Nissan LEAF FAQs
It’s understandable that buying an electric vehicle brings many questions. After all, we all know what to expect when it comes to investing in a petrol or diesel model. To help allay any concerns, we’re pleased to provide a number of frequently asked questions related to electric vehicles.
You can test-drive a Leaf at any Windsor Nissan for 24 hours.
The initial purchase price of an all-electric vehicle such as the New Nissan LEAF often puts motorists off investing. However, as more and more manufacturers have entered the electric vehicle market, prices have started to drop considerably. In addition, motorists living in Ireland have the opportunity to benefit from a government grant that reduces the vehicle’s cost by up to €5,000. As such, the initial outlay - combined with savings related to spending on fuel or maintenance - means that the price is more than competitive.
No, hydrogen vehicles use hydrogen combustion motors or fuel cells. The Leaf is 100% electric and re-chargeable.
Leaf is 100% electric. Hybrid vehicles still carry some form of internal combustion engine.
Leaf uses a unique laminated lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 40 kilowatt hours.
The Leaf battery will experience de-grading like all Li-Ion batteries.
No, when you are not moving, you are not using power. This allows for significant savings.
Charging your vehicle can be done any time of day and regardless of where you are. If you’re at work or on the road, you will be able to used one of the many charge points available, while at home you can charge using your own charging port or even via mains electricity. When at home, of course, it pays to charge your vehicle overnight, not least because it’s when electricity tariffs are at their lowest. Plus, with the New Nissan LEAF taking 7.5 hours to reach a full charge, setting it to be ready for the morning commute is ideal.
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular by the day. As such, more and more charging points are springing up around Ireland and across Europe, making it easier than ever to find somewhere to top up your vehicle’s battery. The New Nissan LEAF is compatible with the CHAdeMO charging standard available at charge points in 4,600 locations in Europe - with more being added all the time. Plus, with a charging map available on your navigation screen directing you to the nearest available station, you can be confident you’re never far from your next charge.
Sensible driving is one of the keys to optimising the range of your vehicle. Thankfully, the New Nissan LEAF includes measures to support your driving style to maximise mileage. From the innovative e-Pedal - which is used for accelerating and braking - to the ECO mode which limits engine output in order to save energy, there are ways to extend your range in-built. Plus, limit the use of in-car technology and plan your journeys sensibly and you can experience the very best from your vehicle’s range.
When it comes to driving an electric vehicle, it’s worth remembering that any energy being used on in-car features will be being pulled from the battery. For example, heating and air-conditioning systems use significant amounts of energy to create the ideal climate, and you’ll quickly notice the impact on your range. Thankfully, the New Nissan LEAF features an intelligent system that enables you to heat or cool your vehicle prior to travel by using electricity from your charging point when plugged in.
95% of Irish drivers don’t drive more than 120Km a day. Range will vary with weather, road conditions, driving style and battery age. However, your driving pattern suits Nissan Leaf. Speak to your local Windsor Nissan for more details.
As per the owner’s manual, we don’t recommend towing anything with Nissan Leaf. Longer-term, there are hopes an option that allows for this will become available.
Yes, running heater or A/C will reduce range. You can pre-heat or cool the car while charging before you set off to reduce the effect on battery load. Leaf fitted with the optional Cold Pack (standard on SVE models) reduced the need for vented heat dramatically. The Cold Pack offers heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Thanks to 100% torque at 0RPM, Leaf accelerates rapidly and effortlessly. 0-60mph is 7.9seconds.
No, the Leaf is front wheel drive.
Driving range is affected by several things. These include driving habits, patterns, accessory use and outside ambient temperature. The Leaf (SVE or SV/SV Premium with Cold Park) is equipped with a battery warmer, heated steering wheel and heated seats to help you in cold weather.
Yes, as they do on any car.
Leaf is fitted with LED headlights for low power consumption.
Yes, it has a drivetrain
Yes, as you brake, Leaf regenerates power to the battery.
The Leaf is equipped with Nissan Connect EV. This shows nationwide car charging stations.
Nissan Connect EV will allow you to plan your route by displaying charging stations along the way.
Your home charging unit will need to be installed by a qualified electrician. Read more about that here in our blog post 'What is the SEAI Electric Vehicle (EV) Grant Scheme?' https://www.windsor.ie/news/seai-ev-grant/
Yes, the charging station safely supplies power to the onboard charger.
Yes, you are able to set a charging time in the car.
Yes, the home charging station is fully weatherproof
The unit will need a dedicated circuit (max 16amp) connected to a circuit breaker. The unit will be hard wired into this circuit.
Yes, Leaf has a standard 12v output.
Nissan Connect EV is a mobile app that allows you to monitor charging and driving range.
To allow for regenerating charging, Leaf has disc brakes.
The Leaf has a solid steering shaft with electric power assist.
Inverter, electric motor and reduction gear set. Output shaft connects to the wheels through CV joints.
Yes, cruise control is standard on all Leaf models.
Yes, the reversing camera is available on the SV, SV Premium and SVE.
Electric vehicles have no gearbox. However, it is like driving an automatic.
Electric vehicles cut out many onboard fluids however, brake fluid, coolant and windscreen washer fluid are still present.
The Leaf has a heat exchange pump to maximize efficiency.
The Leaf has all of these features and much more such as Bluetooth and heated seats and steering wheel on selected models.
Leaf supports all devices that can connect through USB. The SVE model has a Bose sound system with subwoofer.
No, a moonroof would add weight, affect headroom and create unwanted drag.
For more information on electric vehicles and the New Nissan LEAF, or to ask any more questions related to this innovative model, contact the team at Windsor Nissan in Dublin, Galway, Meath, and Wicklow today.
