Download Bonnet

Scan the QR code to download the app

All You Need To Know About Nissan’s Electric Cars (Including Their All-Electric & e-POWER models)

Published on
May 8, 2023

Key Points

  • For decades, Nissan has been one of the world’s most notable car makers. They have been a leader in the electric car industry since they unveiled the Nissan Leaf, which quickly became one of the world’s best-selling EVs.
  • Since then, Nissan has cemented itself as a market leader alongside the VW Group and Tesla, selling multiple electric vehicles.
  • Many of their electrified vehicles use innovative technology, like e-POWER, which sets them apart from their competition.
  • They currently sell just two all-electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Ariya.
  • Read this article to learn about Nissan’s current range of electrified cars and its history of electric vehicles. 

Nissan has been one of the world’s most famous automotive manufacturers for decades, and during that time, they have been innovators and market leaders in the electric vehicle market. They’ve invested billions into developing technology and establishing themselves as one of the most noted players in the industry.

These efforts culminated in the production of the Nissan Leaf, one of the first all-electric cars brought to the UK, which quickly became one of the world’s best-selling cars of all time, selling over half a million models to date. Alongside their all-electric cars, they are also notable for developing a range of quality hybrid cars.

If you’re in the market for an electric car, you won’t go wrong with Nissan’s reliable range of cars. Each model is built with care and years of experience. This article will outline the two all-electric Nissan cars you can buy and two e-POWER cars. It will also give you a good understanding of Nissan’s past ventures with electric vehicles and their ambitious plans for the future.

Nissan’s Electric Journey

When Nissan launched the Leaf in 2010 to huge success, they must have realised the potential of the electric market as since then, they’ve doubled down on it and have dived deep into EV tech. In doing so, they’ve developed a reputation as one of the finest EV manufacturers who make reliable, efficient cars. They are now catching up with Tesla and the VW Group as market leaders.

To ensure they remain in a strong position, Nissan has ambitious plans for their future, including more electric cars and better technology. They’ve committed over $14.7 billion to electrify their range and make EVs crucial to future growth. They’ve pledged to make 27 electrified models and 19 EVs by 2030. They expect them to become their most significant portion of the European market as they foresee 98% of their European sales to be from electric vehicles by 2026.

5 Key Electric Cars Nissan Have Made Over The Past 70 Years

Although electric cars have only experienced an explosion in popularity in the past decade, they’ve been around for much longer. Electric cars started to appear in the 1890s and experienced a golden age until the 1910s, when their range became a significant issue. The discovery of petroleum reserves led to the wide availability of affordable petrol. 

Tama Electric Vehicle (1947)

In postwar Japan, there was an oil scarcity, which led to Nissan’s engineers creating the Tama, which was released in 1947 and was Nissan’s first-ever electric vehicle. The Tama was primarily used by Taxi companies and utilised a replaceable lead-acid battery with a top speed of almost 22 mph and could drive for nearly 60 miles per charge. 

These figures seem modest nowadays, with our cars that can go for hundreds of miles between charges and drive faster than we need, but back then, what they had was good enough. Ultimately the oil scarcity issue stabilised, and the Tama was discontinued in 1950, but that wouldn’t be Nissan’s last venture into the electric car. 

Prairie Joy EV (1996)

In 1996, Nissan unveiled the Prairie Joy EV, the world’s first lithium-ion battery-powered car, proving that lithium-ion batteries weren’t just limited to mobiles but could be used to power automobiles. The Prairie Joy EV could deliver around 124 miles of range and hit a top speed of 75 mph.

It was a silent and emission-free car; these features would make Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research choose it and use it for six years as they studied in the arctic.

Hypermini (2000)

The Hypermini was a new take on the electric vehicle that showed up in Hollywood movies like The Princess Diaries 2. It was an innovative little car which was stylish and distinctive. It offered motorists who enjoyed its looks enough to buy one around 71 miles per charge and could hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Nissan Leaf (2010)

The Nissan Leaf is the archetypal electric car for many British motorists. Its release in 2010 was a milestone for the industry as it saw Nissan release their first mass-produced EV. The vehicle has sold over 500,000 models across its lifespan. 

Upon its original release, first-generation models had a range of around 100 miles and could reach speeds of 89 mph. It was a conventional-looking car that was a stepping stone for many drivers towards electrification. 

