Nissan Leaf 2019: Full review, specifications and operating secrets

Electric car Nissan Leaf 2019 was a real breakthrough in the world of mass electric transport, offering customers not just a utilitarian city device, but a complete solution for everyday trips. The second generation of the model, known as ZZE12, significantly redesigned the design, making it more aggressive and futuristic, but most importantly, the company's engineers radically improved the characteristics of the power plant and battery.

If you are considering a used one or have already become the owner of this car, it is important for you to understand that actual power reserve directly depends on driving style and weather conditions. Unlike many competitors of the time, Leaf The 2019 offers two battery options, allowing you to choose the optimal balance between price and driving range.

Owners often face questions about the degradation of the traction battery and the features of the recovery system. Understand the technical nuances, understand how to operate correctly e-Pedal, and avoiding typical charging errors is a task that requires a detailed analysis of all vehicle systems.

Battery configurations and actual range

One of the key features of the 2019 model is the availability of two different battery pack options. The basic version is equipped with a battery capacity 40 kWh, which provides a power reserve on the WLTP cycle of approximately 270 kilometers. However, for those who need greater autonomy, a version with increased volume is available - 62 kWh, which in some conditions allows you to travel up to 385 kilometers without recharging.

It is important to consider that the figures stated by the manufacturer often differ from actual practice. In winter, at air temperatures below -10°C, operating efficiency heat pump critically affects energy consumption. Owners of versions with 40 kWh may experience a drop in range to 150-180 km in severe frosts, while the e+ version demonstrates better stability thanks to a more powerful climate control system.

Battery Management System (BMS) in Nissan Leaf 2019 is quite smart, but it is not without its own characteristics. For example, when reaching 100% charge, the system may limit the available capacity to extend cell life. This means that even if the indicator shows a full tank, the actual energy reserve may be slightly less than the nominal one.

• ⚡ 40 kWh version: optimal for the city and short trips, cheaper to maintain.
• 🔋 62 kWh version (e+): suitable for long-distance travel, but increases the weight of the car.
• ❄️ Heat pump: Standard option, critical for winter energy savings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to constantly charge the battery to 100% for daily trips. This accelerates cell degradation and reduces the overall battery life.

Energy management system and recovery

The main feature that distinguishes Nissan Leaf from most competitors is the system e-Pedal. This technology allows you to control acceleration and braking with almost one pedal. The driver presses the accelerator pedal to accelerate, and when the pedal is released, the car begins to brake intensively, restoring energy to the battery.

Adaptation to e-Pedal may take from several days to a week. At first, the car seems to jerk when stopping, but over time you will learn to feel the moment when you need to completely release the pedal for a smooth stop. This significantly reduces the load on classic brake pads, since in 90% of cases braking is carried out by an electric motor.

However, it is important to understand that the recovery system has its limits. When the battery charge is low or the motor overheats, the recuperation efficiency is reduced. In such situations, the car will behave like a regular internal combustion engine car and you will have to use the brake pedal to stop.

How e-Pedal works

The system combines the operation of an electric motor and hydraulic brakes. When you release the gas pedal, recuperation is activated first, and if this is not enough to slow down, the normal brakes are activated. This happens unnoticed by the driver.

For smooth driving in traffic jams, it is recommended to use the B (or simply activate the e-Pedal), which enhances the engine braking effect. This allows you to change gears less often (if there were any) and keep your foot on the brake pedal only in emergency situations.

• 🚗 e-Pedal mode: turns on the engine braking mode when you release the accelerator pedal.
• 🛑Mode B: Increases recuperation but requires the use of the brake pedal to come to a complete stop.
• 🔥 Overheating: in case of severe overheating, the recovery system turns off automatically.

⚠️ Attention: When activating the e-Pedal mode on a slippery road (ice, snow), you should be extremely careful, as sudden engine braking can lead to wheel locking.

Charging and infrastructure

Charging process Nissan Leaf 2019 has its own characteristics that every owner needs to know. The car supports charging via the connector CHAdeMO for fast stations and Type 2 (Mennekes) or Type 1 (J1772) for slow charging. Depending on the configuration, the car can receive a current of up to 50 kW in a fast circuit and up to 6.6 kW in a slow circuit.

