Nissan Leaf 30 kWh

Overview

The 2018 Nissan Leaf 30 kWh represents the swan song of the first-gen trailblazer, offering a cracking entry into EV ownership. Positioned as a super affordable used electric hatch, this particular trim boosted range over earlier models, making it a more practical daily driver. With used prices around $3,500 in the US, it’s a proper bargain for city dwellers or as a second car. While production has ceased, its legacy as a pioneer in accessible electric mobility continues, offering zero-emission motoring on a tight budget for savvy American buyers.

What's New for 2018?

For this specific 2018 Nissan Leaf 30 kWh, it was largely a carryover model marking the final year of the first generation, as an all-new second-gen Leaf also debuted. Think of it as the value-packed farewell tour! The key "new" aspect was its position as an even more compelling used buy, given its proven 30 kWh battery tech (introduced in 2016) providing that bit of extra range. No major new features were bolted on this year for this variant; its appeal was its established, budget-friendly electric motoring.

Design & Exterior

The 2018 Leaf 30 kWh sports that distinctive, somewhat quirky, but undeniably eco-focused shape that became a familiar sight. Its bug-eyed headlights and aerodynamically sculpted body, measuring 175 inches long, 69.7 inches wide, and 61 inches tall, were designed for efficiency. While not a stunner, it’s got a friendly vibe with blue accents hinting at its electric heart. Higher trims often featured alloy wheels, while the charging port sat proudly up front. It’s a look that says, "I'm saving the planet, one quiet mile at a time!"

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2018 Leaf 30 kWh is functional and airy, with a focus on recycled and eco-friendly materials. You’ll find seating for five, though the back is best for two adults or kids on longer jaunts. Cargo space is decent for a hatch, offering 13.1 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 25.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat – no frunk here, though. Trims with the 30 kWh battery typically included a 7-inch NissanConnect touchscreen with navigation, but don't expect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; those were for the second-gen model.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the Leaf 30 kWh packs a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels. It delivers 80 kW (around 107 hp) and a handy 187 lb-ft of instant torque. Nought to 60 mph takes a leisurely 10.4 seconds, so it’s no drag racer, but it’s perfectly nippy for city driving. The ride is generally comfortable, and it’s super quiet. You get a 'B' mode for increased regenerative braking, helping to squeeze out extra miles – proper one-pedal-ish driving if you master it!

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of this Leaf is its 28 kWh usable battery pack (30 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of about 109 miles, making it ideal for commutes and errands, with an efficiency of 3.89 mi/kWh. For charging, it uses a Type 1 (J1772) port for AC and a CHAdeMO port for DC fast charging, both located in the nose. Standard AC charging is at 3.3 kW (full in ~8.5 hrs), with an optional 6.6 kW unit cutting that to ~4.25 hrs. Max DC fast charging is 50 kW, juicing you up to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The 2018 Leaf 30 kWh earned a respectable 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety kit included a rearview camera, essential for urban parking. While it wasn't loaded with the latest active safety tech like adaptive cruise or lane-keeping assist, higher trims (like the SV or SL, which commonly had the 30 kWh battery) sometimes offered Nissan's Around View Monitor, giving a 360-degree bird's-eye view for parking, which was pretty trick for its time. It’s a solid, safe choice for a budget EV.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a used 2018 model, the original Nissan factory warranties would apply from its initial in-service date. This typically included a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the 30 kWh battery was covered for 8 years/100,000 miles against defects and significant capacity loss. Maintenance is generally minimal for EVs – no oil changes! Just keep an eye on tires, brakes, and battery health. These Leafs have proven to be quite reliable, making them a sound used proposition.