A decade of innovation – the LEAF’s incredible journey

Small in size but big on innovation, the Nissan LEAF laid the foundations of modern day electric vehicles. By reimagining the very idea of what a car is, the LEAF is helping customers, cities and governments to create a more sustainable future. It’s doing this by going beyond mobility and exploring new ways for electric vehicles to plug into everyday life.

The LEAF’s battery technology is helping power homes and businesses, while broader Nissan EV innovation is at the heart of vehicle-to-grid energy management services. LEAFs are also helping out during disasters.

It’s been quite the journey, with many milestones. Here are some key ones:

2010: History is made: the world’s first 100% electric car for the mass market

Nissan’s vision was to tackle urbanization and industrial development by building a car that emits no carbon dioxide but is still loads of fun to drive. The first-generation LEAF had powerful acceleration and handling, delivering smooth driving performance. Unique features allowed drivers to use their cellphones to check the car’s battery level or manage air conditioning remotely. A 24 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery powered the first model. Fully charged, it had a range of 200 kilometers.

Nissan worked with governments, municipalities and electric power companies to promote electric vehilces and develop an extensive charging infrastructure. When the LEAF was first arrived Japan had about 200 CHAdeMO1-standard quick chargers. Today, there are more than 30,000 of these chargers around the world.

Nissan made history and the world took notice: The LEAF became the first electric car to win a string of prestigious awards including “European Car of the Year 2011”, “World Car of the Year 2011” and “Japan Car of the Year 201