From its launch in 2010, the Nissan LEAF first appeared in UK dealerships in March 2011. It took four years to pass 10,000 sales (in 2015), another two years to pass 20,000 (in 2017) and the 40,000th sale milestone was achieved at the end of November 2020.
The UK has been one of Nissan’s fastest-growing EV markets, responsible for over one in five LEAF sales in Europe. Production of LEAF has also been based at Nissan’s Sunderland plant since April 2013.
Now in its tenth year of sales, the LEAF is frequently recognised for its used credentials and has become the entry point to EV driving for thousands of motorists, with earlier examples representing a very accessible route to EV ownership.
In recognition of its position in the growing used EV market, the LEAF has today been named ‘Used Electric Car of the Year’ in the DrivingElectric Awards 2021, a celebration of the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars on sale today.
Both generations, (2010-2017) and (2018-Present), of LEAF were recognised with the award with the judges praising the model for its affordability and value for money.
Richard Ingram, Editor of Driving Electric, said: "The original Nissan LEAF was one of the first truly mainstream electric cars when it went on sale almost a decade ago. Fast forward to 2020 and there’s now a healthy supply of second-hand models on the market. If you’re looking for an affordable route into pure-electric car ownership, you’ll struggle to do better than a LEAF. Spacious, cheap to run and fantastic value for money, the Nissan LEAF is a worthy winner of DrivingElectric's 2021 Used Electric Car of the Year."
Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. added: “We’re absolutely delighted the Nissan LEAF has been recognised yet again as the most accessible and reliable route to EV ownership for used car buyers.”