In 2017, Nissan launched a new generation of the Leaf, which refined the driving experience and made it even more impressive by adding more powerful acceleration, lighter handling and an increased range. 

e-NV200 (2014)

The e-NV200 was Nissan’s first mass-produced all-electric commercial vehicle. It’s been used for various businesses, including ice cream vans! A roomy, versatile vehicle with a powerful electric drivetrain, it had a range of around 100 miles and could hit 76 mph, bringing electrification to a new audience. 

Nissan All-Electric Cars You Can Buy Right Now

Nissan Leaf

Pros Cons
Quiet & refined Limited range
Easy to drive Outdated infotainment
Reasonably priced Charging speeds

The Nissan Leaf is an iconic electric car that has become one of the world’s best-selling electric cars since its first generation release in 2010. In 2017, Nissan released the second generation version, and at the time, Nissan had the EV family hatchback market to itself, but times have changed, and the market is now very competitive.

The Nissan Leaf is a reliable car that has been improved substantially since its original model; it’s built on years of experience, passion and learned lessons. It’s a conventional-looking car without the futuristic, awe-inspiring looks of other EVs, but that’s part of its appeal; it’s the electric car for people who don’t want to stand out. It’s reliable, easy to drive and reasonably priced.

The electric hatchback market is booming and rife with excellent cars. The Leaf rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which all somewhat overshadow the Leaf and threaten its dominance. The Leaf has slow charging times; for example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge from 20 - 80% in 20 minutes, while the Leaf will charge that in 90 minutes.

The Leaf is competitively priced, with an entry-level model costing less than £30,000. The MG4 is cheaper and beats it at several other metrics, and the Cupra Born offers a more modern experience.

Overall the Leaf is a comfortable car that is as practical and reliable as ever, but it is no longer as essential a purchase as it once was due to its failure to keep up with the competition. It’s got a poor range, low-speed charging, outdated infotainment and offers a rather uninvolving driving experience. It was updated in early 2022, giving it some kerb appeal, but even this won’t win over customers. It’s still a good car, but it’s simply outclassed.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Leaf
Top Speed 89 mph
Max Charging Speed 46 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 145 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 39 kWh

Nissan Ariya

Pros Cons
Spacious Premium price
Good visibility Charging speed slower than rivals
Good-looking car Not the most thrilling car

Nissan has put a lot of their EV experience into the Ariya, which makes it a high-quality all-electric family SUV that is spacious and looks good. It’s a reliable ride that you can purchase with a choice of two battery sizes of 63 kWh and 87 kWh, giving official ranges of 250 and 329 miles, respectively. 

The family SUV market is very crowded and filled with excellent competition, so the Ariya has its work cut out for it in trying to stand out from the crowd. Its rivals include the likes of the Skoda Enyaq iV, Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Volkswagen ID.4. 

Does it shine in a crowded market? Well, it stands out thanks to its price, starting at over £46,000, well above most of its competition. You get a lot for that money, and it's good value, but it is a steep price, which will put off plenty of prospective buyers. 

The Ariya is more stylish than the Nissan Leaf with its coupe shape, which is very popular among SUV buyers. The Interior is a huge step up from it too, and it comes with improved specifications (charging range, max speed, driving range), so it is a superior car to the Leaf, but does it beat its rivals?

There’s nothing wrong with the Ariya. It’s a premium-feeling car that offers drivers an excellent experience, but it doesn’t offer the most thrilling ride and doesn’t stand out from the crowd of better-value family SUVs.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Ariya
Top Speed 99 mph
Max Charging Speed 130 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 270 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 87 kWh

Nissan e-POWER Vehicles

Many car makers sell hybrid vehicles, which generally are either full hybrids or plug-in hybrids; Nissan does things a bit differently with their e-POWER technology. In conventional hybrid cars, wheels are driven by an electric motor and a combustion engine; e-POWER cars drive the wheels with an electric motor powered by a petrol engine.

E-POWER cars have lower tailpipe emissions and running costs than traditional combustion engines. They don’t use chargers to power their engines; instead, you use petrol to power the car, and as long as there is petrol in the tank, the car will be able to drive.  

Nissan Qashqai e-POWER

Pros Cons
Lots of tech No high-performance version
Striking styling Not class-leading in practicality
Smooth drive Engine noise in traffic

The Nissan Qashqai has been a family favourite of British motorists ever since its first generation helped popularise the mid-size SUV in 2007. Now on its third generation, the Qashqai continues to impress, now using Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology to offer its drivers a great driving experience. 

