Nissan Leaf 2019 is not just an electric car, but a symbol of a new era in the automotive industry. As the first production electric car from a Japanese manufacturer, it managed to win the trust of thousands of drivers around the world, including Russia. But what does this car really look like through the prism of 5 years of operation? Is it worth buying used Leaf 2019 today or is it better to consider more recent models?
In this material we will analyze Nissan Leaf 2019 in all details: from technical characteristics to hidden nuances of ownership. You will find out how the battery behaves after 50,000 km, how much maintenance actually costs, and why some owners call this electric car “the most reliable in its class,” while others call it “a lottery with a battery.” Spoiler: the actual range in cold weather may differ from that declared by the manufacturer by 30-40%, and this is not always the car’s fault.
2019 Nissan Leaf Specifications: What's Under the Hood?
Under the hood Nissan Leaf 2019 does not have the usual internal combustion engine - instead there is a synchronous electric motor EM57 power 110 kW (150 hp) and torque 320 Nm. This is 38 hp. and 10 Nm more than the 2018 model, thanks to an updated inverter. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds - quite dynamic for a city hatchback.
But the main thing in an electric car is the battery. In 2019 Leaf equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity 40 kWh (basic version) or 62 kWh (version Leaf e+, which appeared towards the end of the year). The stated range on the NEDC cycle was 270 km and 385 km, respectively. However, for the real WLTP cycle the figures are more modest: 239 km and 338 km. What happens in winter?
- 🔋 Basic version (40 kWh): 150-180 km on a single charge at -10°C (with heating)
- ⚡ Leaf e+ (62 kWh): 220-250 km in winter, up to 300 km in summer
- ❄️ Capacity loss: 2-3% per year with proper use, up to 5% with frequent “fast” charging
- 🔌 Charging types: Type 2 (AC), CHAdeMO (DC), maximum power 50 kW
| Parameter | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Nissan Leaf e+ 62 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 110 kW (150 hp) | 160 kW (217 hp) |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Power reserve (WLTP) | 239 km | 338 km |
| Charging time (0-80%) at fast station | ~40 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Battery weight | ~300 kg | ~400 kg |
Feature Leaf 2019 - system e-Pedal, which allows you to drive the car with almost one pedal. When you release the accelerator, the car actively brakes with recuperation, which in the city increases the range by 5-10%. However, you need to get used to this: in the first days, many drivers twitch at traffic lights.
- Up to 200 km (enough for the city)
- 200-300 km (city + occasional trips)
- 300-400 km (universal version)
- More than 400 km (long trips)
Real operating experience: what do owners say?
Reviews about Nissan Leaf 2019 is very polar. Some praise it for its reliability and low maintenance costs, while others criticize it for battery degradation and problems with the charging infrastructure. Let's figure out where the truth is and where the myths are.
According to a survey among owners Leaf in Russia (2023), 68% of respondents noted that during 3-4 years of operation they did not encounter serious breakdowns. The main complaints relate to:
- 🔋 Battery degradation: on average 10-15% loss of capacity over 3 years (with a mileage of 40,000-50,000 km)
- ❄️ Winter operation: Power reserve drop by 30-40% at -20°C
- 🔌 Problems with CHAdeMO: not all modern charging stations support this standard
- 💰 Battery replacement cost: from 500,000 rubles for a new one (used from 200,000 rubles)
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Nissan Leaf 2019 with mileage, be sure to check the charging history viaNissanConnector specialized services likeLeaf Spy. Frequent "fast" charges (more than 50% of the total) reduce battery life 20-30% faster.
Among the advantages, owners highlight:
- 💰 Saving on fuel: 1.5-2 rubles per km versus 5-7 rubles for gasoline analogues
- 🔧 Minimum maintenance: no oil, spark plugs, timing belts - only brake fluid and filters
- 🚗 Comfort: quiet running, smooth acceleration, spacious interior
- 🌱 Environmental friendliness: zero emissions (if electricity is green)
What is Leaf Spy and how to use it?
Leaf Spy is a smartphone application (Android/iOS) that, via an OBD-II adapter, reads detailed information about the battery status of a Nissan Leaf. It shows:
- Actual battery capacity (in Ah and kWh)
- State of each cell (voltage balance)
- Number of charging cycles
- Battery temperature
- Assessment of degradation (SOH - State of Health)
To connect you need an ELM327 adapter (version 1.5) and a cable to connect to the OBD-II port under the steering wheel. The application is paid (~1000 rubles), but allows you to avoid buying a “dead” battery.
Charging Nissan Leaf 2019: how much does it cost and where to refuel?