Charging time directly depends on the available power of the station. On a household outlet (10A), a full charge cycle for a 40kWh battery will take over 20 hours, making this option only suitable for very infrequent use. When using a 32 A home charging station (Wallbox), the time is reduced to 7-8 hours.

Fast charging at CHAdeMO stations allows you to replenish your energy reserve from 20% to 80% in about 45-60 minutes. However, if the battery is cold or hot, the system may limit charging power to protect the cells. In the cold season, pre-warming the battery through the application Nissan Connect before going on a charger will speed up the process.

Don't forget about battery degradation with frequent fast charging. Although modern cooling systems can handle the load, continuous use of plants larger than 50 kW can accelerate capacity loss. The optimal strategy is to use slow charging at home and fast charging only on long trips.

• 🔌 CHAdeMO: fast charging standard, available at many stations in Europe and Asia.
• 🏠 Wallbox: home station, reduces charging time to 7-8 hours.
• 🔋 Degradation: Frequent fast charging accelerates battery wear.

Maintenance and Reliability

Electric cars require less maintenance than ICE cars, but that doesn't mean they can be completely ignored. Main nodes Nissan Leaf For 2019, it comes with a battery, electric motor and climate control system. The electric motor requires virtually no maintenance, since it has no rubbing parts except bearings.

The most important element is the battery. While it's not liquid-cooled (like some competitors), the air-cooled system gets the job done under moderate loads. However, in hot climates or heavy use, this can become a bottleneck. Regular checking of the condition of the battery cooling system is mandatory.

It is also worth paying attention to the braking system. Due to frequent use of recuperation, brake discs and pads can become corroded from inactivity. It is recommended to periodically use the manual braking mode to remove rust and keep the mechanisms in working order.

Интервал ТО: Замена масла в редукторе каждые 40 000 км. Проверка тормозной жидкости каждые 2 года. Осмотр батареи и инвертора при каждом ТО.

Owners often ask about replacing the inverter and motor coolant. Unlike a battery cooler, this circuit requires fluid replacement every 100,000 km or every 5 years. Ignoring this procedure may result in overheating of the power electronics.

• 🛠️TO-1: Changing the oil in the gearbox, checking the brakes.
• 🔧 TO-2: Replacing inverter coolant, battery diagnostics.
• 🌡️ Cooling: check the battery air channels for clogging.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble the battery case yourself. High voltage inside can be deadly even with the ignition switched off.

Comfort and multimedia

Salon Nissan Leaf 2019 is designed in a “human-centric” style, which means convenience for the driver and passengers. The front seats have good lateral support and height adjustment. The rear row is spacious enough for two adults, but three adults won't fit comfortably due to the center tunnel and the shape of the roof.

The Nissan Connect multimedia system offers a wide range of functions, including navigation, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is intuitive, but can sometimes slow down when loading heavy applications. Updating the system firmware may improve performance.

An important feature is the presence of a system ProPILOT in top trim levels. This is a semi-autonomous driver assistance system that maintains a distance from the vehicle in front and keeps the car in its lane. However, it is not a complete autopilot and requires constant monitoring by the driver.

Noise insulation in Leaf The 2019 model is significantly improved over previous generations, but tire rolling noise is still noticeable at high speeds. Using high-quality tires with low noise levels will help make the ride more comfortable.

• 📱 Nissan Connect: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
• 🚗 ProPILOT: driver assistance system for driving on the highway.
• 🔊 Noise insulation: improved, but tire noise remains noticeable.

What is ProPILOT

The system uses cameras and radars to analyze the road. It automatically accelerates, brakes and steers within the lane, but the driver must keep their hands on the wheel.

Security and active systems

Nissan Leaf 2019 received high marks for safety. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are standard. These systems operate using cameras and radars installed in the front and rear of the vehicle.

System Intelligent Around View Monitor allows you to see the car from above, which is especially useful when parking. High-resolution cameras create a panoramic picture, helping to avoid collisions with obstacles. However, it is worth remembering that the camera may become dirty with dirt or snow, which reduces its effectiveness.