The Qashqai’s competition includes the likes of Kia Sportage, SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, all these rivals have a range of drivetrains, while the Qashqai doesn’t. The Qashqai’s bold looks help it stand out from the crowd; it’s a practical car that betters much of its competition, although not to the degree that it is an obvious winner, as a lot boils down to personal preference. 

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a good medium-sized SUV, it’s a top buy and is among the most technically advanced SUVs available, offering a smooth, excellent drive. You can also buy the Nissan Qashqai as a mild hybrid. A mild hybrid can’t travel on electric power alone but instead uses electric tech to ease the stress on the combustion engine and helps with the fuel economy. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
Top Speed 104.4 mph

Nissan X-Trail e-POWER

Everything You Need To Know About The Renault Captur E-Tech
Top Speed 107 mph
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 30 miles
Battery Capacity  9.8 kWh

The Nissan X-Trail has been around for over 20 years and continues to be a handsome, well-made family SUV, which now looks more appealing than ever. It’s spacious and comfortable and offers drivers an effortlessly smooth drive. In its fourth generation model, the X-Trail uses Nissan’s e-POWER technology. 

The X-Trail rivals cars like the SEAT Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq and hybrid versions of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The X-Trail is a good car that’s, unfortunately, overshadowed by many of its competitors as it doesn’t excel at anything in particular. It’s not as practical as many of its rivals, and the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, in particular, are probably superior cars.

It has good efficiency but higher CO2 emissions than plug-in hybrid rivals like the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall, the X-Trail is a good, reliable car that retails between £32,030 and £47,155; it’s nice to drive but doesn’t stand out in this market. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER
Top Speed105.6 mph

Make Charging Easy With Bonnet

Since Nissan released the Leaf, electric cars haven’t been the same in Britain. When it was first unveiled, few drivers drove electric vehicles, and few were interested in doing so. The Leaf changed that; its reliability and range proved that being electric didn’t mean it had to be dull or useless. Upon its release, there weren’t many charging stations in the country, meaning owning one could be impractical. 

This isn’t the case anymore as public charging networks have sprung up nationwide, and the government tries to make it easier for people to access charging off-street and at home, thanks to grants.

Public charging networks are convenient, affordable and the fastest way to charge your car. However, it can be hard to figure out which charging station suits your car; each network charges a different price, and they might not even provide chargers for your connector type.

Bonnet is our app that lets you discover nearby chargers and access them. It works with over 17+ charging stations across the UK, so you don’t need to download apps and clutter your phone to get EV charging; instead, you can easily charge with just one app. 

You can discover and access chargers for free, but we also help motorists get cheaper charging with Bonnet Boosts. Bonnet Boosts is the best way to charge your car at public charging stations, and you can get up to 15% off your charging bill with it. 

Whether you have a home charging station or rely exclusively on public charging, Bonnet Boosts can help you save money. 

We want to make charging easier and less stressful for Britain’s electric drivers. To easily discover chargers and access them, you should download our app. 

Make charging easy today; download Bonnet.

FAQs

What kind of electric cars does Nissan have?

Nissan sells two all-electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and the Ariya. They also sell several e-POWER cars like the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER and full hybrid vehicles like the Nissan Juke.

Does Nissan have an electric car yet?

Nissan released the Nissan Leaf in 2010, becoming one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars in the UK. 

What is Nissan's best-selling electric car?

The Nissan Leaf is Nissan’s best-selling car. It has sold over 500,000 lifetime models and nearly 10,000 models in 2022 alone. 

May 8, 2023

Nissan has been one of the world’s most famous automotive manufacturers for decades, and during that time, they have been innovators and market leaders in the electric vehicle market. They’ve invested billions into developing technology and establishing themselves as one of the most noted players in the industry.

These efforts culminated in the production of the Nissan Leaf, one of the first all-electric cars brought to the UK, which quickly became one of the world’s best-selling cars of all time, selling over half a million models to date. Alongside their all-electric cars, they are also notable for developing a range of quality hybrid cars.

If you’re in the market for an electric car, you won’t go wrong with Nissan’s reliable range of cars. Each model is built with care and years of experience. This article will outline the two all-electric Nissan cars you can buy and two e-POWER cars. It will also give you a good understanding of Nissan’s past ventures with electric vehicles and their ambitious plans for the future.

Nissan’s Electric Journey

When Nissan launched the Leaf in 2010 to huge success, they must have realised the potential of the electric market as since then, they’ve doubled down on it and have dived deep into EV tech. In doing so, they’ve developed a reputation as one of the finest EV manufacturers who make reliable, efficient cars. They are now catching up with Tesla and the VW Group as market leaders.

