The Nissan LEAF: why it’s time to rethink electric range
Nissan’s all-electric hatchback has been designed to offer practical everyday electric driving and charging, as well as confidence for long journeys...
When choosing a new electric car, the big number everyone focuses on is range. In a world where 300 to 800 miles of petrol or diesel range is something that we’re used to, electric range may seem small by comparison. But that’s not the whole story.
With up to 168 miles (WLTP combined) of all-electric range on Nissan LEAF 40kWh models and up to 239 miles (WLTP combined)[1] on Nissan LEAF e+ 62kWh models, you've got all the confidence you need to head off on long journeys.
It’s in everyday driving, though, where the Nissan LEAF really delivers – blending flexible practicality, the ability to fast charge and low running costs that make every trip easier and every mile more cost-efficient. So, don’t focus on the big numbers. Consider how you use it. It’s time to rethink range.
To find out more about the Nissan LEAF, head to nissan.co.uk
Up to a week (or more) on one charge
The distance we travel each day is shorter than you may think. In fact, the average distance of most everyday journeys – such as commuting, school runs and daily chores – is around 20 miles[2]. That means there’s more range in the Nissan LEAF’s battery than you might think.
Typically, you could plug in your Nissan LEAF every night at home to stay topped up in the most cost-effective way, making the most of low overnight electric rates. In fact, around 80% of electric car charging takes place at home[3]. But, even for a driver doing 10,000 miles a year (about 27 miles a day), you could actually cover up to six days of short journeys on one charge in a Nissan LEAF 40kWh (with up to 168 miles of range), or up to eight days on one charge in a LEAF e+ 62kWh model (offering up to 239 miles of range)[1].
Go further than you’d think
Typically, on average, UK drivers only do long journeys several times a month[2]. And, with the Nissan LEAF you can actually go further than you may think without recharging. Nissan LEAF 40kWh models with up to 168 miles of range (WLTP combined) could get you from Birmingham to Exeter on the south coast, while Nissan LEAF e+ 62kWh models could get you from Birmingham to as far as Dumfries in Scotland[1]. Those aren’t the sort of journeys you do without a break, which would offer you the chance to top up your battery mid-trip, if required.
Rethink ‘refuelling’. It’s all about grazing
What if you do need to top-up on-the-go – either on a long cross-country drive or during the day? It’s time to think how you refuel. Rather than running to empty and refilling your tank, you can fit mini recharges around daily activities (known as ‘grazing’). It’s sort of like how you use your mobile phone – plugging it in for a top-up whenever you’re not using it.
From 20% to 80% in just 60 minutes
Recharging the Nissan LEAF is faster than you think – especially when you use a rapid charger. A 50kW CHAdeMO charger will recharge a LEAF 40kWh model from 20% to 80% in as little as 60 minutes, or 90 minutes for LEAF e+ 62kWh models[4]. As the average stop at a motorway service station typically takes around 15-20 minutes[5], your car should have a useful boost of range by the time you get back in it. Or, you can pretty much do a full top-up if you stop for lunch. During the week, it’s the ideal fit for a shopping trip, a meeting, lunch with friends or a trip to the movies.
Never more than 25 miles from a rapid charger
It’s true that the UK’s recharging network is still growing, but it’s already much more extensive than you might think. According to ZapMap, there are around 33,000 public chargers at 12,500 locations around the UK, with 8360 50kW rapid chargers in 2340 locations[6] – and 97% of UK motorway service stations boasting rapid charging posts[7]. That means you’re never more than 25 miles away from a rapid charger[8].
With electric, it’s still cheaper to go the distance
It’s significantly cheaper to run an electric car, letting you do more miles with less impact on your wallet. An electric car costs around 4p per mile when charging at home, while a petrol car costs around 11p per mile[9]. That means you’re saving around £12.86 every week on fuel, and over £600 a year[10]. And, even though on-the-go rapid charging is a bit more expensive, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than a tank of petrol or diesel.
So, when it comes to considering the Nissan LEAF – whether it’s for short everyday journeys, or the occasional longer trip – don’t just focus on the big numbers. Rethink range, and how you use it.
To find out more about the Nissan LEAF, head to nissan.co.uk
[1] Laminated lithium-ion 40kWh battery with up to 168 miles range and e+ 62kWh battery with up to 239 miles range. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors such as the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
[2] Based on average annual mileage of petrol/diesel drivers of 7,400 miles per year (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/nts09-vehicle-mileage-and- MPG occupancy#car-mileage). Equates to 142 miles per week/ 20 miles per day.
[3] ‘Charging Electric Vehicles’ report, energysavingtrust.org.uk (April 2019)
[4] Indicated rapid charging time may vary depending on factors including charging conditions, battery and ambient temperature at point of use and if the battery safeguarding technology is activated. Visit nissan.co.uk to find out more.
[5] For more information, visit: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero/5-myths-about-electric-vehicles-busted
[6] For more information, visit: https://www.zap-map.com/statistics/
[7] For more information, visit: https://www.goultralow.com/faqs/
[8] For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-vision-for-the-rapid-chargepoint-network-in-england/government-vision-for-the-rapid-chargepoint-network-in-england
[9] Cost to charge to up to 168-mile or 239-mile range based on average daytime electric rates of 16.5p per kWh (Drive Zero, August 2020). For 40kWh at 16.5p/kWh, charge cost = £6.60 (3.9p per mile). For 62kWh at 16.5p/kWh, charge cost = £10.23 (4.2p per mile). Cost for petrol for 168-mile distance, based on average petrol price of £1.15 (AA, August 2020) and the car delivering a fuel economy of 48.2mpg (combined) 48.2mpg = 3.49 gallons = 15.9 litres @ £1.15 = £18.29 (10.9p per mile). Cost for petrol for 239-mile distance = 4.96 gallons = 22.55 litres @ £1.15 = £25.93 (10.9p per mile)
[10] Cost comparisons for a week of driving (192 miles, based on 10,000 miles per year). Petrol: 192 miles @ 10.9p per mile = £20.92. Electric: 192 miles @ 4.2p per miles = £8.06. Annual saving calculated as 48.2mpg over 10,000 miles = 943.13 litres at £1.15 = £1,085pa. 10,000 miles/168-mile range = 60 charges X £6.60 = £396pa (£689 saving per year). 10,000 miles/239-mile range = 42 charges x £10.23 = £430pa (£655 saving per year).
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