Nissan Leaf 40 kWh

Overview

The 2025 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh continues to be a solid choice for an affordable, practical electric hatchback, especially for city dwellers and first-time EV buyers. It offers a proven package with a focus on usability. Key highlights for this trim include its accessible pricing, decent real-world range for daily commutes, and a comfortable ride. New models are priced from €35,900, with used examples available around €15,890 in the European market, making it a cracking value proposition. It’s a no-fuss entry into the world of electric motoring that just works.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh largely builds upon the established strengths of this second-generation model, which began production in 2022 for this specific trim. Expect the familiar, user-friendly package with potential minor refinements to trim levels or available connected services. Nissan typically focuses on iterative improvements, so while groundbreaking changes aren't anticipated for this specific model year and trim, it remains a competitive offering. The core values of efficiency and practicality are carried forward, ensuring it’s still a sensible pick in its segment.

Design & Exterior

The 2025 Leaf 40 kWh sports Nissan's signature V-motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic lines, giving it a modern, if familiar, hatchback profile. It's not out to shock, but rather offer a smart, contemporary look. This trim usually features practical alloy wheel designs. Key dimensions are a length of 4490 mm, a width of 1788 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1530 mm, making it well-suited for urban environments. The design prioritises efficiency and ease of use, a classic Leaf trait that appeals to many.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Leaf 40 kWh offers a straightforward and user-friendly cabin. Materials are durable, designed for everyday life, and passenger space is decent for a car of its class, seating five comfortably. You get a generous 435 litres of boot space, expanding to a very useful 1176 litres with the rear seats folded flat – proper handy! According to the specifications, there's no frunk. The infotainment system typically includes a responsive touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, keeping you connected on the go. It’s all very sensible and easy to get along with.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Leaf 40 kWh zips from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.9 seconds, thanks to its punchy front-wheel-drive setup powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This motor delivers 110 kW of power and a healthy 320 Nm of instant torque, making it feel nippy around town and perfectly capable on the motorway, topping out at 144 km/h. The driving experience is smooth and quiet, with a comfortable ride. Nissan's e-Pedal allows for one-pedal driving, enhancing the relaxed EV experience, and regenerative braking is nicely tuned.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Leaf 40 kWh comes equipped with a 39 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 238 km – plenty for most daily needs. Energy consumption is a thrifty 6.1 km/kWh. For charging in Europe, it uses a Type 2 (Mennekes) connector for AC and CHAdeMO for DC. Standard AC charging is at 3.6 kW, with an optional 6.6 kW on-board charger cutting full charge time to about 6 hours. DC fast charging via CHAdeMO maxes out at 50 kW, allowing for a significant range boost in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong suit for the Leaf, with this generation boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 2025 40 kWh model comes well-equipped with essential driver-assistance systems. Expect features like Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Intervention to be standard or readily available. Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, offering advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, might be an option depending on the specific package, adding convenience for longer drives. It’s a reassuringly safe family hatchback.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Nissan typically backs the Leaf with a competitive warranty in Europe. This generally includes a 3-year/100,000 km basic vehicle warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty for EV-specific components. The crucial battery warranty usually stands at 8 years/160,000 km, guaranteeing against significant capacity degradation. Maintenance costs are generally low thanks to the simpler EV powertrain. The Leaf has a solid reputation for reliability, making it a dependable choice for those switching to electric mobility. Always confirm specifics with your local dealer.