Nissan Leaf 2024 review
Photo: Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Nissan Leaf is the electric car that started it all in Britain, and the 2024 model remains one of the most sensible ways into EV ownership. Now in the second generation, it pairs a straightforward 40 kWh battery with a 150 PS electric motor, good for 168 miles of WLTP range — enough for the daily commute, the school run and the weekly shop without range anxiety creeping in. Inside, the Leaf is calm and practical rather than flashy: a roomy five-seat cabin, a 435-litre boot and Nissan's e-Pedal system that lets you drive with a single pedal most of the time, which becomes second nature within days. Charging is simple too, with a 50 kW CHAdeMO rapid-charging port that takes the battery from 20 to 80 percent in around an hour, and full overnight charging on a home wallbox costing only a few pounds at off-peak rates. For UK buyers who want proven electric reliability, cheap running costs and zero road tax, the Leaf still makes a compelling case against newer but pricier rivals.
UK price from: £28,995
Specifications
| Engine | Single electric motor, 40 kWh battery |
| Power | 150 PS (110 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 7.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 89 mph |
| Fuel economy | 168 miles (WLTP range) |
| CO2 | 0 g/km |
| Boot space | 435 litres |
| Length | 4,490 mm |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 150 PS electric motor with 320 Nm of instant torque
- 40 kWh battery with 168-mile WLTP range
- e-Pedal one-pedal driving mode
- 50 kW CHAdeMO rapid charging (20-80% in ~60 min)
- ProPILOT lane-centring driver assistance
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- 435-litre boot with 60/40 split-folding rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | Genuine Nissan filter; replace every 12 months for clean cabin air |
| Front brake pads (set) | £59.99 | Low-wear EV pads; typically last 60,000+ miles thanks to regenerative braking |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £89.99 | Powers the car's electronics; check every 3 years |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £29.99 | Flat-blade set; replace annually for streak-free vision |
| Tyre (205/55 R16) | £94.99 | Energy-efficient touring tyre; EV-specific low rolling resistance |
| Type 2 home charging cable (5m) | £149.99 | Spare cable for public and home wallbox charging |
Pros
- Proven, dependable electric powertrain with years of real-world data
- Very cheap to run and charge, especially on off-peak tariffs
- e-Pedal makes town driving effortless
- Strong used values thanks to Nissan's battery warranty
Cons
- 168-mile range trails the latest rivals
- CHAdeMO rapid charging is slower and rarer than CCS
- Interior feels dated next to newer EVs
- Only 50 kW peak rapid-charging speed



