Nissan Leaf 24 kWh

Overview

The 2013 Nissan Leaf, particularly this 24 kWh version, was a trailblazer, making electric motoring accessible. It's a practical five-door hatchback ideal for city slickers and early EV adopters. While its original MSRP is long past, you can snag one for a song, with used prices around $1,725 as per Green Cars Compare data! It’s your ticket to zero-emission driving without breaking the bank. Its quirky charm and whisper-quiet ride still make it a compelling, budget-friendly electric option stateside.

What's New for 2013?

Big news for 2013! Nissan shifted Leaf production to Smyrna, Tennessee, for US models. This brought a new, more affordable 'S' trim (which this 24 kWh model with its standard 3.3 kW charger aligns with), making EV ownership even more attainable. Other 2013 Leafs saw an available 6.6 kW charger for faster home top-ups and improved cabin heaters on higher trims. The onboard charger was also cleverly relocated to the front on 2013 models, impacting boot space configurations compared to earlier years.

Design & Exterior

The 2013 Leaf sports a unique, aerodynamic look that screams "I'm electric!" Its distinctive bulging headlights, designed to channel air around the mirrors, and smooth, rounded silhouette certainly turn heads. It’s a compact hatch, measuring 175 inches long, 69.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 61 inches tall. While not a fire-breather in the looks department, its futuristic (for the time) and friendly face makes it stand out from the petrol-guzzling crowd. Simple wheel covers likely adorn this sensible 24 kWh version.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2013 Leaf, and you'll find a cabin that’s airy and functional, with a focus on eco-friendly materials. It seats five, offering decent noggin and knee room for a compact. For your gubbins, you get 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 25.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down – according to the provided specifications. No frunk here, sadly. Tech-wise, expect a straightforward digital display; this "24 kWh" trim likely features a basic infotainment system, so don't bank on fancy touchscreens or smartphone mirroring from this era.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect Tesla-plaid speed, but the Leaf’s 80 kW (around 107 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers a zippy 207 lb-ft of instant torque to the front wheels. That’s good for a 0-60 mph dash in a respectable 10 seconds – perfect for darting through city traffic. The driving experience is super smooth and eerily quiet, a real eye-opener if you're new to EVs. It’s got a comfy ride for urban jaunts and regenerative braking to help eke out extra miles, with a 'B' mode for more aggressive energy recovery.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Leaf rocks a 22 kWh usable battery pack, giving you a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of about 76 miles. Efficiency is a decent 3.45 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 3.3 kW on-board unit will take around 7 hours for a full top-up using its Type 1 (J1772) connector. Out and about? It supports DC fast charging up to 46 kW via its CHAdeMO port, juicing you up to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. The charge ports are conveniently located on the nose.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a key consideration for the Leaf. This 2013 model bagged a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, which is pretty solid. Standard kit includes the usual suspects like multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and vehicle dynamic control. For the 2013 model year, all US Leafs also received a standard rearview camera – a handy feature! Don't expect fancy semi-autonomous driving aids on this early EV pioneer, but it covers the essential safety bases well for its time.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2013 Leaf typically came with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the electric bits. The crucial 24 kWh battery was often covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles against significant capacity loss. Maintenance is a doddle – no oil changes here! Just keep an eye on tires, brakes, and the cabin filter. While generally reliable for an early EV, battery health is the main thing to check on these older electric heroes given their age.