Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf uses passive air cooling for the battery. Especially the 24 kWh variant (ZE0) loses significant capacity in warm climates or with frequent fast charging. Remaining capacities below 70% after 80,000 km are documented.

Symptoms: Decreasing range, fewer capacity bars on display, shorter distances per charge

The Leaf ZE1 (40 kWh) drastically throttles fast charging speed after multiple CHAdeMO sessions on a long trip. The cause is the absence of active battery temperature management. Nissan improved the software but did not fully resolve the issue.

Symptoms: Charging speed drops drastically during the second or third fast charge session, charging times double

The Leaf ZE0 has no active liquid cooling for the battery. In warm climates and with frequent fast charging, the 24 kWh battery loses capacity quickly: ADAC testing showed 11% loss at 80,000 km.

Frequent DC fast charging via CHAdeMO significantly accelerates battery ageing in the ZE0 as there is no liquid cooling. The battery heats up and ages more quickly.

Nissan only warranted the ZE0 battery for 5 years or 100,000 km. After expiry the buyer bears the full risk of a battery replacement. Used car buyers must check the SOH.

The Leaf ZE0 brake calipers seize because the mechanical brakes are used infrequently due to regenerative braking. Corrosion on guide pins and pistons is the result.

The Leaf ZE0 12V auxiliary battery drains during extended periods of inactivity. The vehicle is then impossible to start even if the traction battery is fully charged.