Nissan Leaf ZE1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Leaf ZE1 (2017-2024) is the second generation and a clear step forward: modern design, more range and, with the EM57 drive, available as a 40 kWh model or as the stronger e+ with 62 kWh. Depending on variant and temperature, real-world figures of roughly 200 to over 300 km are achievable — making it more usable day to day than its predecessor. One fundamental design decision, however, remained.
Like the ZE0, the ZE1 also does without active liquid cooling of the high-voltage battery. This shows up during repeated fast charging: in so-called Rapidgate, the car noticeably throttles charging power once the pack heats up several times in a row on a longer trip. For long motorway stages with many charging stops the Leaf is therefore less suited than liquid-cooled rivals. On a used purchase, note also that the 30 kWh packs (from the transitional phase) degrade faster than the 40 kWh ones — the real SOH is especially important here.
So with the ZE1 too: check the State of Health, inspect the capacity bars and ideally read out the actual battery condition via diagnostics. A car with a high share of fast charging over its life is potentially more aged. The CHAdeMO standard the Leaf uses for fast charging has by now become rare — and occasional CHAdeMO charging faults can make charging at some stations difficult. Anyone planning to DC charge regularly should check the availability of suitable stations in their region.
Further known points: the optional heat pump can lose refrigerant, noticeably reducing heating output and winter efficiency. And as with almost all EVs, the small 12V auxiliary battery tends to discharge while parked — a cheap but genuinely annoying matter that is worth keeping in mind.
Buying advice: have the SOH read out, clarify charging history and battery size (30/40/62 kWh), check the heat pump in heating mode, test the 12V battery and be aware of the CHAdeMO situation. The price should match the real remaining capacity.
Verdict: the ZE1 is a solid, quiet, low-maintenance EV that convinces as a commuter and family car in the city and surrounding area. Anyone who charges mostly at home or at work and is not constantly on long trips with many fast-charging stops gets a pleasant car. For intensive fast charging, however, the lack of active cooling is a genuine weakness — and the battery condition remains the all-decisive purchase criterion.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Leaf ZE1 is available with one engine variant at 109 hp.
In-house electric motor with inverter, delivering roughly 109 to 394 hp of system power depending on the version. The drive itself is proven and robust, the synchronous machine runs virtually wear-free, and the reduction gear is uncomplicated. The weak point is the battery: early packs without active liquid cooling degrade noticeably faster under heat and frequent fast charging. On top comes charge throttling during repeated DC charging as cell temperature rises. When buying, check the battery health value and pay attention to the cooling concept of the respective generation.
- !! Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling) from 80,000 km
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 - !! Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging
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 - !! Rear brakes seizing (regen braking) from 60,000 km
Regenerative braking means the friction brakes are barely used, especially at the rear. Discs rust, calipers and slide pins seize. Result: uneven wear, squealing, in extreme cases a binding brake.
Symptoms: Grinding noises, rust on discs, sticky or pulling brake, squealing at low speed.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rapidgate: charging power collapses on repeated fast charging In the Leaf ZE1 40 kWh the DC fast charging power drops sharply after multiple fast charges on a single journey — down to 16 kW instead of 50 kW. Nissan released a software update that reduces the throttling to ~40 kW. Symptoms: Second and third fast charge sessions significantly slower, charge bar fills very slowly on display | Low | |
| Battery degradation 30 kWh faster than 40 kWh Leaf ZE1 models with the 30 kWh battery demonstrably degrade faster than the 40 kWh variant. After 4 years, 30 kWh vehicles often achieve only the range of older 24 kWh models. Symptoms: Decreasing range, reduced bars on battery display, shorter charging times to full from 80,000 km | High | |
| CHAdeMO charging error Some Leaf ZE1 vehicles show errors during DC fast charging via CHAdeMO. Error messages at the vehicle or at the charging station are known and can indicate communication errors between vehicle and charger. Symptoms: Error message 'A vehicle fault has been detected' during CHAdeMO charging, charging session aborts from 60,000 km | High | |
| 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked Control modules and the always-online mode (TCU) draw too much standby current, deep-discharging the small 12V battery. The car then refuses to start despite a full traction battery. A dealer BCM update often resolves it. Symptoms: Car unresponsive in the morning, no reaction to the key, „service EV system – no power" warning, flickering displays; the 12V battery needs a jump start. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Leaf ZE1 (2017–2024) — 3 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC.
Leaf (EM57, 2017–2024) — Be Careful: Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling), Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging, Rear brakes seizing (regen braking). Power: 150 PS.
Leaf (EM57, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling), Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging, Rear brakes seizing (regen braking). Power: 217 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Leaf? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Leaf ZE1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Leaf ZE1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan Leaf ZE1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan Leaf ZE1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Leaf ZE1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee