Overview

Production of the Nissan ZE1 Leaf commenced in October 2017 and Australian deliveries commenced in August 2019. Manufactured in Yokosuka, Japan, the front-wheel drive Nissan ZE1 Leaf was a five-door hatchback that was powered by an electric motor. For Australia, the Nissan ZE1 Leaf was launched with a recommended retail price of $49,990 (excludes on-road costs).

Electric motor

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf was powered by an AC synchronous motor which produced 110 kW and 320 Nm. The electric motor drew power from a laminated 40 kWh lithium-ion battery that had 24 modules, each containing eight cells. Drive was transmitted to the front wheels via a single speed reduction gear, and the ZE1 Leaf could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The ZE1 Leaf had driving ranges of 270 km and 315 km under the WLTP and NEDC standards, respectively.

Charging

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf could be charged in three ways:

• Using a Mode 2 cable to charge via a standard three-pin 15A 240V wall socket. Using this method, the battery could be fully charged in approximately 24 hours;
• Using a Mode 3 cable with a dedicated EVSE plug to connect to an AC charger (the Nissan Leaf was supplied with such a cable). Using this method, the battery could be recharged in 7.5 hours; and,
• Using a 50 kWh CHAdeMO DC fast charging point (available along some highways). With this method, the battery could be charged to 80 per cent capacity in approximately 60 minutes.

Drive modes and e-Pedal

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf had four drive modes:

• D Mode: for a ‘responsive’ drive and maximum performance;
• B Mode: maximum regenerative braking to increase driving range;
• Eco Mode: limits engine outputs to reduce energy use by about 10 per cent; and,
• B+ Eco Mode: maximum regenerative braking, disconnection of energy intensive systems and limited engine output. According to Nissan, total energy use could be reduced by up to 30 per cent.

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf had an ‘e-Pedal’ which enabled the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop by increasing or decreasing pressure on the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator was fully released, regenerative and friction brakes were applied automatically, bringing the car to a complete stop. The Nissan Leaf would then hold its position, even on uphill slopes, until the accelerator was pressed again.

Body and dimensions

Compared to the Nissan ZE0 Leaf which preceded it, the ZE1 Leaf was 50 mm longer (at 4490 mm), 20 mm wider (1790 mm) and 9 mm lower (1540 mm), while wheelbase length (2700 mm) is unchanged; its drag co-efficient was 0.28 Cd. Cargo space was 405 litres (VDA method) with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 1176 litres when the rear seats were folded down and luggage was filled to the roofline.

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf had a kerb weight of 1594 kg.

Suspension

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. For improved compliance, the rear suspension for the ZE1 Leaf had rubber bump stops (rather than urethane bump stops as per the ZE0 Leaf).

The ZE1 Leaf was equipped with Nissan’s ‘Intelligent Ride Control’ which would effect a small amount of braking when going over bumps to reduce pitch – this provided faster dampening of the pitch motion that a vehicle using shock absorbers alone.

Steering

TheThe Nissan ZE1 Leaf had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; the steering wheel required 2.7 turns from lock to lock.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Nissan ZE1 Leaf consisted of dual front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

As standard, the Nissan ZE1 Leaf was equipped with the following active safety technologies –

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): used a radar sensor to detect traffic and pedestrian in front of the vehicle. If the distance to the vehicle ahead decreased such that there was a risk of collision, an audible warning would be emitted and a visual signal would appear on the instrument panel;
• Intelligent Emergency Braking: if the driver did not respond to the Forward Collision Warning System, the brakes would be applied automatically to reduce vehicle speed so that the collision could be avoided or its severity reduced;
• Intelligent Lane Intervention: could apply steering wheel torque to maintain the Leaf’s position within its lane. Furthermore, the system provided visual and audible alerts if the Leaf was drifting into another lane;
• Blind Spot Warning: used two radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. If a vehicle was in the blind spot and the driver indicates a lane change, a light would flash in the door mirror on that side of the vehicle and a warning tone would sound;
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: used the rear radar sensors to detect approaching traffic that may cross the driver’s path as they are reversing. If detected, the driver would be alerted via visual and audible warnings;
• Intelligent Driver Alert: monitored driver behaviour and, after learning the driver’s particular style, monitored steering inputs. If erratic steering – a common sign of fatigue – was detected, then a dashboard alert would appear to recommend that the driver take a break; and,
• Traffic Sign Recognition: could interpret traffic sign information and relay this information to the driver via the central touchscreen and digital instrument display.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Nissan ZE1 Leaf received a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset test, occupant protection for the driver’s head, chest and lower legs was rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury), while neck, thigh and foot protection was rated as good. Maximum points, however, were awarded in the side impact and pole tests.

Features: Nissan ZE1 Leaf

The infotainment system for the Nissan ZE1 Leaf consisted of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, a Bose audio system with seven speakers, digital radio tuner, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, voice recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Beyond this, standard features for the Nissan Leaf included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50 R17 tyres, black leather-accented seats with ‘ultrasuede’ inserts, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, climate control air conditioning, heated seats (front and rear), LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a leather steering wheel with heating, 60:40 split rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with folding function, power windows, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering column adjustment, push-button start, rear privacy glass, seven-inch instrument cluster display with analogue speedometer, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and immobiliser.

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf was also equipped with:

• Nissan’s Intelligent Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection which used four cameras (in the front grille, rear tailgate and door mirrors) to produce a bird’s eye view of the vehicle that was shown on central touchscreen. Moving Object Detection provided visual and audible warnings if an object was detected in front or behind the vehicle; and,
• High Beam Assist which used a high resolution camera to detect lighting conditions and oncoming traffic. Based on this information, the system would use or dip the high beams to avoid dazzling other drivers.

