Nissan Leaf – The Pioneer of Electric Mobility: Complete Charging Guide

December 2010. Most drivers are filling up with gasoline at $4-5 per gallon, not thinking about alternatives. The Tesla Roadster is an exotic toy for millionaires at $100,000. The Chevrolet Volt has just entered the American market. And Japan quietly, without fanfare, introduces something that will change the market forever.

The Nissan Leaf.

There was no mystery surrounding this car. The name "LEAF" is an acronym for "Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family car." Simple. No fireworks. But with a vision.

On August 1, 2009, at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan showed the world the future. An unusual compact with large headlights and a streamlined silhouette. No exhaust pipes. No grille. Just a quiet, electric revolution.

And although only a handful of experts believed in its success at the time, the Leaf went down in history as the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle. By February 2022, 577,000 units had been sold globally – more than the first iPads, more than PlayStation 3 in its early years. The Tesla Model 3 didn't surpass the Leaf until 2020, but for a decade, the Japanese compact was the king of electric mobility.

But let's start from the beginning. Nissan didn't invent the electric car overnight. Before the Leaf, there were three prototypes: EV-01, EV-02 (both based on the Nissan Cube) and EV-11 (Nissan Tiida). These were internal laboratories of ideas, testing batteries, motors, charging. They had to understand how to build a car that would work daily – not just at shows.

Production began on October 22, 2010, at the Oppama factory in Japan (Yokosuka, Kanagawa). By December 2010, Nissan had sold 20,000 units in the US – even before the official premiere! People were reserving cars without seeing them in person. In 2013, production also started in the USA (Smyrna, Tennessee) and the UK (Sunderland).

The Leaf collected awards like clockwork:

• 2010: Green Car Vision Award

• 2011: European Car of the Year

• 2011: World Car of the Year

• 2011-2012: Car of the Year Japan

Time magazine recognized it as one of the 50 best inventions of 2009.

By August 2017, 283,000 units of the first generation had been sold. From 2011-2014 and in 2016, the Leaf was the world's best-selling electric car. Only in 2015 did the Tesla Model S overtake it, but only briefly.

Europe turned out to be the Leaf's largest market – by September 2021, 208,000 units had been sold here, including 72,620 in Norway (European leader). In the US – 165,000 units, in Japan – 157,000.

Currently, two generations of the Nissan Leaf are available on the market:

• Battery: 24 kWh or 30 kWh (lithium-ion, NEC)

• Range: 170-190 km (24 kWh) or 200-250 km (30 kWh) WLTP

• Power: 80 kW (109 HP), 280 Nm

• AC Charging: 3.3 kW (single-phase) or 6.6 kW (option)

• DC Charging: CHAdeMO up to 50 kW

• Problem: No active battery cooling – rapid degradation

• Used prices (2025): €6,500 – €13,000

• Battery: 40 kWh or 62 kWh (LEAF e+)

• Range: 270 km (40 kWh) or 385 km (62 kWh) WLTP

• Power: 110 kW (150 HP) or 160 kW (217 HP) in e+ version

• AC Charging: 6.6 kW (single-phase, 32A)

• DC Charging: CHAdeMO up to 50 kW (40 kWh) or 100 kW (62 kWh)

• Used prices (2025): €17,000 – €30,000

• Connector: Type 2 (AC) + CHAdeMO (DC)

• Nissan has announced a completely new Leaf for 2026

• Type: SUV (not a compact!)

• Platform: CMF-EV (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi)

• Range: >600 km

• Strategy change: Leaf will be larger, more premium, competing with VW ID.4/Skoda Enyaq

The history of Nissan Leaf batteries is a story of ups and downs. Two generations, two different approaches, two different results.

Nissan collaborated with NEC in creating batteries for the Leaf. 192 flat, laminated lithium-ion cells, without active cooling. In theory, everything sounded good. In practice?

Disaster.

Batteries in first-generation Leaf degraded at lightning speed. Especially in hot climates (Arizona, California, Southern Europe). Why? Because Nissan assumed that passive cooling (without active systems) would be sufficient. It wasn't.

Studies showed that:

• After 7 years, Leaf lost an average of 19.9% battery capacity

• The oldest units (2010-2012) lost 25-30% capacity

• Extreme cases: 50% degradation after intensive use (taxis, car-sharing)

Nissan introduced a "battery degradation indicator" in the form of bars (from 1 to 12). After full charge:

• 12 bars = battery in excellent condition (like new)

• 8-10 bars = moderate degradation

• Below 8 bars = unsatisfactory range

An extreme example? A 2011 Nissan Leaf with 6/12 degradation showed 11 km range at -10°C. The owner managed to drive... 2 km.

Today, used first-generation Leafs with 50% degradation cost €6,500 – €8,500. These are primarily city cars for short distances. But for someone with a garage socket driving 30 km daily – they can be ideal.

The second generation Leaf brought better batteries:

• 40 kWh (270 km range) or 62 kWh (385 km)

• Degradation after 50,000 km: 2.5-5.3% (huge improvement!)

