Carlos Ghosn and the Nissan Leaf are closely linked in EV history: Ghosn, then head of Nissan and Renault, made the Leaf the centrepiece of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s electric-car push. The Leaf was unveiled in August 2009, deliveries began in December 2010, and Nissan says more than 500,000 had been sold worldwide by the end of 2020.
Quick Answer
Ghosn championed the Leaf as an affordable mass-market EV, with the Alliance reportedly committing about EUR 4 billion to electric vehicles. The best-known second-generation Leaf e+ has a 62 kWh battery, a 214 hp motor, 250 lb-ft of torque and an EPA range of up to 226 miles (about 364 km). A third-generation Leaf, a crossover, arrived for the 2026 model year.
Carlos Ghosn’s role in the Nissan Leaf
Ghosn argued that electric cars could be a mainstream product rather than a niche experiment. He backed the Leaf with a large Alliance investment (reported at around EUR 4 billion) and set ambitious sales goals for the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Production of the first Leaf began on October 22, 2010 at Oppama, Japan, and US and Japanese deliveries followed in December 2010. Other markets got the car in early 2012.
Ghosn left Nissan after his arrest in Japan in November 2018 and later left the country for Lebanon, but the Leaf outlived that story and kept selling.
Why the Leaf mattered
- It was one of the first affordable, mass-produced battery-electric cars.
- It was the world’s best-selling electric car in 2011 to 2014 and 2016, and later the best-selling plug-in car of all time until the Tesla Model 3 passed it in early 2020.
- Later models added the e-Pedal and ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance system.
Nissan Leaf specs (second generation, e+)
| Spec | Leaf 40 kWh | Leaf e+ 62 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 40 kWh (about 39 kWh usable) | 62 kWh (about 59 kWh usable) |
| Motor | 110 kW (147 hp), 236 lb-ft | 160 kW (214 hp), 250 lb-ft |
| EPA range (original) | About 151 miles | Up to 226 miles |
| Fast charging | CHAdeMO, 50 kW | CHAdeMO, up to 100 kW |
| Length | About 176 inches (4.48 m) | |
| Cargo space | About 23.6 cu ft | |
After a 2023 update, the EPA range figures were listed at 149 miles for the 40 kWh car and 212 miles for the e+. Acceleration for the e+ is roughly 7 seconds to 60 mph in independent tests, though results vary. Ratings and equipment differ in Canada, so check Natural Resources Canada and Nissan Canada for your model year.
The Nissan Leaf today: the 2026 third generation
The 2026 Leaf is a new crossover on a different platform. It offers a 52 kWh or 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery, a 130 kW (174 hp) or 160 kW (214 hp) motor, and an EPA range of roughly 259 to 303 miles depending on the version.
North American cars use a NACS fast-charging port with DC charging up to about 150 kW, and a 10-80% fast charge takes about 35 minutes under ideal conditions. Confirm Canadian trims, ranges and availability with Nissan Canada.
What to check on a used Leaf
- Battery health: ask for a battery state-of-health report, since older packs lose capacity, and cold winters shorten range.
- Charging port: second-generation cars use CHAdeMO, which is less common than CCS on new networks.
- Range needs: the 40 kWh car suits short commutes; the e+ suits longer trips.
- Service history and any open recalls on the VIN.
Comparing other EVs? See our Polestar 2 Canada specs, the Kia EV6 GT specs and the Renault Twingo E-Tech specs. Nissan fans may also like the Nissan R36 GT-R rumour roundup.
Frequently asked questions
What was Carlos Ghosn’s role in the Nissan Leaf?
Ghosn, then chief executive of Nissan and Renault, championed the Leaf as an affordable mass-market electric car and backed it with a large Renault-Nissan Alliance EV investment.
When did the Nissan Leaf launch?
The Leaf was unveiled in August 2009 and deliveries began in the US and Japan in December 2010.
How far can the Nissan Leaf e+ go on a charge?
The 62 kWh second-generation Leaf e+ was rated at up to 226 miles by the EPA when launched. A 2023 update lists 212 miles, and real-world range is lower in cold weather.
How much power does the Leaf e+ have?
It has a 160 kW motor, which is about 214 hp, and 250 lb-ft of torque.
How many Nissan Leafs have been sold?
Nissan reported more than 500,000 Leafs sold worldwide by the end of 2020.
Is there a new Nissan Leaf in 2026?
Yes. The third-generation 2026 Leaf is a crossover with a 52 kWh or 75 kWh battery and a NACS charge port in North America.
