The Nissan Leaf remains one of the most popular and affordable choices for drivers seeking an entry point into electric vehicle ownership. However, for early models (primarily those produced between 2011 and 2017), a critical caveat exists: its battery design, which lacks active thermal management, makes degradation a significant concern. To secure a successful and useful purchase, buyers must move past simple mileage and focus intently on battery health. This guide will empower buyers with the essential knowledge and step-by-step methodology to accurately check the battery and avoid purchasing a car with severely degraded range.

Understanding the Degradation Challenge

The biggest technical limitation of the early Leaf (which includes both 24 kWh and 30 kWh battery packs) is that it relies on passive cooling—meaning it uses ambient air and the vehicle body to dissipate heat, rather than active liquid cooling loops found in many modern EVs.

This … Continue reading >>>

The two most common hurdles preventing drivers from making the leap to electric vehicles are the high initial purchase cost and the fear of running out of charge—the dreaded range anxiety. For years, securing a true long-range EV meant breaking the bank. However, thanks to depreciation and a maturing market, the used EV landscape has shifted dramatically. This guide is designed to prove that the used market now offers high-mileage EVs below the critical £15,000 price point, specifically focusing on models that deliver nearly or fully 200 miles of usable range.

The Budget Reality Check

When discussing an EV’s range, it is vital to distinguish between the official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figure and the real-world range. The WLTP number is optimistic, based on laboratory testing. For a 200-mile “real-world” range (a reliable distance for intercity travel without excessive stress), you should be looking for … Continue reading >>>