Nissan Leaf Review | Can It Still Cut It?

Today on Buckle Up, Rob reviews the second generation Nissan Leaf. It's been on sale a while now and has gone from being in a class of one, to having a new rival unveiled every week.
Rivals include the VW ID.3, MG 4, ORA Funky Cat, Mini Electric, Fiat 500e, Honda e.
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#BuckleUp #nissan #automotive
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[@lenny2137]

I have that Nissan have kept the design and interior pretty much the same. In todays world it’s refreshing to have a car that has been tried and tested and it just works as a car

[@BuckleUpShow]

You just described nearly every single car on sale

[@lenny2137]

@BuckleUpShow you clearly have little experience in the service end of new model/car sales if you think we are at a point where cars just “work” 😂😂😂😂

[@BuckleUpShow]

The percentage of cars with any fault at all in the UK in 2023 is 21%, so 4/5 new car buyers cars will "just work". I assume I don't need to do the maths for you for you to know no 80% of all new cars are Nissan Leafs

[@lenny2137]

I’d love to know where you get your data for such an exact figure of 21% is very suspect. As someone who works in the service end of the automotive industry I can assure you that figure is at least 50% higher probably closer to 100% if you include first year of manufacture recalls. Also you could increase it even more if you include the issues with home charger EV charge concerns from Q1-2 of 2023

[@BuckleUpShow]

The whatcar? reliability survey, don't mistake your anecdotes for statistical evidence

[@tonyspencer692]

I have had a 2023 Leaf since March, Drive it on epedal all the time and love it. Most of my driving is local but I watch regional non-league football and often have 150-mile round trips and home charge up to 80,90 or 100% to allow me a 40-mile margin and finding the range much as expected with no surprises. Even with the hike in electricity prices I am getting around at less than 8p/mile and the miles/kw has extended from the 3.1 in the first week to 3.7 currently (after 3000 miles), so delighted with everything so far.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Glad it’s working out for you!

[@-cc9ye]

How did you find it over the colder days in early December?

[@decimal1815]

I hope they make a Leaf V3 with CCS, LFP battery, liquid cooling for the battery, and bigger range. The car itself just needs a minor refresh. Most people are happy with the design.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Yep 100%. It’s remarkable how good it still is considering it’s age.

[@genx156]

It's being replaced by a new model unfortunately.

[@yo2trader539]

​@@genx156Japanese media have reported that Nissan plans to introduce 3rd Generation LEAF around 2025/2026. But we haven't heard anything about specs. LEAF hasn't been a money-making vehicle for Nissan since its inception in 2010, which is why they haven't allocated too much resources on improvements. They've only sold 650,000 LEAFs world-wide in the past 13 years, which is not seen as a success by Nissan. In Japan, most of the focus on pure BEVs is on the Solid-State Batteries jointly developed by Toyota and Idemitsu. Until that technology is perfected, there won't be any game changing improvements in battery capacity and range. Currently, the only way to extend range is to add bigger batteries, which adds additional weight and defeats the original purpose.

[@glennjgroves]

I love ePedal! I leave it on permanently! (I think it does use physical braking at low speeds, regen does not work well at low speeds, but it makes driving easier and more restful regardless of that.)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Yeah, I enjoyed using it but was just worried I'd get too used to it!

[@glennjgroves]

@@BuckleUpShow I think you would get too used to it; I would REALLY miss it!

[@salibaba]

I’ve had our 40kWh as our only family car for 3 years. Got it when we were carting a toddler round in a massive buggy. Boot is brilliant. It does the whole family duty. Lugging crap about. Multiple house moves, 300 mile journeys. I’m just back from a 580 mile week trip for work. Was about 280 to get home, left full, charged twice on the way, got work stuff done while charging, conference calls and some lunch. The larger battery model can actually charge faster btw if you find a faster 100kW Chademo (most new gridserve) it gets to about 62kW I remember hearing, and cos it’s split over a larger pack, doesn’t heat as much.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Sounds ideal for you

[@ibeam68]

We have a 2022 40 kWh LEAF next to our EV6. We use it strictly for city driving and it's perfect. I wouldn't get the bigger battery and use the car for long trips unless you're adventurous and very patient. The LEAF in my opinion is the worst EV for road trips.