• After 309,000 km: battery retained 52% capacity (48% degradation)

This is a completely different level. But still... no active cooling.

And here appears a problem called "Rapidgate".

"Rapidgate" is a phenomenon affecting second-generation Leaf during multiple rapid DC charging in a short time.

What happens?

1. You charge Leaf at a CHAdeMO station at 50 kW (or 100 kW in e+ version)

2. Battery heats up (no active cooling)

3. Computer reduces charging power to protect battery from overheating

4. Instead of 50 kW, you charge at 32 kW, 24 kW, or even 18 kW

Real test (2018): During a test drive, Leaf was charged 5 times at fast chargers:

• 1× charging: 45 kW

• 3× charging: 32 kW

• 1× charging: 24 kW

For someone driving routes and needing to charge every 200 km, this is a huge problem. But for a typical city user who charges once or twice a week at night – it doesn't matter.

The Nissan Leaf has a 3.7 kW or 6.6 kW AC onboard charger (single-phase, 32A). This is less than most modern EVs, which offer 11 kW (three-phase).

AC charging times (0-100%):

For comparison:

• Tesla Model 3 (11 kW AC): 60 kWh in ~5.5 hours

• VW ID.3 (11 kW AC): 58 kWh in ~5.3 hours

• Nissan Leaf (6.6 kW AC): 40 kWh in ~6.5 hours

Slower, but still sufficient for overnight charging.

The Nissan Leaf uses CHAdeMO connector for fast DC charging. And here's where the problem begins.

CHAdeMO is a Japanese standard developed by Nissan, TEPCO, and other companies. The name comes from Japanese: "O CHA de MO ikaga desuka" – "how about a cup of tea?". Ideal. In 2010, CHAdeMO was one of the few DC standards in the world.

Problem in 2025: Europe has transitioned to CCS2 (Combined Charging System). CHAdeMO stations are disappearing from the market.

DC charging power:

• Leaf 40 kWh: max 50 kW (20-80% in ~40 minutes)

• Leaf 62 kWh (e+): max 100 kW (20-80% in ~45 minutes at good battery temperature)

Charging curve:

• Leaf 24 kWh: 45+ kW up to 25%, then drops to 22 kW at 80%

• Leaf 30 kWh: 42-47 kW up to 80%

• Leaf 40 kWh: ~50 kW up to 50%, then drops

• Leaf 62 kWh: ~100 kW up to 30%, then drops (if battery isn't overheated)

Solution? Dutch company Muxsan offered Leaf conversion to CCS2 for ~€3,500, but the company went bankrupt in 2024. CHAdeMO-CCS2 adapters exist but cost €1,000 – €1,800 and don't work at every station.

The Nissan Leaf has a 3,7 or 6.6 kW AC onboard charger (single-phase, 32A). This means you need a single-phase charger for full utilization of the car's capabilities.

Q74:

• Power: 7.4 kW (single-phase, 32A, CEE socket)

• Leaf will use 6.6 kW (the rest is wasted, but that's okay)

• Charging time: ~6-9 hours (40-62 kWh, 0-100%)

• Mobile app

• Price: Link to Q74

P72:

• Power: 7.4 kW (single-phase, 32A, CEE socket)

• Charging time: ~6-9 hours

• Simpler operation, display

• Price: Link to P72

Difference: Q74 has app, P72 is cheaper and simpler.

If you drive little (<50 km daily) and don't have a CEE socket, you can charge from a 230V socket:

• Power: 3.7 kW

• Charging time: ~12-18 hours (40-62 kWh)

• Price: Link to Q37

Warning: 20% of household sockets have faulty installations (lack of grounding, reversed phases). Most reputable chargers won't work with such problems – this is protection, not a defect.

These chargers are three-phase (11 kW, 22 kW). Nissan Leaf has a single-phase 6.6 kW charger, so you won't use the extra power. You'll overpay for something you won't use.

• Battery: 60 kWh (LFP)

• Range: 491 km WLTP

• AC Charging: 11 kW

• DC Charging: 170 kW (CCS2)

• Used price: €32,000 – €38,000

Verdict: Tesla has longer range, faster charging, Superchargers. But Leaf is cheaper and easier to service.

• Battery: 58 kWh

• Range: 389 km WLTP

• AC Charging: 7.2-11 kW

• DC Charging: 100-120 kW (CCS2)

• Used price: €23,000 – €30,000

Verdict: ID.3 has better charging and CCS2, but Leaf is more proven (13 years on market).

• Battery: 52 kWh

• Range: 390 km WLTP

• AC Charging: 22 kW (!) – fastest AC in class

• DC Charging: None in older versions, 50 kW in newer

• Used price: €17,000 – €21,500

Verdict: Zoe has fast AC, but Leaf has better safety and larger interior.

• Battery: 51-64 kWh

• Range: 350-450 km WLTP

• AC Charging: 11 kW (22 kW option)

• DC Charging: 88-140 kW (CCS2)

• New price: €30,000 – €36,500

Verdict: MG4 is newer Chinese competitor, faster DC charging, but Leaf has better service network.