To ensure they remain in a strong position, Nissan has ambitious plans for their future, including more electric cars and better technology. They’ve committed over $14.7 billion to electrify their range and make EVs crucial to future growth. They’ve pledged to make 27 electrified models and 19 EVs by 2030. They expect them to become their most significant portion of the European market as they foresee 98% of their European sales to be from electric vehicles by 2026.

5 Key Electric Cars Nissan Have Made Over The Past 70 Years

Although electric cars have only experienced an explosion in popularity in the past decade, they’ve been around for much longer. Electric cars started to appear in the 1890s and experienced a golden age until the 1910s, when their range became a significant issue. The discovery of petroleum reserves led to the wide availability of affordable petrol. 

Tama Electric Vehicle (1947)

In postwar Japan, there was an oil scarcity, which led to Nissan’s engineers creating the Tama, which was released in 1947 and was Nissan’s first-ever electric vehicle. The Tama was primarily used by Taxi companies and utilised a replaceable lead-acid battery with a top speed of almost 22 mph and could drive for nearly 60 miles per charge. 

These figures seem modest nowadays, with our cars that can go for hundreds of miles between charges and drive faster than we need, but back then, what they had was good enough. Ultimately the oil scarcity issue stabilised, and the Tama was discontinued in 1950, but that wouldn’t be Nissan’s last venture into the electric car. 

Prairie Joy EV (1996)

In 1996, Nissan unveiled the Prairie Joy EV, the world’s first lithium-ion battery-powered car, proving that lithium-ion batteries weren’t just limited to mobiles but could be used to power automobiles. The Prairie Joy EV could deliver around 124 miles of range and hit a top speed of 75 mph.

It was a silent and emission-free car; these features would make Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research choose it and use it for six years as they studied in the arctic.

Hypermini (2000)

The Hypermini was a new take on the electric vehicle that showed up in Hollywood movies like The Princess Diaries 2. It was an innovative little car which was stylish and distinctive. It offered motorists who enjoyed its looks enough to buy one around 71 miles per charge and could hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Nissan Leaf (2010)

The Nissan Leaf is the archetypal electric car for many British motorists. Its release in 2010 was a milestone for the industry as it saw Nissan release their first mass-produced EV. The vehicle has sold over 500,000 models across its lifespan. 

Upon its original release, first-generation models had a range of around 100 miles and could reach speeds of 89 mph. It was a conventional-looking car that was a stepping stone for many drivers towards electrification. 

In 2017, Nissan launched a new generation of the Leaf, which refined the driving experience and made it even more impressive by adding more powerful acceleration, lighter handling and an increased range. 

e-NV200 (2014)

The e-NV200 was Nissan’s first mass-produced all-electric commercial vehicle. It’s been used for various businesses, including ice cream vans! A roomy, versatile vehicle with a powerful electric drivetrain, it had a range of around 100 miles and could hit 76 mph, bringing electrification to a new audience. 

Nissan All-Electric Cars You Can Buy Right Now

Nissan Leaf

Pros Cons
Quiet & refined Limited range
Easy to drive Outdated infotainment
Reasonably priced Charging speeds

The Nissan Leaf is an iconic electric car that has become one of the world’s best-selling electric cars since its first generation release in 2010. In 2017, Nissan released the second generation version, and at the time, Nissan had the EV family hatchback market to itself, but times have changed, and the market is now very competitive.

The Nissan Leaf is a reliable car that has been improved substantially since its original model; it’s built on years of experience, passion and learned lessons. It’s a conventional-looking car without the futuristic, awe-inspiring looks of other EVs, but that’s part of its appeal; it’s the electric car for people who don’t want to stand out. It’s reliable, easy to drive and reasonably priced.

The electric hatchback market is booming and rife with excellent cars. The Leaf rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which all somewhat overshadow the Leaf and threaten its dominance. The Leaf has slow charging times; for example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge from 20 - 80% in 20 minutes, while the Leaf will charge that in 90 minutes.

The Leaf is competitively priced, with an entry-level model costing less than £30,000. The MG4 is cheaper and beats it at several other metrics, and the Cupra Born offers a more modern experience.