One of the key questions when buying an electric car is where and how to charge it. Nissan Leaf 2019 supports three types of charging:
- Household socket (220V, 10A) - the slowest way. Fully charging a 40 kWh battery will take 12-14 hours. Not recommended for regular use due to the risk of overheating the wiring.
- Wall box (Type 2, 7-22 kW) - the best option for home. Charging 40 kWh in 4-6 hours, 62 kWh in 6-8 hours. Cost of boxing with installation: 50,000-100,000 rubles.
- Fast charging (CHAdeMO, up to 50 kW) - 0-80% in 40-60 minutes. However, frequent "fast" charging reduces battery life.
The cost of charging depends on the tariff and type of station:
- 🏠 Home exercise: 1.5-3 rub/kWh (night tariff)
- ⚡ Public stations: 8-15 rub/kWh (Moskva, SPb), 5-10 rub/kWh (regions)
- ☀️ Solar panels: payback 5-7 years with intensive use
| Charging type | Time (40 kWh) | Time (62 kWh) | Cost (full charge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household socket (2.3 kW) | 12-14 hours | 18-20 hours | 50-100 rub. |
| Wall box (7 kW) | 4-6 hours | 6-8 hours | 100-200 rub. |
| Fast station (50 kW) | 40-50 minutes | 60-70 minutes | 300-600 rub. |
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to use CHAdeMO fast chargers frequently, keep in mind that from 2023, many new stations in Europe and the US are abandoning this standard in favor of CCS. In Russia the situation is better, but in 5-7 years problems may arise with finding compatible stations.
Make sure the wiring can handle a load of 7+ kW|Buy a wallbox with a certificate (e.g. ABB or Schneider Electric)|Install the box in a dry place protected from moisture|Set up a separate electricity tariff (if possible)|Check the cable for damage before each charge-->
Comparison with competitors: which is better than Leaf 2019?
In 2019 Nissan Leaf there were several direct competitors: Renault Zoe, BMW i3, Hyundai Kona Electric And Kia Soul EV. Let's compare them based on key parameters.
| Parameter | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | Renault Zoe R110 | Hyundai Kona 39 kWh | BMW i3 42 kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power reserve (WLTP) | 239 km | 300 km | 305 km | 260 km |
| Power | 150 hp | 110 hp | 136 hp | 170 hp |
| Used price (2023, Russia) | 1.2-1.8 million rubles. | 1.0-1.5 million rubles. | 1.5-2.2 million rubles. | 1.8-2.5 million rubles. |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000 km | 8 years/120,000 km | 8 years/160,000 km | 8 years/160,000 km |
Advantages of Leaf 2019 over its competitors:
- 💰 Price: one of the most affordable electric cars on the secondary market
- 🔧 Reliability: simple design, few electronics
- 🚗 Spacious salon: more space than BMW i3 or Renault Zoe
Disadvantages compared to competitors:
- 🔋 Power reserve: loses Hyundai Kona And Kia Soul EV
- ⚡ Charging: CHAdeMO is inferior to CCS in prevalence
- 🎨 Design: conservative appearance (no changes since 2017)
Nissan Leaf 2019 is the optimal choice for urban use with a mileage of up to 20,000 km/year. For long trips, it's better to consider the Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia e-Niro with a longer range.
Tuning and modifications: what can be improved in the 2019 Leaf?
Despite the fact that Nissan Leaf It is not positioned as a sports car; some owners tune it. Here are the most popular modifications:
- 🔋 Increasing battery capacity: possible replacement with 62 kWh from Leaf e+ (cost ~800,000 rubles including work)
- ⚡ Installing CCS instead of CHAdeMO: adapters cost ~150,000 rubles, but require flashing the BMS
- 🎵 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with Android Auto support
Leaf Spy - 🔥 Sports suspension: sets from Tanabe or Tein (~100,000 rub.)
- 🖥️ Firmware: disable power limitation (up to +20 hp), but risk voiding warranty
⚠️ Attention: Any interference with the high voltage system Nissan Leaf should only be carried out by certified specialists. Improper modification of the battery or charging system may result in fire or loss of warranty. In 2022, a case of Leaf fire was recorded in Moscow after a homemade modification of the BMS.
The safest and most useful tuning is:
- Installation heat pump (for the version without it) - increases the power reserve in winter by 10-15%
- Replacement winter tires with low rolling resistance (For example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5)
- Installation solar panel on the roof (gives +5-10 km of reserve per day)
If you plan to tune your Leaf, start by installing the Leaf Spy Pro app. It will show the real condition of the battery and help you avoid buying a “dead” battery.
Cost of Ownership: How much does a 2019 Leaf owner actually spend?