"Nissan Leaf is a car for its times. In 2010, it was a revolution. Today, in 2022, it's a classic. The 270-385 km range is sufficient for daily commutes. Biggest minus? No CCS2 – CHAdeMO is a dying standard."

"Leaf e+ offers solid range (350 km realistically) and decent performance. Unfortunately, the 'Rapidgate' problem makes long trips challenging. For city users – great choice."

"I have a 2019 40 kWh Leaf, 95,000 km mileage. Battery degradation: 8% (indicator: 11/12 bars). I charge at home from CEE 32A socket, 6.6 kW. Enough overnight. Operating costs? €10/month for electricity (night tariff €0.17/kWh), zero service for 4 years. Best purchase ever."

"Bought used 2018 Leaf for €18,000. After a year, I'm delighted. No oil changes, filters, brake pads (regeneration!). Only minus: CHAdeMO disappearing from Polish map. Fortunately, 90% I charge at home."

Geotab Study (2020):

• Nissan Leaf 24 kWh (2011-2015): 19.9% degradation after 7 years

• Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2018-2019): 4.1% degradation after 1 year

Battery Life Study (2023):

• First generation Leaf: 25-30% degradation after 10 years

• Second generation Leaf: 10-15% degradation after 5 years

Price-wise: Nissan Leaf has 11 times better price-to-degradation ratio than Tesla Model X (Select Car Leasing analysis).

Nissan Warranty:

• 8 years / 160,000 km – battery warranty

• Nissan guarantees capacity won't drop below 75% original value

Best networks with CHAdeMO in Poland (2025):

1. Orlen Charge – selected stations at highways (A1, A2, A4)

2. Greenway – several CHAdeMO stations (check map before departure)

3. Independent stations – rarely, mainly at shopping centers

Problem: CHAdeMO stations are increasingly rare. Most new stations are CCS2 only.

• 40 kWh: 40 × 0.17 = €6.80 (0-100%)

• 62 kWh: 62 × 0.17 = €10.54 (0-100%)

• Leaf 40 kWh: ~17 kWh/100 km → €2.89/100 km

• For comparison gasoline (10 l/100 km × €1.40/l): €14/100 km

Savings: ~€11.11 per 100 km!

• Electricity: €578

• Service: €0 (no oil changes, filters)

• Brake pads: €0 (regeneration)

• Total: ~€578/year

Combustion car for comparison (20,000 km/year):

• Fuel: €2,800

• Service: €320

• Total: ~€3,120/year

Savings: ~€2,542/year!

Leaf is an ideal choice if: ✅ You drive mainly in the city (<200 km daily) ✅ You can charge at home or work ✅ You want a cheap, proven EV ✅ You don't care about latest technologies ✅ You prefer simplicity and low operating costs

Leaf is NOT for you if: ❌ You drive long routes (>300 km) regularly ❌ You need fast DC charging (Rapidgate!) ❌ You want access to Superchargers (CHAdeMO vs CCS2) ❌ You want latest technologies (Leaf is classic, not innovation)

Most important recommendation: Nissan Leaf is a wonderful first EV. It's not the fastest, doesn't have the longest range, but it's reliable, cheap to operate, and proven. If you're looking for a daily car and don't drive routes – Leaf is a bulls-eye.

The Nissan Leaf is a legend of electric mobility. A pioneer that proved EVs can be mass-market, affordable, and practical. 577,000 units sold, millions of kilometers driven without emissions, awards and recognition worldwide.

Is it the best EV in 2025? No. But is it a good, solid, proven everyday car? Absolutely.

Charger recommendation:

• Q74 or P72 (7.4 kW) – full utilization of Leaf's capabilities, overnight charging

• Q37 with adapter (3.7 kW) – budget option for low mileage or 3,7 kW Leaf version

Key to success: Installing a CEE 32A industrial socket (single-phase) at home or in your garage allows you to charge the Leaf in ~6-9 hours, which is perfect for overnight charging.

(1) Nissan Leaf - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
(2) Nissan Leaf first generation – pioneer of electromobility (classicautomag.pl)
(3) Battery degradation in oldest Nissan Leafs (elektrowoz.pl)
(4) Nissan Leaf: battery degradation after 50,000 km (elektrowoz.pl)
(5) Charging and savings | LEAF | Nissan (nissan.pl)
(6) Nissan Leaf: 309,000 km mileage, 52% battery capacity (elektrowoz.pl)
(7) How Nissan Leaf fast charging progresses (elektrowoz.pl)
(8) May holiday with New LEAF 2018 – test, technical data (napradzie.pl)
(9) Nissan Leaf can have CCS2 alongside CHAdeMO (elektrowoz.pl)
(10) CHAdeMO: Fast DC Charging in Electric Cars (moya-energia.pl)

Check our chargers for Nissan Leaf:

• Q74 – 7.4 kW mobile charger

• P72 – 7.4 kW mobile charger

• Q37 with Schuko adapter – 3.7 kW