by It is no secret that the Nissan Leaf is the most popular electric vehicle in Ukraine. Of the approximately 32,000 registered electric cars in Ukraine, about 15,000 are Leafs. However, the vast majority of them are used first-generation cars. Until recently, the electric car was not officially represented in our country, but now you can finally buy the Nissan Leaf officially in Ukraine.
The new Nissan Leaf of the second generation is a 4.5-meter-long C-class hatchback with a more traditional design than its predecessor. Although the silhouette with a large windshield angle remains familiar. The V-shaped front end is designed in the traditional style of modern Nissan cars, while the curved taillights are in the spirit of the first Nissan Juke. The test car features LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Nissan Leaf’s interior is trimmed with pleasant light fabric, and the plastic is accented with silver inserts and black lacquered overlays. The bottom-flattened steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The dashboard features a speedometer dial alongside a display showing other information. The parking brake remains foot-operated, like on American cars.
The cross-shaped climate control block and round gear knob will be familiar to drivers acquainted with the first-gen Leaf. The 8.0-inch display menu is known from other Nissan models. Multimedia features include navigation, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The front seats in the 2021 Nissan Leaf are firm and provide decent back support. They are heated, as is the steering wheel. The seating position is quite high for a hatchback, and the thin roof pillars, combined with the narrow roof pillars, provide decent visibility. Between the seats is a pair of cupholders, an armrest with a box, and a convenient key-fob slot.
There is enough space in the second row, by C-class standards, although considering the interior’s width, it is more comfortable for two passengers. The rear seats are heated, and there are also two USB ports (in addition to the two connectors in the front). The trunk volume is 435 liters in normal condition and 1176 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The new Nissan Leaf in Ukraine is offered in only one (and quite rich) configuration, the N-Connecta. This includes keyless start, climate control, navigation, light and rain sensors, a rearview camera (with a top-down view function), and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, automatic braking, lane marking, and blind spot monitoring systems are provided.
The 150 hp electric motor is sufficient for urban conditions. The peak 320 Nm of torque is immediately available, so there is enough thrust. The Nissan Leaf takes off very briskly and accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 144 km/h, although at higher speeds on the highway, the dynamics significantly deteriorate.
In Eco mode, the Nissan electric car is not as lively, but the range is 15 km longer – 270 km. With climate control on, it’s minus 12-13 km, which is not much. You can charge the 40 kWh battery at home in 8-10 hours or from a fast station to 80% in 40 minutes.
The Nissan Leaf’s battery is located in the floor, lowering the hatchback’s center of gravity and reducing body roll in turns. The hatchback maneuvers well in city traffic, although its steering lacks feedback. The energy-absorbing suspension handles road irregularities well, although a bit more sound insulation in the floor would be beneficial. If the road is smooth, the cabin is quiet.
Naturally, the electric car is equipped with a brake energy regeneration system. In addition, there is a special e-Pedal mode where you can drive without using the brake pedal – the car decelerates sharply when the accelerator is released.
The Nissan Leaf electric car in Ukraine costs 922,930 UAH. This is a lot for a C-class model, although, on the other hand, looking at the market prices, there are virtually no cheaper new electric cars on offer.
Specifications of the Nissan Leaf:
- electric motor, front transverse
- Power 150 hp
- Maximum torque 320 Nm
- Front-wheel drive
- 1-speed gearbox
- Maximum speed 144 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 7.9 s
- Range (passport) – 270 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4490/1788/1540/2700 mm
- Trunk volume 435-1176 L
- Ground clearance 155 mm