Overall the Leaf is a comfortable car that is as practical and reliable as ever, but it is no longer as essential a purchase as it once was due to its failure to keep up with the competition. It’s got a poor range, low-speed charging, outdated infotainment and offers a rather uninvolving driving experience. It was updated in early 2022, giving it some kerb appeal, but even this won’t win over customers. It’s still a good car, but it’s simply outclassed.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Leaf
Top Speed 89 mph
Max Charging Speed 46 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 145 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 39 kWh

Nissan Ariya

Pros Cons
Spacious Premium price
Good visibility Charging speed slower than rivals
Good-looking car Not the most thrilling car

Nissan has put a lot of their EV experience into the Ariya, which makes it a high-quality all-electric family SUV that is spacious and looks good. It’s a reliable ride that you can purchase with a choice of two battery sizes of 63 kWh and 87 kWh, giving official ranges of 250 and 329 miles, respectively. 

The family SUV market is very crowded and filled with excellent competition, so the Ariya has its work cut out for it in trying to stand out from the crowd. Its rivals include the likes of the Skoda Enyaq iV, Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Volkswagen ID.4. 

Does it shine in a crowded market? Well, it stands out thanks to its price, starting at over £46,000, well above most of its competition. You get a lot for that money, and it's good value, but it is a steep price, which will put off plenty of prospective buyers. 

The Ariya is more stylish than the Nissan Leaf with its coupe shape, which is very popular among SUV buyers. The Interior is a huge step up from it too, and it comes with improved specifications (charging range, max speed, driving range), so it is a superior car to the Leaf, but does it beat its rivals?

There’s nothing wrong with the Ariya. It’s a premium-feeling car that offers drivers an excellent experience, but it doesn’t offer the most thrilling ride and doesn’t stand out from the crowd of better-value family SUVs.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Ariya
Top Speed 99 mph
Max Charging Speed 130 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 270 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 87 kWh

Nissan e-POWER Vehicles

Many car makers sell hybrid vehicles, which generally are either full hybrids or plug-in hybrids; Nissan does things a bit differently with their e-POWER technology. In conventional hybrid cars, wheels are driven by an electric motor and a combustion engine; e-POWER cars drive the wheels with an electric motor powered by a petrol engine.

E-POWER cars have lower tailpipe emissions and running costs than traditional combustion engines. They don’t use chargers to power their engines; instead, you use petrol to power the car, and as long as there is petrol in the tank, the car will be able to drive.  

Nissan Qashqai e-POWER

Pros Cons
Lots of tech No high-performance version
Striking styling Not class-leading in practicality
Smooth drive Engine noise in traffic

The Nissan Qashqai has been a family favourite of British motorists ever since its first generation helped popularise the mid-size SUV in 2007. Now on its third generation, the Qashqai continues to impress, now using Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology to offer its drivers a great driving experience. 

The Qashqai’s competition includes the likes of Kia Sportage, SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, all these rivals have a range of drivetrains, while the Qashqai doesn’t. The Qashqai’s bold looks help it stand out from the crowd; it’s a practical car that betters much of its competition, although not to the degree that it is an obvious winner, as a lot boils down to personal preference. 

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a good medium-sized SUV, it’s a top buy and is among the most technically advanced SUVs available, offering a smooth, excellent drive. You can also buy the Nissan Qashqai as a mild hybrid. A mild hybrid can’t travel on electric power alone but instead uses electric tech to ease the stress on the combustion engine and helps with the fuel economy. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
Top Speed 104.4 mph

Nissan X-Trail e-POWER

Everything You Need To Know About The Renault Captur E-Tech
Top Speed 107 mph
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 30 miles
Battery Capacity  9.8 kWh

The Nissan X-Trail has been around for over 20 years and continues to be a handsome, well-made family SUV, which now looks more appealing than ever. It’s spacious and comfortable and offers drivers an effortlessly smooth drive. In its fourth generation model, the X-Trail uses Nissan’s e-POWER technology. 

The X-Trail rivals cars like the SEAT Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq and hybrid versions of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The X-Trail is a good car that’s, unfortunately, overshadowed by many of its competitors as it doesn’t excel at anything in particular. It’s not as practical as many of its rivals, and the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, in particular, are probably superior cars.

It has good efficiency but higher CO2 emissions than plug-in hybrid rivals like the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall, the X-Trail is a good, reliable car that retails between £32,030 and £47,155; it’s nice to drive but doesn’t stand out in this market. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER
Top Speed105.6 mph

Make Charging Easy With Bonnet

Since Nissan released the Leaf, electric cars haven’t been the same in Britain. When it was first unveiled, few drivers drove electric vehicles, and few were interested in doing so. The Leaf changed that; its reliability and range proved that being electric didn’t mean it had to be dull or useless. Upon its release, there weren’t many charging stations in the country, meaning owning one could be impractical. 

