cars. I plan to keep making EV videos! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rp9674]

Even EV haters underestimate the cost of a battery replacement. I hope some of these early EVS last long enough to see third party battery replacements, affordably. I would like to see government intervention to keep these EVS out of the junkyard.

[@Jim_Tacitus]

@@rp9674 I think we will have govt intervene with “safety standards” to include the use of only certain batteries… and not the advanced Teslas either. They’re still going to try to break Elon. :(

[@rp9674]

@@Jim_Tacitus Who knows if they base it on statistics, like they usually do I don't think it will happen. On average EVS are safer than gas vehicles, regardless of battery type. I appreciate the contributions Tesla has made but it's hard to be empathetic with Musk, I wish you would keep the crazy to himself.

[@danielroden9424]

i couldnt buy an EV that didnt have battery cooling. i would be too concerned with slow fast charging and battery longevity. plus the max 220 miles of range pushed me to a kona ev with 259 miles of range and battery cooling

[@realworldelectric]

It has cooling but it's not water cooled, just air cooled. It's not a problem if you're using it around town. It might be an issue if you're on a road trip and fast charging it in hot weather. The Leaf's battery is robust, it has no issues with longevity. The Kona Electric is very efficient. It can go more than 259 miles. I did a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmeoeYKnebygY68 Thanks for commenting!

[@danielroden9424]

@@realworldelectric several youtubers from norway tested it in sub zero temps and the battery overheated on trips. shrug

[@realworldelectric]

@@danielroden9424 Sub-zero temps are pretty extreme. I don't have any experience with that. Most EVs in general don't perform well in extreme cold.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

I would rather get the Chevy Bolt

[@realworldelectric]

Same here, but I got a much better deal (and a shorter lease that I wanted) on the Leaf and I am very happy with it.

[@JayMcKinsey]

You got a Leaf when you could have purchased a Bolt???

[@realworldelectric]

As I mentioned in the video, I got a much better deal on the Leaf and I preferred the Leaf's 18-month lease versus the Bolt's 3-year lease. At the end of the Leaf's lease I hope the market is better and I can purchase the EV I really want. As of now, it's the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

[@zemeosa]

What a strange way to introduce an EV by just driving without giving details or showing a video of both the interior and exterior of the car.

[@realworldelectric]

This video isn't a Leaf review (I've actually only done one review on my channel). The video is about why I bought a Leaf and what I think about it. Thanks!

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

To make a long story short ... I bought a Nissan because there're all marked up...ha

[@realworldelectric]

That's part of it, but I also couldn't find some EVs at all like the Mach-E and ID.4, they were sold out for months. I almost went for a Bolt EV but the Leaf was a better deal and I preferred the 18-month lease versus the Bolt's 3-year lease. I wasn't sure how much I'd like the Leaf (I hadn't driven one since 2017), but I really like it so far.

[@bobdadruma]

So, instead of waiting for the car market to correct you spent good money for an inferior product just so that you could have an EV now. Sorry but the only conclusion is that you are not a smart consumer.

[@realworldelectric]

I needed a car and couldn't wait for the market to improve, and it's still hard to say when the market will return back to normal for non-luxury EVs. I also have no interest in gas-powered or hybrid cars as a daily driver. There are better EVs out there but I've been very happy with the Leaf. It's also more affordable than the other EVs I was interested in. Also, my lease is only for 18 months, I'm hoping the market will be better by the time it ends.

[@grasho]

I don't understand how you can find this car comfortable and having a nice ride... I test drove for a day and it was horrible... It was worse than my 23 year old Ford Focus...

[@realworldelectric]

A car's level of comfort is subjective, just like looks are. But I'm not the only one that feels this way, if you look at most Leaf reviews, the writer or presenter will usually say it's comfortable. I've been lucky enough to drive and review hundreds of cars in my career, so my butt sensor is pretty good. It's not the most comfortable car out there, but it's very comfortable in my opinion. Thanks for commenting!

[@rp9674]

I kept my 2001 Focus as a backup when I got 2 used EVs 4 yr ago. I drove it to work once and hauled stuff in it 2 times, I'm going to dump it soon. I replaced engine mounts and timing belt on it myself, huge pain.

[@gerhardk98]

200 lb , 5’11” I find the Leaf very comfortable. I have had a 2019 SV 40KW for two years now and it’s been completely reliable and other than reduced range in a Canadian winter it has been everything I hoped for.

[@marietiggelaar628]

It s actually pretty good when loaded with wife and kids on long trips

[@realworldelectric]

@@gerhardk98 Thanks for sharing!

[@noobwow2009]

I thought bolt EV is cheapest. But well that thing fall apart on day 1

[@realworldelectric]

Yes, it currently is. The Bolt EV's reduced pricing for the 2023 model makes it a little cheaper than the base Leaf S with the small battery pack. But Chevy might increase the price next year. What do you mean it fell apart on day 1? Thanks for commenting!

[@djkenny1202]

@@realworldelectric my friends prior gen one was very cheaply made

[@realworldelectric]

@@djkenny1202 The second gen Leaf is much better. And the battery packs have proven to be pretty robust and reliable.

[@djkenny1202]

@@realworldelectric I’m talking about the Bolt. Everyone I know with prior Leafs have been very happy. Very well built.

[@realworldelectric]

@@djkenny1202 Gotcha!

[@quartytypo]

Do the right thing and put a DEFUND THE POLICE bumper sticker on your EV.