Nissan Leaf - Honest Review & Insights NISSAN Leaf II (ZE1) (08.2017 - ...)

The 2017 Nissan Leaf is generally a solid choice as a used electric vehicle, but the battery life and degradation are key points to consider carefully.

Battery Life and Degradation:
The Leaf’s lithium-ion battery naturally loses capacity over time, which reduces driving range. The car’s dashboard shows battery health via a bar system (up to 12 bars), where fewer bars mean less capacity. For a 2017 Leaf, seeing 10-11 bars indicates good health with minor wear, while 7-9 bars suggest moderate degradation and noticeable range loss. Below 7 bars, the battery is significantly worn, and range will be much reduced.

Real-world data shows that Leaf batteries typically lose about 2% capacity per year, but this can vary based on usage, climate, and charging habits. The 30 kWh battery in 2017 models has been known to degrade faster in hot climates and with frequent fast charging. Nissan issued a software update to improve battery management and slow degradation in some 2016-17 models. Many owners report a “knee point” where battery health drops faster after a few years.

Common Issues:
- Loss of range is the most common sign of battery aging. A 2017 Leaf that originally had around 100 miles of range may now get closer to 70-80 miles depending on battery health and conditions.
- Charging times can increase as the battery ages, and performance in extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can worsen.
- Some owners report “weak cells” causing the state of charge to fluctuate and occasional activation of “turtle mode” (power limiting).
- The battery warranty typically covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, so check if the used car’s battery is still under warranty.

Driving Experience:
The Leaf offers smooth, quiet driving with instant torque typical of EVs. Acceleration is adequate for city and highway driving, and regenerative braking helps with energy efficiency. Owners appreciate its ease of use and low running costs. However, as battery capacity declines, range anxiety can increase, especially if you rely on the car for longer trips.

If you’re buying a 2017 Nissan Leaf, carefully check the battery health bars and ask for a battery health report if possible. Expect some range loss compared to new models, but many Leafs remain practical and reliable for daily use with ranges around 70-80 miles. Be aware of potential slower charging and reduced performance in extreme weather. If the battery is in poor condition or the warranty has expired, replacement costs can be significant, though Nissan batteries are generally durable with proper care.

Overall, the 2017 Leaf is a good entry-level EV if you prioritize city driving and shorter trips, but battery condition is the most important factor to verify before purchase.