This isn’t the case anymore as public charging networks have sprung up nationwide, and the government tries to make it easier for people to access charging off-street and at home, thanks to grants.

Public charging networks are convenient, affordable and the fastest way to charge your car. However, it can be hard to figure out which charging station suits your car; each network charges a different price, and they might not even provide chargers for your connector type.

Bonnet is our app that lets you discover nearby chargers and access them. It works with over 17+ charging stations across the UK, so you don’t need to download apps and clutter your phone to get EV charging; instead, you can easily charge with just one app. 

You can discover and access chargers for free, but we also help motorists get cheaper charging with Bonnet Boosts. Bonnet Boosts is the best way to charge your car at public charging stations, and you can get up to 15% off your charging bill with it. 

Whether you have a home charging station or rely exclusively on public charging, Bonnet Boosts can help you save money. 

We want to make charging easier and less stressful for Britain’s electric drivers. To easily discover chargers and access them, you should download our app. 

Make charging easy today; download Bonnet.

Key Points

  • For decades, Nissan has been one of the world’s most notable car makers. They have been a leader in the electric car industry since they unveiled the Nissan Leaf, which quickly became one of the world’s best-selling EVs.
  • Since then, Nissan has cemented itself as a market leader alongside the VW Group and Tesla, selling multiple electric vehicles.
  • Many of their electrified vehicles use innovative technology, like e-POWER, which sets them apart from their competition.
  • They currently sell just two all-electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Ariya.
  • Read this article to learn about Nissan’s current range of electrified cars and its history of electric vehicles. 

Nissan has been one of the world’s most famous automotive manufacturers for decades, and during that time, they have been innovators and market leaders in the electric vehicle market. They’ve invested billions into developing technology and establishing themselves as one of the most noted players in the industry.

These efforts culminated in the production of the Nissan Leaf, one of the first all-electric cars brought to the UK, which quickly became one of the world’s best-selling cars of all time, selling over half a million models to date. Alongside their all-electric cars, they are also notable for developing a range of quality hybrid cars.

If you’re in the market for an electric car, you won’t go wrong with Nissan’s reliable range of cars. Each model is built with care and years of experience. This article will outline the two all-electric Nissan cars you can buy and two e-POWER cars. It will also give you a good understanding of Nissan’s past ventures with electric vehicles and their ambitious plans for the future.

Nissan’s Electric Journey

When Nissan launched the Leaf in 2010 to huge success, they must have realised the potential of the electric market as since then, they’ve doubled down on it and have dived deep into EV tech. In doing so, they’ve developed a reputation as one of the finest EV manufacturers who make reliable, efficient cars. They are now catching up with Tesla and the VW Group as market leaders.

To ensure they remain in a strong position, Nissan has ambitious plans for their future, including more electric cars and better technology. They’ve committed over $14.7 billion to electrify their range and make EVs crucial to future growth. They’ve pledged to make 27 electrified models and 19 EVs by 2030. They expect them to become their most significant portion of the European market as they foresee 98% of their European sales to be from electric vehicles by 2026.

5 Key Electric Cars Nissan Have Made Over The Past 70 Years

Although electric cars have only experienced an explosion in popularity in the past decade, they’ve been around for much longer. Electric cars started to appear in the 1890s and experienced a golden age until the 1910s, when their range became a significant issue. The discovery of petroleum reserves led to the wide availability of affordable petrol. 

Tama Electric Vehicle (1947)

In postwar Japan, there was an oil scarcity, which led to Nissan’s engineers creating the Tama, which was released in 1947 and was Nissan’s first-ever electric vehicle. The Tama was primarily used by Taxi companies and utilised a replaceable lead-acid battery with a top speed of almost 22 mph and could drive for nearly 60 miles per charge. 

These figures seem modest nowadays, with our cars that can go for hundreds of miles between charges and drive faster than we need, but back then, what they had was good enough. Ultimately the oil scarcity issue stabilised, and the Tama was discontinued in 1950, but that wouldn’t be Nissan’s last venture into the electric car. 

Prairie Joy EV (1996)

In 1996, Nissan unveiled the Prairie Joy EV, the world’s first lithium-ion battery-powered car, proving that lithium-ion batteries weren’t just limited to mobiles but could be used to power automobiles. The Prairie Joy EV could deliver around 124 miles of range and hit a top speed of 75 mph.

