Nissan Leaf 40 kWh

Overview

The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh, a true pioneer in the electric hatch scene, offered an accessible entry into EV ownership. Though discontinued since 2022, it remains a popular choice on the used market, with typical prices around €9,999. This particular trim balances practicality with zero-emission motoring, making it a smart urban companion. It laid the groundwork for many EVs that followed, proving electric cars could be sensible daily drivers. For those dipping their toes into electric motoring without breaking the bank, this Leaf is still a solid contender.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year in 2022, the Leaf 40 kWh received a light refresh rather than a full overhaul. Key changes included the sleek, new Nissan brand logo appearing on the grille, wheels, and boot lid, giving it a slightly more modern vibe. Some markets also saw minor tweaks to alloy wheel designs and potentially adjustments in standard equipment levels. However, the fundamental powertrain and battery specs for this trusty 40 kWh version remained consistent, continuing its reliable service.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh sports a familiar, friendly hatchback design that’s instantly recognisable. Its V-motion grille, a Nissan signature, integrates smoothly with the sharp headlights. While not a radical head-turner, it’s neat and aerodynamically considered. Dimensions are city-friendly: 4490 mm long, 1788 mm wide, and 1530 mm tall. The 40 kWh version typically featured practical alloy wheels, with newer designs part of the 2022 update, perfectly suiting its sensible character.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Leaf 40 kWh, you’ll find a functional and straightforward cabin designed for ease of use, seating five comfortably. While materials are durable rather than plush, the layout is ergonomic. You get a decent 435 litres of boot space, expanding to a handy 1176 litres with the rear seats folded down, though there's no frunk for extra bits. Tech-wise, most models feature Nissan's infotainment system with smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making daily commutes a breeze.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Leaf 40 kWh delivers a zippy and smooth driving experience, perfect for urban jaunts. Its Front-Wheel Drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) producing 110 kW and a punchy 320 Nm of torque. This translates to a respectable 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 144 km/h. Nissan’s e-Pedal system allows for convenient one-pedal driving, enhancing regenerative braking and making city driving super intuitive.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering this Leaf is a 39 kWh (usable capacity) battery pack, delivering Green Cars Compare's calculated 'real-world' range estimate of around 240 km – pretty decent for daily duties, with an efficiency of 6.15 km/kWh. For charging, it features a Type 2 (Mennekes) port for AC and a CHAdeMO port for DC. Standard AC charging is at 3.6 kW, with an optional 6.6 kW unit available. On DC, it can pull up to 50 kW, getting you topped up quickly on the go from its 400V architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Nissan Leaf has a strong safety record, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 2022 40 kWh model often came well-equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, though availability could vary by specific European market and trim level. This typically bundled features like intelligent cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic jam pilot. Standard kit usually included essentials like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a reassuring family hatch.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Although now a used proposition, the 2022 Leaf 40 kWh originally came with Nissan's standard European warranty. This typically included a 3-year/100,000 km basic vehicle warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty for specific EV components. Crucially, the battery pack was covered for 8 years or 160,000 km against significant capacity degradation (e.g., falling below 9 out of 12 bars). Maintenance is generally lower than petrol cars, adding to its cost-effective appeal.