Electrical energy consumed from the battery over a given distance.
Economy
{model}
{wh}
kWh/100 km
Economy
{model}
{km}
km/kWh
Energy consumption is displayed on the dashboard and is re-calculated as you drive. It is different to the WLTP-rated consumption (which measures power from the mains).
This number is estimated by comparing the usable battery capacity against the WLTP range.
The maximum speed the EV can charge at home or a public AC charger.
An EV has a built-in charger that converts household AC electricity into DC current that goes into the battery.
This limits the maximum speed you can charge at home - no matter what extra equipment you install. Some public chargers (such as at motor camps and shopping malls) are also AC only.
Fast Charge ⚡
The maximum speed the EV can charge at a DC fast charger.
Speed is also limited by the capacity of the public charger. In NZ, fast chargers are typically 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 175 kW, and 300 kW.
Temperature (20°+ is ideal) and battery state-of-charge affect speed (an empty battery charges faster).
The Leaf is an iconic electric hatchback, and is the most popular EV on New Zealand’s roads. Used predominantly as a second car or round-town runner, newer variants with longer range make it an all-rounder.
In 2018, the Leaf underwent a major change in looks and shape, leading to a roomy hatchback with significant boot space.
Specs
Nissan Leaf 40 kWh
2018→
The second-generation Leaf is a significant upgrade to its popular predecessor. The 5-seat hatchback is roomier, with multiple feature upgrades (such as one-pedal driving). It continues to be a popular choice, with most customers opting for used imports rather than NZ new.
Note that the Japanese import version has only a 3.6 kW charger. From 2023 Nissan NZ identified the base Leaf as a 39 kWh battery (indicating its usable capacity rather than total).
Price
Price
$47,990
Performance
0-100 km/h
7.9 s
Top Speed
144 km/h
Total Power
110 kW
Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
270 km
Highway Range
207 km
WLTP Consumption
171 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$4.28/100 km
Nissan Leaf 40 kWh: Real Range
Estimate the real world range that may be achieved in local conditions.
The E+ does not just have a bigger battery but a more powerful motor (160 kW compared to the standard 110 kW Leaf), giving it quicker acceleration and more torque.
NZ New E+ Leafs give the battery as 59 kWh. This is the usable battery.
While most Leafs on the road are used imports, among NZ New vehicles, 80% are the E+.
Price
Price
$56,990
Performance
0-100 km/h
6.9 s
Top Speed
157 km/h
Total Power
160 kW
Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
385 km
Highway Range
295 km
WLTP Consumption
185 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$4.63/100 km
Nissan Leaf e+ 62 kWh: Real Range
Estimate the real world range that may be achieved in local conditions.
These model(s) are only available second-hand, either locally, or as used imports.
Nissan Leaf 24 kWh
2011-2016
The Nissan Leaf was first registered in New Zealand in 2011, with an upgrade in late 2012. The 30 kWh battery was made available between 2016 and 2017.
The degree of battery wear significantly affects range. A 24 kWh Leaf won’t have more than 125 km range. Generally, the older the vehicle, the lower the range.
An older Leaf is best used as a city or urban-only car. The Leaf has DC fast-charging capability, but its short range make it a poor choice for regional travel.
Price
Used Price (est.)
$5k+
Performance
0-100 km/h
11.9 s
Top Speed
144 km/h
Total Power
80 kW
Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
WLTP Range
115 km
Highway Range
88 km
WLTP Consumption
142 Wh/km
Charging Cost
$3.55/100 km
Battery & Charging
Battery
24 kWh / 22 kWh
Chemistry
NMC
AC speed (max)
3.3 kW
DC speed (max)
46 kW
V2L
-
Dimensions
Seats
5
Tow Rating
- / -
Boot Space
370 L / 680 L
Frunk
-
Shape
Hatchback
Length
4445 mm
Width
1770 mm
Height
1550 mm
Kerb Weight
1505 kg
Nissan Leaf 30 kWh
2016-2017
In 2016 a 30 kWh battery version of the Leaf replaced the older 24 kWh versions. This provided a longer range. Nissan New Zealand did not sell these vehicles, and all of them are used imports.
Range is dependent on the battery state of health.
Price
Used Price (est.)
