Nissan Leaf 62 kWh

Overview

The 2022 Nissan Leaf 62 kWh, now a cracking used buy, represents the swan song of a true EV pioneer. This longer-range variant packs a practical punch, offering a sensible blend of everyday usability and proven Nissan reliability. As one of the original mass-market electric hatchbacks, it carved a niche for affordable, zero-emission motoring. With production having ceased in 2022, you can snag one on the pre-owned market for around €16,990 in Europe. It’s a solid choice for those dipping their toes into electric driving or needing a dependable second car.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year, the 2022 Leaf received a light nip-and-tuck to keep things fresh. In Europe, this meant the 62 kWh models sported slick new alloy wheel designs and proudly wore Nissan's updated, more modern brand logo. Buyers could also opt for a couple of cool new exterior paint shades to stand out. Underneath, it's the familiar and well-liked Leaf package, with tech like ProPILOT Assist often found on these higher-spec versions, making motorway slogs a doddle. It was a subtle but smart send-off for this EV favourite.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Nissan Leaf 62 kWh rocks a familiar, aero-friendly hatchback silhouette that still looks pretty sharp. Up front, Nissan’s signature V-motion grille (though largely blanked off for EV duties) gives it a distinctive face, flanked by smart LED headlights on most trims. The 2022 refresh brought some snazzy new alloy wheel options, adding a bit of extra kerb appeal. Dimensionally, it measures up at 4490 mm long, 1788 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1540 mm tall, making it a doddle to park in tight city spots.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Slide inside the Leaf 62 kWh, and you'll find a cabin that's all about no-fuss practicality and decent comfort for five. While some materials might feel a tad mainstream, the layout is user-friendly. Tech-wise, you typically get an 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – essential for keeping connected. Boot space is a very usable 426 litres, expanding to a generous 1167 litres with the rear seats tumbled. Sadly, there's no frunk for stashing charging cables, but overall, it’s a well-thought-out interior package.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Leaf 62 kWh isn't just about saving polar bears; it's got a surprising zip! The 160 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers a healthy 340 Nm of torque instantly to the front wheels, whisking you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.1 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 157 km/h. It’s a doddle to drive, with Nissan’s clever e-Pedal allowing for proper one-pedal driving, which is brilliant in town. The ride is generally comfy, soaking up bumps well, making it a relaxing companion for the daily grind.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the Leaf 62 kWh boasts a 59 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 337 km, which is plenty for most daily commutes and a good few longer jaunts. Efficiency is rated at a decent 5.71 km/kWh. For charging, AC top-ups use a Type 2 (Mennekes) port, with a standard 3.6 kW onboard charger, though a quicker 6.6 kW version was optional. For rapid charging on the go, it uses a CHAdeMO port, capable of gulping down electrons at up to 100 kW.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Nissan didn't skimp on safety with the Leaf, and this 62 kWh model proudly wears a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating. You get a good suite of standard kit, often including intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and blind-spot intervention. Many 62 kWh versions also come equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, a clever system that bundles adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping smarts for more relaxed motorway journeys. It’s a reassuringly safe family hatchback that looks out for you.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Nissan typically offered a 3-year/100,000 km basic warranty in Europe, with specific EV components, like the motor, often covered for 5 years/100,000 km. Crucially, the high-voltage battery usually came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, protecting against significant capacity loss. As an EV, maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than a petrol or diesel car – no oil changes here! The Leaf has a reputation for being a reliable workhorse, so expect hassle-free motoring, especially if you find a well-cared-for example.