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Nissan Leaf
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Venucia e30 (China)
Production	October 2010 – September 2017
Model years	2011–2017
Assembly	Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) United States: Smyrna, Tennessee United Kingdom: Sunderland (NMUK)
Designer	Kazuki Yamazaki and Masahide Fujiwara
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-motor, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Nissan EV platform
Powertrain
Electric motor	80 kW (107 hp), 280 N⋅m (210 ft⋅lb) Nissan EM motor, synchronous motor
Transmission	1-speed fixed gear ratio (7.937:1 for 2011–2012 and 8.193:1 for 2013–2017)
Battery	24 kWh lithium-ion battery 30 kWh lithium-ion battery
Range	117–172 km (73–107 miles) (EPA) 124–175 km (77–109 miles) (NEDC)
Plug-in charging	3.6 kW (3.3 kW output) and optional 6.6 kW (6.0 kW output) 240 V AC on SAE J1772-2009 inlet, max 44 kW 480 V DC on CHAdeMO inlet, adapters for domestic AC sockets (110–240 V)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,445 mm (175.0 in)
Width	1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height	1,550 mm (61.0 in)
Curb weight	1,500–1,521 kg (3,307–3,354 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Nissan Altra
Successor	Nissan Leaf (second generation)

The Nissan Leaf is a compact car that was manufactured by Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Company from 2010 to 2017. A battery electric vehicle, its name—also formatted as LEAF—serves as a backronym to "leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car." It is the world's first series-produced battery electric automobile and has been offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback.

The Leaf—Nissan's second battery-electric automobile—debuted on 2 August 2009. It is the first generation of the model and was succeeded by the second generation in 2017. Before official production commencement, Nissan developed three prototype battery electric vehicles—dubbed the EV-01, EV-02 and EV-12. The Leaf followed the unsuccessful Altra and began production in Japan on 22 October 2010. The Smyrna plant commenced manufacture of the Leaf on 13 December 2012, and the Sunderland plant followed on 27 March 2013. It was launched in Japan and the United States in December 2010, with subsequent introductions in several European countries and Canada in 2011.

Initially, the Leaf was available exclusively with a large battery pack composed of 192 flat, laminated lithium-ion cells developed in collaboration with NEC, which offers advantages such as simplified design, efficient cooling, and optimal packaging. The battery pack is located under the floor and between the wheels, optimising the vehicle's handling and interior space. The 80 kW (110 hp) AC electric motor can be powered for up to 100 miles (160 km) when the battery is fully charged. Recharging can take 16 hours on 110V or 8 hours on 220V power. Fast charging is also available with a specific charger, which can restore 80% of the battery capacity in approximately 30 minutes.

The Leaf has garnered both acclaim and criticism from multiple automotive critics. Car and Driver, an American automotive magazine, expressed unfavourable opinions about the inexpensive materials used in the vehicle, asserting that they seem more fitting for a car priced at half its actual cost. However, they commended the Leaf for its spacious boot/trunk, along with features like standard heated seats and, in higher-end models, a heated steering wheel and leather seats. Opinions on the battery performance and safety aspects vary, with some finding the battery and range underwhelming and others expressing concerns about safety levels.

Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.^[1] The Altra EV was in production from 1998 to 2002, with a limited production of approximately 200 vehicles primarily used as fleet vehicles for companies such as electric utilities.^[2] During the same period, Nissan also developed the Nissan Hypermini, conducting a demonstration programme and selling a limited number to government and corporate fleets in Japan from 1999 to 2001. A small fleet of Hyperminis underwent field testing in various Californian cities between 2001 and 2005.^[3]

In 2009, Nissan unveiled the EV-11 prototype electric car, which was based on the Nissan Tiida hatchback. The prototype featured a substitution of the conventional gasoline engine with an all-electric system, comprising an 80 kW (110 hp)/280 N⋅m (210 lbf⋅ft) electric motor, a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an estimated range of 175 km (109 miles) on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's LA-4 or "city" driving cycle. Noteworthy features included a navigation system and remote control and monitoring capabilities via a cellphone connection through Nissan's secure data centre to the car.^[4] The technology in the EV-11 had previously undergone development and testing in the EV-01 and EV-02 test cars, both equipped with an all-electric powertrain and using the Nissan Cube (Z11) as a development mule.^[5][6] The EV-11 prototype was publicly showcased on 26 July 2009.^[4] A week later, on 2 August 2009, Nissan unveiled the Leaf at its Yokohama headquarters and committed to initiating retail sales in both the North American market and Japan by the end of 2010.^[7][8]

Nissan has an installed capacity to produce 250,000 Leafs per year, 150,000 at Smyrna, U.S., 50,000 at Oppama, Japan, and 50,000 at Sunderland, England.