The Nissan ZE1 Leaf was available in six paint finishes: Arctic White, Ivory Pearl (with a black roof), Magnetic Red, Pearl Black, Platinum and Gun Metallic.

Overview

Released in June 2012, the Nissan Leaf was a five-door, electric-powered hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Leaf was powered by an electric synchronous motor which drew power from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and was mated to a single speed, direct drive transmission. The battery packs were positioned under the floor at the centre of the chassis and, in addition to the main battery, the Leaf had a 12-volt lead-acid battery to power the vehicle’s computer systems and accessories.

Under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing regime, the Leaf was estimated to have a range of 170 kilometres, though the US EPA calculated a range of 117 km. Under Nissan’s testing, the Leaf’s minimum and maximum ranges were 76 kilometres and 222 kilometres, respectively. The Leaf could be charged via a standard (240 Volt, 10-amp) power outlet in about eight hours. However, a 15-amp ‘Level Two’ charging outlet – requiring installation by an electrician – could reduce this time to approximately 6.5 hours. Furthermore, each Leaf dealership was fitted with a ‘Level Three’ charging station with a 400 Volt fast charger that could provide up to 80 per cent of charge in around 30 minutes.

The Leaf was fitted with an ‘eco-indicator’ which provided real-time information on the driver’s electricity consumption and estimated range. When there was less than 4 kWh of charge (approximately 15 km) remaining, visual and aural warnings would alert the driver, while the navigation system would display nearby charging stations.

To minimise fuel consumption, the Leaf was also fitted with a regenerative braking system which used the electric motor as a generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle was coasting or braking. Furthermore, the driver could engage an ‘eco’ mode that reduced motor power and air conditioning outputs and the Leaf’s rear spoiler had a solar panel which could recharge the battery.

The Leaf was 4440 mm long, 1770 mm wide, 1549 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Leaf was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Leaf included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Leaf was also fitted with an ‘Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians’ system which was active when the Leaf was travelling at less than 40 km/h.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Leaf received a five star safety rating which included an 89 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact test, the stiff centre console and structures surrounding the steering column posed a risk of injury to the knees and femurs; chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate, though thigh protection was rated as marginal. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though chest protection was rated as adequate in the more severe pole test.

Features

Standard features for the Leaf included 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with P205/55 R16 Bridgestone Ecopia tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite navigation, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a heated steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Brochure

• Brochure: Nissan Leaf (September 2012)

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan Leaf (June 2012)
• Nissan News: Nissan Leaf Now $39,990* Drive-Away (May 2013)
• Nissan Australia: Nissan Leaf
• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Leaf

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Nissan ZE1 Leaf

2019-20 Nissan ZE1 Leaf: vehicle may move when in ‘park’

In January 2021, recall campaign PG0C9 was issued for Nissan ZE1 Leaf vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 24 October 2019 to 30 October 2020. While the vehicle was being driven, the welded joint on the actuator plate could fail. If this occurred, the park lock may not engage when the driver moved the gearshift lever into ‘Park’. This, in turn, could result in unintended vehicle movement that posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders. To fix, the actuator plate was to be replaced. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18655.

2018-23 Nissan ZE1 Leaf: cruise control software

In July 2023, recall campaign R23A6 was issued for 2018-23 Nissan ZE1 Leaf vehicles. Due to a software issue, the cruise control function may not operate as intended and could cause unintended acceleration when deactivated. This condition could increase the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and/or other road users. To fix, the cruise control software was to be updated by a Nissan Dealership. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005730.

Problems and faults: Nissan ZE1 Leaf

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Nissan ZE1 Leaf

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Nissan ZE1 Leaf.

Recalls: Nissan Leaf

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Nissan Leaf

No recall information is available for the Nissan Leaf. To search for recalls of Nissan models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Nissan.

Problems and faults: Nissan Leaf

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2010 Nissan Leaf: incompatible On-Board Charger software

In 2013, Nissan UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Nissan Leaf vehicles that were manufactured from 27 September 2010 to 12 December 2012. For these Nissan Leaf vehicles, the On-Board Charger (OBC) software may not have been fully compatible with some later generation charging equipment such that it would not be possible to recharge the vehicle. In high temperature situations, the battery state of health indicator may also not accurately reflect the battery’s true status – this could lead to an inaccurate range indication and cause the vehicle to enter ‘limp home’ mode with little warning. As a result, the vehicle may be unable to complete its journey and/or be incapable of being recharged at the roadside.

For affected vehicles, the OBC software was to be re-programmed for compatibility with latest generation charging equipment and the battery control software was to be updated to improve the accuracy of the indicated battery state of health (NCA/2013/013).

Released in June 2012, the Nissan Leaf was a five-door, electric-powered hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Leaf was powered by an electric synchronous motor which drew power from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and was mated to a single speed, direct drive transmission. The battery packs were positioned under the floor at the centre of the chadswas and, in addition to the main battery, the Leaf had a 12-volt lead-acid battery to power the vehicle’s computer systems and accessories… Read full Nissan Leaf review

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Production of the Nissan ZE1 Leaf commenced in October 2017 and Australian deliveries commenced in August 2019. Manufactured in Yokosuka, Japan, the front-wheel drive Nissan ZE1 Leaf was a five-door hatchback that was powered by an electric motor. For Australia, the Nissan ZE1 Leaf was launched with a recommended retail price of $49,990 (excludes on-road costs)… Read full Nissan ZE1 Leaf review

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Euro NCAP: Nissan Leaf – crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the Leaf received a five star safety rating, including an 89 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. For further information about this testing, please go to the Euro NCAP website.Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

CarBuyer: Nissan Leaf review

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.

Roadfly TV: Nissan Leaf – test drive and review

AutoguideVideo: 2012 Nissan Leaf review