[@BuckleUpShow]

That seems like a sensible compromise

[@tomascermak9205]

I'm using 40kWh Leaf even on longer trips up to 500 km and it's not so bed, really. I was surprised.

[@mco6968]

​@@tomascermak9205me too! Done 67k and use it on a daily 90 mile commute and long trips and never had a major problem

[@markatkinson-fr8cn]

The point now is that they're a decent 2nd hand buy. No electric car makes sense new. They're way too expensive

[@BuckleUpShow]

You can buy many different types of electric car for less than a BMW 3 Series or Range Rover Evoke, no one complains that they're unobtainable and you see them absolutely everywhere

[@glennjgroves]

I love my 2018 LEAF… but I bought a second hand one, at the time it was nearly 40% lower in price than any other EV. The LEAF is great in every way except: the fast charging is slowish (averages 25 to 30 kWh, not the theoretical 50 kWh), the battery gets too hot in hot weather on long drives, and CHAdeMO is going to die out eventually. Still a beautiful car that is lovely to drive, I love driving it, but if I was willing to spend more I could get another EV without those limitations.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The charging is a huge flaw with the Leaf. It's a shame because it's actually quite good in most other ways.

[@garyrobinson9527]

I have the same age and spec. as you. I have only had the car six weeks and after driving fast A. road as well as town and country roads and no motorway yet I am getting an average of 4.8 miles to a KW.mile...As for chademo charging , it's going to be a very long time before it's faded ?out.After speaking to a Gridserve manager, he said all their future sites and there are ten new ones in the pipeline for 2024. all Are going to have Chademo charging points....good news..

[@amunarjoh]

I kind of view the Nissan LEAF as a familiar relative to the VW Bug. It will fulfill your daily requirements, with confidence. It´s not quite up to the most modern cars. But, it´s still a strong contender within its category. Not particularly good looking, still having a contemporary charm. The weaknesses are being outnumbered by its strengths. Availability, price, quality, comfort and range. Good luck finding a better contender.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The MG4, Cupra Born, BYD Dolphin, VW ID.3 and so on and so on

[@JasperBruceWright]

Seems the Leaf is just about clinging on at the moment. I suspect in a year (if not heavily refreshed) it will be sorely outdated.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I suspect that now the Ariya out, the Leaf will be refreshed next

[@salibaba]

@@BuckleUpShowunlikely, they’ll probably ride it til the death at this point. They’ll retire it and then relaunch the micra as an all electric on a new chassis.

[@phphph6022]

New one starts production later this year, in the UK👍

[@mikeandersonwa]

That navigation demo though 8:30.... brilliant

[@BuckleUpShow]

👀

[@albertross-ndt]

Windmill springs to mind, like the way he conducts himself.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I think windmilling might have a different meaning to my generation

[@brianbottomley7000]

battery needs an upgrade now not enough range

[@BuckleUpShow]

I think we probably just need a new model

[@dronephobiatomdrones7686]

coming next thursday weeks time cant wait as we currently driving a 207 pud 09 plat,,

[@BuckleUpShow]

Hope you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@wesleyvelroij4837]

1:12 actually this charging port, is one of the best designs out there. It shows the difference between a Japanse brand as Nissan, and a Korean brand. Those charging ports from other brands, tend to break within their warranty period. And the manufacturer don't always fix it. With Nissan, this charging port is super sturdy and for sure won't break. Unless you mistreat it?