The first vehicles sold in the U.S. were produced at Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan, which started production on 22 October 2010.^[9][10][11] The plant has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.^[11] Production of the electric car faced disruption for several months starting in March 2011 due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Consequently, Nissan fell short of its 2011 production target of 50,000 Leafs.^[12] Anticipating a rebound in production and an expanded market presence, Nissan aimed to boost sales to 40,000 units in 2012, up from 20,000 in 2011. This strategy involved normalizing production output and introducing the Leaf to additional European countries and regional markets in the U.S.^[13]

Despite cumulative sales exceeding 49,000 Leafs by December 2012, Nissan experienced only a 22% increase in sales during 2012, which Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn deemed "a disappointment for us." He attributed this to factors such as the adverse dollar-yen exchange rate affecting the Leaf's price. Recognising the pricing issues with the original Leaf models, Ghosn highlighted the decision to reduce the price of the 2013 model year Leaf by 18%. This reduction was made possible by the initiation of U.S. production of the electric car on a new assembly line in Smyrna, Tennessee, contributing to lowered production costs. Nissan has also implemented measures to enhance production efficiency and decrease component costs, with a particular focus on the battery pack—the most expensive component of the vehicle.^[14]

Commercial production in the United States commenced on 9 January 2013 at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.^[15][16][17] The plant underwent modifications, supported by a US$1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, enabling the production of the Nissan Leaf and its advanced batteries.^[18] The Smyrna plant was anticipated to manufacture up to 150,000 Leaf and 200,000 battery packs annually.^[18] Nissan initially planned to unveil the upgraded 2013 model year Nissan Leaf for the North American market in December 2012, but the introduction was rescheduled to January 2013 during the North American International Auto Show.^[19] The Smyrna plant began producing lithium-ion cells on 13 December 2012.^[20] These cells are utilised in the battery pack of the 2013 model year Leaf manufactured at the adjacent assembly plant. The cell fabrication factory in Smyrna is the largest plant in the U.S. that builds automotive-scale lithium-ion batteries, and it can produce batteries for up to 200,000 electric vehicles a year.^[21]

Production of the Leaf at Nissan's Sunderland plant in England commenced on 28 March 2013.^[22] Nissan secured a GB£20.7 million grant from the British government and up to GB£220 million from the European Investment Bank.^[23] With a capacity to produce 60,000 lithium-ion batteries and 50,000 Leafs annually, the plant caters exclusively to the European market.^[23][24]

Euro NCAP test results
5-door RHD hatchback (2012)

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	31.9	89%
Child occupant:	40.4	83%
Pedestrian:	23.4	65%
Safety assist:	5.9	84%

The 2011 and 2012 model years received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the 2013 and 2014 model years are rated four stars overall. The latter rating is attributed to lower scores in front and side tests for passengers.^[25][26]

The Nissan Leaf was awarded with the "Top Safety Pick" designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2011. The Leaf received top ratings of "Good" for front, side, and rear impact crash tests, and also on rollover protection. The injury measurements except one received a "Good" rating, indicating a relatively low risk of significant injuries in crashes based on the IIHS's severity scale.^[27][28] In 2012, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) conducted testing on a Nissan Leaf. The specific model subjected to the assessment was a 1,545 kg (3,406 lb), right-hand-drive, 80 kW (110 hp) small family hatchback.^[29] Electronic stability control was included as standard equipment and successfully met Euro NCAP's test requirements. The driver and front passenger seats are equipped with a standard seatbelt reminder system. Additionally, a driver-set speed limitation device is also part of the standard equipment.^[30]

Warning sounds

In response to the considerable noise reduction inherent in electric vehicles operating at low speeds, the 2011 Nissan Leaf incorporates digital warning sounds—distinct for forward and reverse motions—to notify pedestrians, including those with visual impairments, and others of its presence.^[31][32] Nissan introduced the Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system for this purpose, also utilised in the Nissan Fuga hybrid. The VSP system generates audible alerts detectable by individuals outside the vehicle while avoiding distraction to occupants inside. During the sound's development, Nissan conducted behavioral research on the visually impaired, collaborating with cognitive and acoustic psychologists.^[32][33] The sine-wave sound system spans from 2.5 kHz to 600 Hz, ensuring audibility across age groups. It produces varying high-low sounds based on speed, acceleration, or deceleration, ceasing at 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and resuming below 25 km/h (16 mph). The 2011 model allowed drivers to temporarily disable the sounds, but the system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle. Controlled by a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, the sound emanates from a speaker in the front driver’s side wheel well.^[32] Nissan discontinued the option to disable the pedestrian alert from the 2012 model onward, anticipating a U.S. ruling by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).^[34]