One of the main advantages of electric cars is their low operating cost. Let's calculate how much it costs Nissan Leaf 2019 per year with a mileage of 15,000 km.
| Expense item | Cost (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 7,000-12,000 rub. | With a tariff of 3 rubles/kWh and charging at home |
| Insurance (CASCO) | 40,000-60,000 rub. | Depends on the region and age of the driver |
| Maintenance (filters, fluids) | 5,000-8,000 rub. | Brake fluid, cabin filter |
| Tires (summer + winter) | 30,000-50,000 rub. | Service life 3-4 seasons |
| Repair fund | 10,000-30,000 rub. | In case of replacing brake pads or suspension |
For comparison: owning a gasoline car of the same class (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra) costs 1.5-2 times more - about 150,000-200,000 rubles per year.
However, there are also hidden costs:
- 🔌 Charging at public stations: 10,000-20,000 rub./year for frequent trips
- 🔋 Battery diagnostics: 2,000-5,000 rub. for checking Leaf Spy with a specialist
- 🚗 Parking: in some cities electric cars are parked for free, but not everywhere
When used correctly, the Nissan Leaf 2019 costs 3-4 times less than its gasoline counterpart. The main thing is to charge at home and avoid frequent “fast” charging.
Problems and typical malfunctions: what to look for?
Like any car, Nissan Leaf 2019 has its own “diseases”. Here are the most common problems that owners encounter:
- 🔋 Battery degradation: with a mileage of more than 80,000 km, the capacity may drop to 70-75% of the original
- 🚨 Error "Turtle" (turtle mode): appears when there is a strong discharge or a BMS malfunction
- 🔌 Charging problems: fast charging does not turn on due to oxidation of CHAdeMO contacts
- 🎵 Media glitches: Screen freezes, Bluetooth problems
- 🔊 Suspension creaks: stabilizer struts and bushings wear out by 60,000 km
How to avoid these problems?
Do not let the battery discharge below 20%|Charge up to 80% in everyday use|Use “fast” charging no more than once a week|Check CHAdeMO contacts for oxidation every 10,000 km|Update multimedia firmware via NissanConnect-->
The most expensive potential problem is battery replacement. The official price of a new 40 kWh battery is about 1,000,000 rubles, but on the secondary market you can find used options starting from 200,000 rubles (with a capacity of 70-80%).
⚠️ Attention: If when buying a used one Leaf the seller refuses to provide data fromLeaf SpyorNissanConnectabout the condition of the battery is a reason to be wary. There is a high risk that the battery is severely degraded or has been in an accident.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2019 Nissan Leaf
Can a Nissan Leaf be towed with a cable?
No, towing Nissan Leaf on a cable is prohibited by the instructions. When towing, you must use a tow truck or a transport platform. The fact is that when driving without the ignition on, the gearbox lubrication system does not work, which can lead to its breakdown. As a last resort, you can tow short distances (up to 500 m) at a speed of no more than 30 km/h, but this is risky.
How long does the 2019 Nissan Leaf battery last?
Battery life depends on operating conditions. When treated with care (charging up to 80%, avoiding extreme temperatures), the battery retains 80% of its capacity after 200,000-250,000 km or 8-10 years. However, with intensive use with frequent “fast” charging, degradation can reach 30% after 3-4 years. Nissan's warranty covers capacity drops below 70% for 8 years or 160,000 km.
Can I charge my Nissan Leaf using a generator?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. To charge from a generator, you need a pure sine wave inverter (for example, Victron MultiPlus) with a power of at least 3 kW. However, this charging method:
- Reduces battery life due to unstable voltage
- May cause inverter or generator to overheat
- Violates Nissan warranty terms
It is better to use a network charging box or public stations.
How does the Nissan Leaf drive in winter?
Winter operation is the weakest point Leaf. At temperatures below -15°C, the actual power reserve drops by 30-40% due to:
- Battery heating (automatic heating when charging)
- Stove operation (in the basic version without heat pump)
- Increased rolling resistance of winter tires
Tips for winter riding:
- Use mains preheating (
NissanConnector timer) - Install a heat pump (if you don't have one)
- Keep the battery charged 30-80%
Where is it better to buy a used Nissan Leaf 2019: in Russia or abroad?
Purchasing abroad (Japan, Europe) may be more profitable in price, but has risks:
- 📄 Customs: customs clearance costs 300,000-500,000 rubles
- 🔋 Battery status: In Japan, cars are often used as taxis
- 🔧 Warranty: Nissan's official warranty is not valid in Russia
- 🔌 Charging: in Europe there may be a different connector (Type 2 Mennekes)
In Russia, it is better to look for cars with a full service history and a tested battery (via Leaf Spy). Average price:
- Leaf 40 kWh: 1.2-1.6 million rubles.
- Leaf e+ 62 kWh: 1.8-2.3 million rubles.