[@BuckleUpShow]

It may be durable, but it sure as heck doesn’t charge the car fast enough

[@wesleyvelroij4837]

​@@BuckleUpShowthat's true: I had plenty of experiences, where my Leaf was simply charging very slow. My practice is, search a public AC charger without a second car. However, once a second car is connected to it. Then the charging rate is also 1.5kW still, instead of 3kW. Doesn't make sense.... considering these public chargers are 3 phase: but this is what happens at 11kW public chargers.

[@michaelgreen5515]

Would you buy one now that the new ones are reduced to 16-18k?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Only if you would always charge at home. Chademo is a deal breaker if you ever plan to charge on the go for longer journeys.

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

Leaf is a good commuter car and not overly costly.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Agreed, but newer rivals do it better for less nowadays

[@dominicwild3189]

I doubt very much if any EU, Korean or Japanese EV can compete against the Chinese gov. subsidised EV juggernaut, after all, the CCP decided to import less oil for ICEs and stick with lower-cost local coal instead for EVs. A wise decision, but not the best due to CO2 output.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for the geopolitical lesson, Dad.

[@henryhsu7314]

It is to be renewed in 2025

[@BuckleUpShow]

Hopefully it can build on its success

[@clivebaker615]

I love my 2019 LEAF, especially single pedal driving, I just wish it had CCS rather than Chademo. A Chademo to CCS adapter would be great.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The charging speed is the only BIG issue with this car

[@philbattye]

There is now a cc’s 2 to Chademo adaptor available on Alibaba.

[@mmm1826]

I have the a2z canadian made ccs adapter. Works on all chargers.

[@dominicwild3189]

MG has same $40k price, but gives you a 10kWh CATL larger battery and a 10Amp cable is included.

[@BuckleUpShow]

New Leaf is coming next year, this is by far the oldest electric model still on sale.

[@Tamil.o.Official]

Hello Sir, when the charging cable connected the charge indicator light illuminate in sequence and then stop, what we need to do to bring it in charging mode

[@BuckleUpShow]

You probably need to speak with your local dealership about that

[@Tamil.o.Official]

Thanks@@BuckleUpShow

[@genx156]

Now MG is here with the 4 - which will try to kill you every chance it gets by ramming you into a bush/wall or whatever else it can aim at 🤣🤣

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s been updated a bit, but yes, the MG4 doesn’t have the best LKA in the world.

[@dominicwild3189]

Nissan is the only EV sold without single cable and dealer wants $500 for 10 Amp cable.

[@BuckleUpShow]

New Leaf is coming next year, this is by far the oldest electric model still on sale.

[@felicitydavis2240]

I have had Nissan

[@BuckleUpShow]

This Nissan or just a Nissan?

[@jesusisking5952]

What about charging this at home if you are on a pre-pay meter? Will it use alot of electric when charging?

[@BuckleUpShow]

No idea but probably best to speak with your energy provider as I’m sure they’ll be able to give you a rough guide based on your usage

[@PiaggioCenter]

40kWh rides better, Range is 160 miles not 149 miles and big discounts mean they are as cheap as chips! Great car though, very easy to live with and tried and trusted mechanicals so a reliable choice.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m quoting from Nissan’s own press material on the range

[@marcg1686]

160 miles is doable, but you can forget about fast charging it. At motorway speeds the battery temperature starts rising rapidly when you get down to 10%.

[@iainsear7830]

5:58 The angle is not quite right :) made me smile. Hopefully intentional pun.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Aye

[@kernj6454]

If you getting an accident it will be the end of your world, that's a full breakneck

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m sorry, what?

[@kernj6454]

@@BuckleUpShow your head is touching the ceiling ,if the car flip.its bye bye

[@BuckleUpShow]

I don’t think you know how cars work, or indeed, the laws of physics

[@rogerdaly3814]

❤exactly what it is you get what you pay for

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@iainsear7830]

Nissan dont love the LEAF, some small improvements e.g. CCS charging at slightly faster rate, refreshed interior and squeeze a bit more out the range they could still have a competitive car but its obvious to me they dont want to compete in this space. Really sad and a sign the Nissan wont be around in ten years at this rate baring a bail out.

