How reliable is the Nissan Leaf?

Reliable for short distances, cost-effective.

What is the battery health of the Nissan Leaf?

70% state of health, 15.4 kWh usable.

Concerns about range, accuracy of gauge.

Improves range slightly, noticeable motor noise.

Regular oil changes, check for rust and leaks.

The Nissan Leaf purchased by the narrator for £1,500 had a significantly reduced real-world range compared to the claimed 124 miles, with the battery showing signs of rapid depletion and inaccuracies in the gauge's readings, indicating potential battery health issues.
Despite concerns about battery life and range limitations, the Nissan Leaf is praised for its economic benefits and reliability, especially in urban environments, with the narrator highlighting the option for battery pack upgrades and maintenance tips to ensure continued performance and cost-effectiveness.

How reliable is the Nissan Leaf?
Reliable for short distances, cost-effective.
What is the battery health of the Nissan Leaf?
70% state of health, 15.4 kWh usable.
What are the challenges with the Nissan Leaf's battery?
Concerns about range, accuracy of gauge.
How does driving in eco mode affect the Nissan Leaf's range?
Improves range slightly, noticeable motor noise.
What are the maintenance tips for the Nissan Leaf?
Regular oil changes, check for rust and leaks.

00:00

The narrator purchased a 2013 Nissan Leaf for £1,500 through CarW, expressing concern about the car's battery life.
To test the real-world range, the narrator fully charged the battery and planned to drive until it ran out, aiming to reach a battery testing station.
Despite a full charge, the initial range displayed was only 59 miles, significantly lower than Nissan's claimed 124-mile range.
The narrator's range dropped to 57 miles after driving just 100 meters, causing worry about the battery's health.
The car's battery gauge showed 75% capacity, but the range continued to decrease rapidly, casting doubt on the gauge's accuracy.
The narrator faced challenges with navigation, opting for the car's built-in satnav over Google Maps, which led to fluctuations in the estimated range.
Driving in eco mode improved the range slightly, but the high-pitched noise from the motor or inverter was noticeable.
Despite efforts to conserve energy, the range continued to decrease, prompting the narrator to ignore the charge recommendation and focus on regenerative braking.
The narrator highlighted the history of the Nissan Leaf's pricing and leasing options for the battery pack, cautioning buyers about potential hidden costs.
The narrator concluded that electric cars like the Nissan Leaf offer economic benefits and reliability, especially in urban settings, despite challenges with range and battery life.

13:10

The car has a locking wheel nut and a decent overall impression.
Driving to achieve three bars of battery, equivalent to 25% and 30 miles of range with 13 miles to go.
Noticing wind noise, possibly due to a leaky door seal, common in electric cars due to lack of internal combustion engine noise.
Concerns about battery power as it decreases, unsure if it will reduce power or stop suddenly.
Using a third-party app called Leaf Spy to check the battery health, revealing a 70% state of health.
The car's battery, originally 24 kWh, now has 15.4 kWh usable, providing around 87 miles on a full charge.
The battery is considered good despite losing 30% over 11 years, with options for battery pack upgrades.
Maintenance tips include regular oil changes every 30-40,000 miles and checking for rust and leaks.
Despite running out of electricity after 60.9 miles, the Nissan Leaf is deemed a reliable and cost-effective option for short distances.