$9k+
Performance
0-100 km/h
11.9 s
Top Speed
144 km/h
Total Power
80 kW
Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Range & Efficiency
WLTP Consumption measures recharged electric energy from the mains (includes charging losses).
Over time, older Leaf batteries lose their ability to hold their charge.
Degradation is around 3% per year.
NOTE: This level of degradation is only in pre-2018 (older shape) Leafs. Newer Leafs are not showing the same linear drop in health.
State of Health (SoH) is the most important consideration when buying a Leaf (more so than km’s traveled).
SoH cannot be read on a Nissan Leaf without using some extra kit; however, the dashboard displays the number of bars that correlate to SoH and, therefore range.
Battery Bars vs SOH
There is a correlation between the State of health and battery bars; however, this is not perfect. There is variation as to exactly when the dashboard bars ‘drop’ (there can be a lag).
Bars
State of Health
24 kWh Range
30 kWh Range
40 kWh Range
12
85% – 100%
115-135 km
142-168 km
230-270 km
11
78.75% – 85%
106-114 km
132-142 km
213-230 km
10
72.5% – 78.75%
98-106 km
122-132 km
9
66.25% – 72.5%
90-98 km
111-122 km
8
60% – 66.25%
81-90 km
100-111 km
7
53.75% – 60%
72-81 km
90-100 km
6
47.5% – 53.75%
63-72 km
79-90 km
Figures are based on a 135 km real-world range (on a brand new 24 kWh Leaf) and 168 km (on a 30 kWh Leaf).
Range of Leaf by Year
Battery SoH is the best way of estimating range, but there are some correlations to the vehicle’s year (last updated late 2023).
Year
24 kWh SoH and Range
30 kWh
40 kWh
2011
57% – 77 km
–
2012
66% – 89 km
–
2013
73% – 98 km
–
2014
75% – 101 km
–
2015
76% – 102 km
–
2016
–
75% – 126 km
2017
–
78% – 131 km
87% – 235 km
2018
–
–
87% – 235 km
2019
–
–
88% – 238 km
2020
91% – 246 km
2011-2013 Leafs seem to have a huge variety in the State of Health, making it difficult to assess the range.
This data comes from real-world monitoring done by FliptheFleet. It represents the 50th percentile of vehicles (i.e., the median). As a basic rule of thumb, a pre-2014 Leaf appeared to have the worst battery packs (again at around 4.5% per year). Leafs from 2014 onward appear to degrade at 2.6% per year (so SoH = 100 – 2.6 x years old).
Leaf Model names:
ZE0- 2011-2012 AZE0-0 and AZE0-1 2013-2015 AZE0-2 2016-2017 (starting production in late 2015) ZE1- 2018-
Trim Levels
Leafs have three distinct trim levels. The top-level tends to have heated seats and steering wheel.
Base
Mid Level
Top Level
Japan
S
X
G
UK
Acenta
N-Connecta
Tekna
USA
S and S Plus
SV and SV Plus
SL Plus
Some imports are the Autech sub-variation (ex-Japan only). The Autech Leaf has distinct LED lights in the front bumper and body trim enhancements, giving it a sportier look.
NZ New Nissan Leaf
Nissan New Zealand sold new Leafs between 2012 and 2015 (about 80 were registered), but these were undercut by used imports (from Japan or UK).
They stopped selling new vehicles until about 2019, when the next generation (ZE1) was supplied. While there has been a modest success as an NZ new vehicle, it is still the primary choice of used import EV.
Nissan Leaf Reviews
Local reviews on New Zealand roads
Tarmac Life
Face-leafted – 2023 Nissan Leaf review
"The 2023 Leaf may be a facelift but it’s been given far more than just a prettier face. It’s more modern in technology, more refined on the road and more efficient in its powertrain – hopefully the purists won’t call this a Gen 4 though."
New Zealand review: Is the Nissan Leaf still a good buy in 2022?
"Sure it may be about as exciting as a rainy weekend in Palmerston North but not everyone wants or needs a sports car. Some people just want safe reliable transport to get from point A to point B cheaply, and if that is you then the Nissan Leaf is worth a look. "
See on YouTube →
Sales Rank
All Time
12
Last 12 months
15
The Nissan Leaf is the 12th best selling new fully electric vehicle (of all time) - in New Zealand. Over the past 12 months, the Nissan Leaf was the 15th best selling new EV.
Tarmac Life
Ecotricity