It was a silent and emission-free car; these features would make Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research choose it and use it for six years as they studied in the arctic.

Hypermini (2000)

The Hypermini was a new take on the electric vehicle that showed up in Hollywood movies like The Princess Diaries 2. It was an innovative little car which was stylish and distinctive. It offered motorists who enjoyed its looks enough to buy one around 71 miles per charge and could hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Nissan Leaf (2010)

The Nissan Leaf is the archetypal electric car for many British motorists. Its release in 2010 was a milestone for the industry as it saw Nissan release their first mass-produced EV. The vehicle has sold over 500,000 models across its lifespan. 

Upon its original release, first-generation models had a range of around 100 miles and could reach speeds of 89 mph. It was a conventional-looking car that was a stepping stone for many drivers towards electrification. 

In 2017, Nissan launched a new generation of the Leaf, which refined the driving experience and made it even more impressive by adding more powerful acceleration, lighter handling and an increased range. 

e-NV200 (2014)

The e-NV200 was Nissan’s first mass-produced all-electric commercial vehicle. It’s been used for various businesses, including ice cream vans! A roomy, versatile vehicle with a powerful electric drivetrain, it had a range of around 100 miles and could hit 76 mph, bringing electrification to a new audience. 

Nissan All-Electric Cars You Can Buy Right Now

Nissan Leaf

Pros Cons
Quiet & refined Limited range
Easy to drive Outdated infotainment
Reasonably priced Charging speeds

The Nissan Leaf is an iconic electric car that has become one of the world’s best-selling electric cars since its first generation release in 2010. In 2017, Nissan released the second generation version, and at the time, Nissan had the EV family hatchback market to itself, but times have changed, and the market is now very competitive.

The Nissan Leaf is a reliable car that has been improved substantially since its original model; it’s built on years of experience, passion and learned lessons. It’s a conventional-looking car without the futuristic, awe-inspiring looks of other EVs, but that’s part of its appeal; it’s the electric car for people who don’t want to stand out. It’s reliable, easy to drive and reasonably priced.

The electric hatchback market is booming and rife with excellent cars. The Leaf rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which all somewhat overshadow the Leaf and threaten its dominance. The Leaf has slow charging times; for example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge from 20 - 80% in 20 minutes, while the Leaf will charge that in 90 minutes.

The Leaf is competitively priced, with an entry-level model costing less than £30,000. The MG4 is cheaper and beats it at several other metrics, and the Cupra Born offers a more modern experience.

Overall the Leaf is a comfortable car that is as practical and reliable as ever, but it is no longer as essential a purchase as it once was due to its failure to keep up with the competition. It’s got a poor range, low-speed charging, outdated infotainment and offers a rather uninvolving driving experience. It was updated in early 2022, giving it some kerb appeal, but even this won’t win over customers. It’s still a good car, but it’s simply outclassed.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Leaf
Top Speed 89 mph
Max Charging Speed 46 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 145 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 39 kWh

Nissan Ariya

Pros Cons
Spacious Premium price
Good visibility Charging speed slower than rivals
Good-looking car Not the most thrilling car

Nissan has put a lot of their EV experience into the Ariya, which makes it a high-quality all-electric family SUV that is spacious and looks good. It’s a reliable ride that you can purchase with a choice of two battery sizes of 63 kWh and 87 kWh, giving official ranges of 250 and 329 miles, respectively. 

The family SUV market is very crowded and filled with excellent competition, so the Ariya has its work cut out for it in trying to stand out from the crowd. Its rivals include the likes of the Skoda Enyaq iV, Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Volkswagen ID.4. 

Does it shine in a crowded market? Well, it stands out thanks to its price, starting at over £46,000, well above most of its competition. You get a lot for that money, and it's good value, but it is a steep price, which will put off plenty of prospective buyers. 

The Ariya is more stylish than the Nissan Leaf with its coupe shape, which is very popular among SUV buyers. The Interior is a huge step up from it too, and it comes with improved specifications (charging range, max speed, driving range), so it is a superior car to the Leaf, but does it beat its rivals?

There’s nothing wrong with the Ariya. It’s a premium-feeling car that offers drivers an excellent experience, but it doesn’t offer the most thrilling ride and doesn’t stand out from the crowd of better-value family SUVs.

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Ariya
Top Speed 99 mph
Max Charging Speed 130 kW DC
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 270 miles
Battery Capacity (Useable) 87 kWh

Nissan e-POWER Vehicles

Many car makers sell hybrid vehicles, which generally are either full hybrids or plug-in hybrids; Nissan does things a bit differently with their e-POWER technology. In conventional hybrid cars, wheels are driven by an electric motor and a combustion engine; e-POWER cars drive the wheels with an electric motor powered by a petrol engine.