Upon publicising the new sounds, the U.S. National Federation of the Blind commented that "while we were pleased that the alert existed, we were unhappy that the driver could turn it off."^[32] In the United Kingdom, compliance with local regulations necessitated the removal of the Leaf's electric warning sound, as the law mandates the capability to disable any hazard warning sound between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am—a feature not supported by the Leaf's audible warning system.^[35]

Safety protection

The Leaf's battery pack benefits from protective structural steel reinforcement, safeguarding it against crash damage.^[36] To prevent shock and fire hazards, the Leaf is equipped with a battery safety system triggered during a crash involving the deployment of airbags. The airbag control unit signals a mechanical disconnection of the high voltage from the vehicle.^[37] In December 2011, Nissan reported, as an indication of the Leaf safety performance, that none of the around two dozen Leafs that were destroyed during the March 2011 tsunami caught fire and their batteries remained intact.^[38] As of December 2011^[update], no fires after a crash have been reported in the U.S. associated with the Leaf or other plug-in electric cars available in the market.^[39]

In its five-cycle testing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined the 2011 model Leaf's energy consumption to be 0.212 kWh/km (34 kWh/100 miles). The Leaf received a combined fuel economy rating of 99 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) (2.4 L/100 km), equivalent to 106 mpg_‑US (2.2 L/100 km; 127 mpg_‑imp) in city driving and 92 mpg_‑US (2.6 L/100 km; 110 mpg_‑imp) on highways.^[40][41][42] For the 2013 model year, it achieved a 15% improvement in its EPA fuel economy combined ratings. According to the EPA, the 2013 Leaf improved its energy consumption to 115 mpg‑e (29 kW⋅h/100 mi; 18.2 kW⋅h/100 km) from 99 mpg‑e (34 kW⋅h/100 mi; 21 kW⋅h/100 km), giving 129 mpg‑e (26 kW⋅h/100 mi; 16.2 kW⋅h/100 km) in city driving and 102 mpg‑e (33 kW⋅h/100 mi; 21 kW⋅h/100 km) on highways.^[43]

According to the EPA, the 2014 and 2015 model year Leafs have an energy consumption of 30 kWh/100 miles, for a combined city/highway rating of 114 mpg‑e (30 kW⋅h/100 mi; 18.4 kW⋅h/100 km); 126 MPGe (26.7 kW⋅h/100 mi; 16.6 kW⋅h/100 km) city and 101 MPGe (33.4 kW⋅h/100 mi; 20.7 kW⋅h/100 km) highway.^[44] The 2016 Leaf with the smaller 24 kWh battery has the same ratings and energy consumption as the 2014/15 models, while the trims with the larger 30 kWh has the same energy consumption of 30 kWh/100 miles, but was rated 112 MPGe (30.1 kW⋅h/100 mi; 18.7 kW⋅h/100 km) for combined city/highway; 124 MPGe (27.2 kW⋅h/100 mi; 16.9 kW⋅h/100 km) city and 101 MPGe (33.4 kW⋅h/100 mi; 20.7 kW⋅h/100 km) highway.^[44]

In February 2014, the Automotive Science Group (ASG) conducted a comprehensive study assessing the life cycle of over 1,300 automobiles in nine categories sold in North America. The findings revealed that, among advanced automotive technologies, the Nissan Leaf demonstrated the smallest life-cycle environmental footprint of any model year 2014 automobile available in the North American market with a minimum four-person occupancy. The study concluded that the increased environmental impacts of manufacturing the battery electric technology are more than offset by the enhanced environmental performance during operational life. The assessment utilised the average electricity mix of the U.S. grid in 2014.^[45]

In December 2014, Nissan announced that Leaf owners have collectively accumulated 1 billion kilometres (625 million miles) driven. This amount of electric distance translates into avoiding 180 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions by driving an electric car in comparison to travelling with a gasoline-powered car.^[46] In December 2016, Nissan reported that Leaf owners worldwide achieved the milestone of 3 billion kilometres (1.9 billion miles) driven collectively through November 2016, saving nearly 500 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions.^[47]

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