[@BuckleUpShow]

There’ll be a new Leaf along soon enough and Nissan have two of the best selling cars in the UK so I don’t think they’ll be going anywhere soon

[@srwla2501]

We got the idea Nissan doesn't love EVs.

[@decimal1815]

​@@srwla2501Nissan practically invented the EV and certainly got an affordable mass production EV out before Tesla. Leaf is a future classic car IMO but no doubt the pheads will laugh at that idea 😂

[@phphph6022]

Ariya, Leaf replacement starts later this year, then EV Qashqai and Juke. Think they'll be around a while yet.

[@michaelandreuzza]

Did you just wrote twatt? 😅

[@BuckleUpShow]

Don’t know what you’re talking about 😅

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Lovely setting to do a car review in piercebridge!

[@BuckleUpShow]

We do most of them there for that very reason

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

And you can finish up in the George afterwards!

[@paulcarnall791]

Nothing about propilot 🤷‍♂️

[@BuckleUpShow]

Every car has some form of self drive now, this is a better system than the MG 4

[@ohyesitsme]

6ft 2" shouldn't be allowed in a car 😁

[@BuckleUpShow]

Why’s that?

[@ohyesitsme]

@@BuckleUpShow Just joking, no offence. Guess when you are that tall you must come across difficulties in some cars where us mere mortals don't even consider.

[@pws8888]

I love Nissan Leaf

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good for you!

[@BarryWardUK]

Great review Rob. Can you use Nissans proprietary charging port at any public chargers?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks Barry! You need to find a 'Chademo' charger if you want to do fast charging, which is a bit of pain up in the north where I'm from. You can get a home charger and use the 7kw charging port, and then it will easily charge overnight. But personally, I wouldn't want to rely on the current network, I'd only consider getting a Leaf if I had a driveway and could charge at home.

[@lmlmd2714]

It's not proprietary, just an old standard. Before CCS came along, chademo was the open/industry standard. As such it's fairly widely installed at older charge sites, but may only have a token few chademo ones and a load of CCS, or may even be CCS only. I thought that Nissan had bitten the bullet and migrated to CCS now, but I guess not!

[@paultudor1906]

I’m getting one next week the 2023 plate the tekna version

[@BuckleUpShow]

Wishing you many happy miles

[@skydog7544]

Just to point out, it's a legal requirement in Japan that the shifter pattern be displayed on or near the shifter, there's no reason not to include it on other market cars as it's in their thinking that it's an informative safety requirement

[@BuckleUpShow]

I don’t think you’ve understood what I was saying. The point is the selector shouldn’t be laid out in that pattern. What was wrong with PRND in a line?

[@solardanilew]

Shockingly bad interior 😢

[@BuckleUpShow]

Just needs updating, much like the car in general. It’s got great features and tech but just looks a bit old fashioned compared to all its new rivals

[@Plisken65]

Disagree. Very functional

[@jamboreeband]

I hate all electric cars and I think they will never be popular. here are some of the problems, very hard on tyres because of extra weight of the batteries, crazy price, it drops in price a lot more than a Diesel, in the winter the range drops 30% because batteries don't like cold weather, and the person driving has range anxiety,

[@BuckleUpShow]

Is this Rowan Atkinson's alt account?

[@PiaggioCenter]

That’s all crap. I have one. Tyre wear very reasonable, it was £24k brand new so cheap as chips, 168 miles when warm or drops to 148 when cold just like my Diesel used to be. Lovely car, you just don’t have a clue.

[@hyperben1985]

Have you ever owned an electric car? I hear a lot of people with gripes about EVs, but nobody I know who has one has any gripes. In fact I don’t know anyone that wants to go back to ICE. Change is scary, I get it, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing.

[@MsDmcclymont]

Got any certified true observations beyond tabloid crap???

[@gjphekkelman]

Hahaha, never be popular.... part of oil, and thus petrol, not being a renewable resource is telling me otherwise