Nissan Leaf first generation
The Nissan Leaf first generation (2010–2017): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 10 versions in the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: ZE0, AZE0
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,450 mm RDW | 4,450 mm TC | 4,445 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm RDW | 1,770 mm TC | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,550 mm RDW | 1,550 mm TC | 1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690–2,700 mm RDW | 2,700 mm TC | 2,700 mm |
| Front track | 1,530–1,540 mm ASTRA | 1,540 mm TC | – |
| Rear track | 1,525–1,535 mm ASTRA | 1,530 mm TC | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,405–1,500 kg RDW | 1,481–1,541 kg TC | 1,500–1,521 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,505–1,600 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,945–1,970 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 651–680 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,549–2,605 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 144–145 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 254–280 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
| Electric motor power | – | 80 kW NRCan | – |
| Electric | |||
| Battery capacity (usable) | – | – | 30.0 kWh |
| Range (EPA/NRCan) | – | 117–172 km EPA | – |
| Charging time at 240 V | – | 6.0–8.0 h EPA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/55R16, 215/50R17
NHTSA overall safety rating (US): 2011–2012: ★★★★★ · 2013–2016: ★★★★☆
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Natural Resources Canada, Traficom type approvals (Finland), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5 years | 90.9% (90.0–91.7) | 91.0% | 4,624 |
| 6–8 years | 83.7% (83.3–84.1) | 86.4% | 30,533 |
| 9–12 years | 72.3% (71.5–73.0) | 77.9% | 15,015 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 32.4% | 28.7% |
| Brakes | 29.8% | 22.4% |
| Suspension | 24.7% | 16.4% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 7.8% | 7.1% |
| Lights and electrics | 5.6% | 10.7% |
| Steering | 2.9% | 2.4% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
429 complaints for model years 2010–2017. 36 crashes · 4 fires · 21 injuries
- Brakes 194
- Electrical system 99
- Airbags 82
- Speed control 24
- Fuel system 22
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 10 versions of the Nissan Leaf first generation
European Union 3 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2017 | Electric motor | 80 kW (109 PS) | Electric | 15.0–17.3 kWh/100 km NEDC | 0–12 g/km | 118,625 |
| 2017 | Electric motor | 120 kW (163 PS) | Electric | – | 0 g/km | 472 |
| 2010 | Electric motor | – | Electric | – | 0 g/km | 68 |
United Kingdom 3 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2018Leaf (Engine Code EM57) · Leaf 24kWh | Electric motor | Electric | 15.0 kWh/100 km NEDC | 0 g/km | 199 km |
| 2016–2018Leaf 30kWh | Electric motor | Electric | 15.0 kWh/100 km NEDC | 0 g/km | 250 km |
| 2013–2016Leaf | Electric motor | Electric | 17.3 kWh/100 km NEDC | 0 g/km | 175 km |
France 2 versions
New cars on sale in France, from ADEME Car Labelling. NEDC figures until 2015, WLTP figures in the current catalogue.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015LEAF | Electric motor | – | Electric |
| 2012–2014LEAF | Electric motor | 80 kW (109 PS) | Electric |
United States 1 version
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2017 | Electric motor | Electric | Automatic | Front-wheel drive | 99–115 MPGe EPA | 0 g/km | 117–172 km |
Canada 1 version
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2017Mid-size | Electric motor | 80 kW (109 PS) | Electric | Automatic | 18.4–21.1 kWh/100 km 5-cycle | 0 g/km | 117–172 km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.