As the UK Government announces the end of sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in 10 years’ time, new research from Nissan underscores the driver benefits from going electric.

The carmaker, which unveiled the first-gen Nissan LEAF 10 years ago, has found that 92% of European LEAF drivers would recommend driving an EV to friends and family.

Since then, over half a million LEAFs have been sold worldwide, with the 500,000th model rolling off the UK production line in Sunderland in September this year.

A Nissan spokesperson said: “Our success with the British-built LEAF shows just how quickly customers embrace electric vehicles once they’ve experienced them.

“No more shivering in a cold petrol station to refuel your vehicle on a Friday evening in the rain – just drive home and plug in overnight. Once you experience these little pleasures of EV ownership, you won’t want to go back.”

And with EV sales rocketing in the UK – battery electric vehicle registrations increased by 168% from January to the end of October, compared to the same period in 2019, according to SMMT figures – the carmaker has provided a table of 10 ways the LEAF has evolved in the last 10 years:

10 insights from Nissan’s first electric vehicle decade with LEAF:

LEAF achieved a number of ‘firsts’

The world’s first mass-market EV, the LEAF has scored a number of inaugural accolades. As an example, in 2011, it was the first-ever EV to win the European Car of the Year award in the 47-year history of the prize.

LEAF’s power has more than doubled

On average, LEAF’s battery capacity and range have increased by 160% and 120% respectively since its launch. It now offers more than double the original power.

LEAF’s focus is on new technologies

The LEAF has introduced various new technologies that helped drivers optimise efficiency, including the e-Pedal for one-pedal driving, regenerative braking and Eco-Mode. This has paved the way for future Nissan EVs, such as the new Nissan Ariya all-electric coupé crossover.

Since LEAF’s arrival, public charging infrastructure is growing fast

The number of public charging points increased hugely over LEAF’s life, from 2,379 in the EU in 2011, to 213,367 today.

LEAF customers are happy drivers

Research has found LEAF customers remain satisfied and happy about owning and living with a LEAF; 92% of European LEAF drivers would recommend driving an EV to friends and family.

Once you drive a LEAF you don’t lose the spark

Thanks to all-round satisfaction with their electrified experience, 74% of LEAF owners say they are likely to purchase another EV in the future.

Electric mobility created new services for customers

The LEAF has helped pave the way for a new EV customer experience. This included the development of the Nissan Charge app that allows EV owners to monitor price and availability of charging points in real-time – including those at Nissan dealerships.

Each LEAF’s life is very efficient

Electric cars, like Nissan LEAF, are highly efficient. From the start of production process, through the end of an EVs lifecycle, they generate up to 80% less CO2 than equivalent combustion-engine cars. And as its technology and design is refined, the sustainability of LEAF is increasing.

LEAF batteries have more than one life

EV batteries can be repurposed and recycled. 148 batteries helped to create the world’s largest energy storage system at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena in 2018.

LEAF batteries are safe and reliable

The safety and reliability of LEAF batteries have been proven, including by the fact there’s been no critical incidents reported to Nissan since its launch in 2010 – with 180,000 units sold in Europe and counting.

In addition, LEAF comes with an eight-year / 160,000km battery warranty – and Nissan says there’s been an extremely low number of warranty claims.