John Thompson drives a Nissan LEAF N-Connecta 40kWh 2022.

This is John Thompson’s second electric car, he’s owned the Nissan LEAF less than a year and drives between 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 1,000-5,000 miles and he achieves 150 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Nissan LEAF?

Proven reliability and an established dealer network were a major consideration when choosing an EV due to the cost and technology involved. The LEAF offered superb value for money, comprehensive equipment levels and an all round practical design with no contentious points to mention.I got a great deal, good service and the car is significantly better than I hoped for, being stunningly quick, refined and effortless to drive.

I like the slightly ‘old skool’ dashboard, the zero gravity seats and it’s range suits our requirements. It’s beautifully made and has all the toys I need too. Charging with CHAdeMO is pretty rapid, while the Type 2 socket is good for more casual charging in car parks or at home.

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Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car

• Acceleration
• refinement
• efficiency.

Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car

• Initial cost
• fingerprint prone interior trim sections
• infotainment display icons a bit second rate.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

No faults

What are the standout technological features of your Nissan LEAF?

With 12 years of EV experience, Nissan have honed this design to near perfection, it’s simple mechanicals seamlessly function to offer a refined and effortless means of transporting a family and decent luggage capacity in normal day-to-day use in comfort and safety. While not traditionally luxurious, it is comforting and well-kitted with all the usual safety and driving aids which work inconspicuously, and while not a stunner, it certainly looks stylish with some really attractive modern touches.

No Tesla-style centre display, Pro Pilot or constant updating makes the LEAF a simple and pleasant thing to live with too. While the interior is in places a little low rent, in terms of the hard plastics that get kicked around it looks good if kept clean and tidy, and wants for little unless you want electric seats and Wilton carpeting! It’s just so much better than I thought it would be in many ways.

Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car 

The e-Pedal offers one pedal driving and we love it! The adaptive cruise control and various driver aids such as lane departure do offer a degree of autonomous driving on the occasions you are inadvertently distracted and the zero gravity seats are like pillows of air, yet do support well! The boot is XL sized for a modest car and has net pockets for the two charging cables (home and away!)

It’s a humble hatchback but goes like a rocket, only the best ICE cars will keep up off the line and just listen to the noise they make trying, while you effortlessly surge ahead. It’s fairly bristling with nice touches: 4 heated seats, Apple CarPlay, App with remote locking, climate control and real time vehicle info, radar cruise control and 360 cam with f+r parking sensors and obstacle warning system. It’s just such an easy car to live with and demands nothing apart from charging!

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

I’m not sure a huge range is a real benefit but maybe the larger battery version for winter use could be handy and the Nissan Ariya might be next depending how long we keep this one. I feel the relative simplicity of the LEAF could make it a better long term proposition. I’m not impressed with Tesla build quality or MG longevity yet, and while I like Kia/Hyundai they are seriously complicated and require a few dealer visits according to friends who own them.

Do you charge your electric car from home?

No

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

bp polar are cheap but have lousy customer service. Pod Point are good and Bonnet have a few deals from time to time. Many are stupidly expensive and I just avoid them as it’s like buying Petrol!

Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements 

Liverpool Victoria: astonishing value for my two car policy, seriously good telephone service and absolutely no complaints at all. This is one insurer I might even pay a bit more to upon renewal just for the service!

Please itemise where you’re saving money owning & running an electric car

The Nissan (4yr) service plan is £13 a month so cheap as chips, while 4.5 miles per kWh offers a fuelling cost at a third of a tiny petrol hatchback, especially with a bit of free charging at Supermarkets such as ASDA! VED is currently zero until 2025 but I’ll change ownership to my wife a month before it happens and renew the zero VED until 2026!

I suspect it’s around £1,200-1,400 less per annum than running a bad little Supermini but with this performance and refinement I suspect it’s even cheaper. I love my cars so they get franchise servicing and premium tyres, so running costs could possibly be trimmed further but not enough to be worthwhile overall.

Resale is currently more than I paid as Nissan can be persuaded to do a good deal…

See other owner reviews here