The Nissan Leaf was the pioneer of electrical automobiles (EVs) in mass manufacturing, interesting to early adopters who discovered the Toyota Prius too standard. With its modest energy and restricted vary, the Leaf resembled a unusual spaceship, completely catering to these in search of one thing completely different in 2010.
Nonetheless, the Leaf confronted rising competitors. Tesla showcased that EVs may very well be fascinating with considerably greater ranges, whereas Chevrolet launched the extra refined Bolt EV. The market has since expanded to incorporate quite a few entry-level electrical crossovers. Regardless of this, Nissan has continued to replace the Leaf whereas sustaining its key promoting level: affordability.
The Nissan Leaf S stands out as essentially the most reasonably priced EV within the U.S., with a beginning worth underneath $30,000. In the event you’re in search of a budget-friendly method to journey from level A to level B, take into account exploring used Nissan Leafs.
In the event you’re fascinated about buying a used Nissan Leaf, sure questions needs to be addressed, alongside pitfalls to keep away from.
Which era Nissan Leaf do you have to take into account shopping for?
Essentially the most important distinction amongst Nissan Leafs lies of their era. The primary era (2011-2017) was ground-breaking however produced solely 107 horsepower and an preliminary EPA-estimated vary of simply 73 miles with its 24 kWh battery. A later-added 30 kWh battery elevated the vary to 107 miles, however bear in mind that these ranges could have diminished over time.
The second era (2018-present) improved upon this with an upgraded 42 kWh battery, now providing an EPA-estimated 149 miles of vary. Moreover, the Leaf Plus, launched in 2019, enhances energy output to 215 hp and achieves an EPA-estimated vary of 212 miles with a 62 kWh battery.
What’s the worth vary for a used Nissan Leaf?
Used Nissan Leafs can fluctuate broadly in worth. First-generation fashions are usually less expensive. Older first-generation Leafs, typically displaying excessive mileage and lowered vary, might be obtainable for underneath $5,000. Later fashions with the 30 kWh battery are typically priced between $5,000 and $10,000.
Alternatively, second-generation Leafs normally vary from $10,000 to $20,000, influenced by their age, utilization, and whether or not they’re Plus fashions. A latest used Leaf Plus would possibly exceed $20,000. Virtually all used Leafs ought to stay underneath the $25,000 cap for the used EV tax credit score.
Is battery degradation a priority with used Nissan Leafs?
Sure, battery capability diminishes over time, significantly in first-generation fashions that at the moment are over a decade previous. These automobiles, outfitted with earlier battery expertise, had been typically charged to full capability usually. A Leaf that after had 73 miles of vary could now present solely 40 to 50 miles.
Some early Leafs have proven substantial degradation, particularly if uncovered to excessive warmth, corresponding to these within the American Southwest. Nissan utilized passive air cooling for its battery packs, a distinction to the liquid cooling present in many more moderen EVs. In 2015, the corporate launched a extra sturdy “Lizard” battery to counter these points.
What kind of charging choices can be found for a Nissan Leaf?
Nissan supplied numerous configurations for the Leaf, affecting charging velocity. First-generation fashions usually function a typical 3.6 kW house charging capability, with an elective improve to six.6 kW. This latter capability is now customary on second-generation fashions, which is slower in comparison with the 11.4 kW capabilities seen in some newer EVs.
For quick charging, Nissan Leafs are outfitted with a 50 kW quick-charge port, upgraded to a 100 kW port for Leaf Plus fashions. The Leaf makes use of the CHAdeMO plug, which considerably limits quick charging choices for its house owners, because it is among the few EVs nonetheless using this connector kind.
Does the used Nissan Leaf carry out nicely in chilly climate?
Early first-generation Nissan Leafs confronted difficulties in chilly climate, significantly associated to cabin heating, which negatively impacted driving vary. In 2013, Nissan launched an environment friendly warmth pump possibility on greater trims as a part of a chilly climate bundle, serving to to scale back winter vary loss.
Testing signifies that second-generation Leafs deal with chilly situations higher than their predecessors. As an illustration, a 2019 Leaf demonstrated a aggressive vary in chilly climate in comparison with a number of rivals.
What about guarantee protection for used Nissan Leafs?
Most used Leafs will include some stage of guarantee protection. Initially, the Leaf was offered with a three-year/36,000-mile complete guarantee, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain guarantee, and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery guarantee for packs bigger than 24 kWh. Many first-generation Leafs will probably be out of guarantee, whereas second-generation fashions should still have battery guarantee protection.
It is essential to notice that the battery guarantee doesn’t assure a brand new battery. Nissan measures battery capability utilizing a 12-bar system, and falling under 9 out of 12 bars qualifies the car for battery guarantee repairs, solely protecting restoration to that stage.