The car body is highly durable, and airbags are installed around the entire perimeter. In the event of a collision, the system automatically switches off the high-voltage battery to prevent a short circuit. This is standard procedure for all modern electric vehicles.

It is important to regularly check the operation of sensors and cameras. Contaminated or damaged optical elements may disable security systems. In winter, special attention should be paid to cleaning the sensors from snow and ice.

• 🛑 AEB: automatic emergency braking when an obstacle is detected.
• 👁️ Around View: panoramic view for convenient parking.
• 🛡️ BT shutdown: automatic battery shutdown in case of an accident.

⚠️ Warning: Do not rely entirely on security systems. They are auxiliary and do not replace the driver's attentiveness.

Comparison with competitors

In the electric vehicle segment 2019 Nissan Leaf competed with such models as BMW i3, Renault Zoe and Hyundai Kona Electric. Compared to BMW i3, Leaf offers a more practical interior and greater battery capacity, but is inferior in quality finishing materials.

Unlike Hyundai Kona Electric, which has a liquid-cooled battery, Leaf relies on air. This makes it less efficient in hot climates and under intense fast charging. However Leaf benefits from lower prices and availability of spare parts.

Renault Zoe offered a shorter range and simpler design, but was cheaper to purchase. Nissan Leaf The 2019 model hits the sweet spot, offering a balance between price, range and technology.

Model	Battery capacity	Power reserve (WLTP)	Battery cooling
Nissan Leaf 40 kWh	40 kWh	270 km	Air
Nissan Leaf e+	62 kWh	385 km	Air
Hyundai Kona Electric	64 kWh	452 km	Liquid
BMW i3	42 kWh	300 km	Liquid
Renault Zoe	41 kWh	300 km	Liquid

The choice between these models depends on priorities. If maximum power reserve and liquid cooling are important to you, then Hyundai Kona will be the best choice. If you are looking for a time-tested car with affordable maintenance, then Nissan Leaf - an excellent option.

• 💰 Price: Leaf cheaper than most competitors on the secondary market.
• 🔋 Battery: Air cooling is a trade-off between cost and efficiency.
• 🛠️ Service: high availability of spare parts and services.

Results and recommendations

Nissan Leaf The 2019 model remains one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. Its main advantages are its affordable price, proven technology and ease of use in the city. However, like any car, it has its drawbacks, such as air-cooled batteries and limited range in winter.

For those who are just planning to switch to an electric car, Leaf will be a great start. It will allow you to get used to the operating features without spending huge sums of money. The main thing is to choose the right equipment and learn how to effectively use the recovery system.

In conclusion, Nissan Leaf The 2019 is a reliable and practical car that can satisfy the needs of most drivers. With the right approach to operation and maintenance, it will last for many years, giving you driving pleasure and fuel savings.

⚠️ Attention: Battery status is a critical factor when purchasing a used 2019 Nissan Leaf. Always check the degradation percentage before transaction.

• ✅ Pros: accessibility, convenience, e-Pedal system.
• ❌ Cons: air cooling, battery degradation.
• 💡 Tip: Use slow charging to extend battery life.

What is the real range of the 2019 Nissan Leaf in winter?

In winter, the actual range may decrease to 150-200 km for the 40 kWh version and to 250-300 km for the e+ version. This depends on the air temperature and the use of the heater.

Can I charge my Nissan Leaf using a regular outlet?

Yes, the car can be charged from a regular 220V outlet, but it will take a very long time (more than 20 hours for a full charge). It is recommended to use a specialized charging station.

How often should you change the oil in an electric car?

An electric car does not have an internal combustion engine, so there is no need to change the engine oil. However, the gearbox oil should be changed every 40,000 km or every 4 years.

What is e-Pedal and how to use it?

e-Pedal is a mode that allows you to drive your car with just one pedal. When you release the accelerator pedal, the car begins to brake and stops. This makes driving in traffic jams easier.

What is the warranty for the 2019 Nissan Leaf battery?

The battery warranty is usually 8 years or 160,000 km. It covers manufacturing defects, but not natural degradation of the capacity.