E-POWER cars have lower tailpipe emissions and running costs than traditional combustion engines. They don’t use chargers to power their engines; instead, you use petrol to power the car, and as long as there is petrol in the tank, the car will be able to drive.  

Nissan Qashqai e-POWER

Pros Cons
Lots of tech No high-performance version
Striking styling Not class-leading in practicality
Smooth drive Engine noise in traffic

The Nissan Qashqai has been a family favourite of British motorists ever since its first generation helped popularise the mid-size SUV in 2007. Now on its third generation, the Qashqai continues to impress, now using Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology to offer its drivers a great driving experience. 

The Qashqai’s competition includes the likes of Kia Sportage, SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, all these rivals have a range of drivetrains, while the Qashqai doesn’t. The Qashqai’s bold looks help it stand out from the crowd; it’s a practical car that betters much of its competition, although not to the degree that it is an obvious winner, as a lot boils down to personal preference. 

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a good medium-sized SUV, it’s a top buy and is among the most technically advanced SUVs available, offering a smooth, excellent drive. You can also buy the Nissan Qashqai as a mild hybrid. A mild hybrid can’t travel on electric power alone but instead uses electric tech to ease the stress on the combustion engine and helps with the fuel economy. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
Top Speed 104.4 mph

Nissan X-Trail e-POWER

Everything You Need To Know About The Renault Captur E-Tech
Top Speed 107 mph
Maximum Range (Real Range Estimate) 30 miles
Battery Capacity  9.8 kWh

The Nissan X-Trail has been around for over 20 years and continues to be a handsome, well-made family SUV, which now looks more appealing than ever. It’s spacious and comfortable and offers drivers an effortlessly smooth drive. In its fourth generation model, the X-Trail uses Nissan’s e-POWER technology. 

The X-Trail rivals cars like the SEAT Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq and hybrid versions of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The X-Trail is a good car that’s, unfortunately, overshadowed by many of its competitors as it doesn’t excel at anything in particular. It’s not as practical as many of its rivals, and the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, in particular, are probably superior cars.

It has good efficiency but higher CO2 emissions than plug-in hybrid rivals like the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall, the X-Trail is a good, reliable car that retails between £32,030 and £47,155; it’s nice to drive but doesn’t stand out in this market. 

Everything You Need To Know About The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER
Top Speed105.6 mph

Make Charging Easy With Bonnet

Since Nissan released the Leaf, electric cars haven’t been the same in Britain. When it was first unveiled, few drivers drove electric vehicles, and few were interested in doing so. The Leaf changed that; its reliability and range proved that being electric didn’t mean it had to be dull or useless. Upon its release, there weren’t many charging stations in the country, meaning owning one could be impractical. 

This isn’t the case anymore as public charging networks have sprung up nationwide, and the government tries to make it easier for people to access charging off-street and at home, thanks to grants.

Public charging networks are convenient, affordable and the fastest way to charge your car. However, it can be hard to figure out which charging station suits your car; each network charges a different price, and they might not even provide chargers for your connector type.

Bonnet is our app that lets you discover nearby chargers and access them. It works with over 17+ charging stations across the UK, so you don’t need to download apps and clutter your phone to get EV charging; instead, you can easily charge with just one app. 

You can discover and access chargers for free, but we also help motorists get cheaper charging with Bonnet Boosts. Bonnet Boosts is the best way to charge your car at public charging stations, and you can get up to 15% off your charging bill with it. 

Whether you have a home charging station or rely exclusively on public charging, Bonnet Boosts can help you save money. 

We want to make charging easier and less stressful for Britain’s electric drivers. To easily discover chargers and access them, you should download our app. 

Make charging easy today; download Bonnet.

FAQs

What kind of electric cars does Nissan have?

Nissan sells two all-electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and the Ariya. They also sell several e-POWER cars like the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER and full hybrid vehicles like the Nissan Juke.

Does Nissan have an electric car yet?

Nissan released the Nissan Leaf in 2010, becoming one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars in the UK. 

What is Nissan's best-selling electric car?

The Nissan Leaf is Nissan’s best-selling car. It has sold over 500,000 lifetime models and nearly 10,000 models in 2022 alone. 

Ready to boost
your charging game?

Let's do this!Let''s do this!