Nissan Miev Electric Car Review Pros and Cons

The Nissan LEAF (not Miev) is a pioneer in affordable electric mobility, offering zero-emission driving with practical range and hatchback versatility. While its compact size and low running costs make it ideal for city commuting, limited fast-charging infrastructure and modest acceleration may deter long-distance drivers. Overall, it’s a reliable, eco-friendly choice for urban dwellers seeking a budget-friendly EV.

Key Takeaways

• Compact size ideal for city driving: Easy to park and maneuver in tight urban spaces.
• Limited range of 80–100 miles: Best suited for short commutes, not long-distance travel.
• Low operating costs: Saves money on fuel and maintenance compared to gas vehicles.
• Quiet and smooth ride: Offers a comfortable, noise-free driving experience.
• Outdated tech and interior: Lacks modern infotainment and premium materials.
• Charging infrastructure dependent: Requires access to charging stations for convenience.
• Eco-friendly zero emissions: Reduces carbon footprint with fully electric powertrain.

Nissan Miev Electric Car Review Pros and Cons

Imagine pulling up to a charging station, plugging in your car, and driving away with a full “tank” for less than the cost of a fancy coffee. That’s the everyday reality for owners of the Nissan Miev—a compact, all-electric hatchback that quietly paved the way for modern EVs. Launched in 2010, the Miev (short for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, though often associated with Nissan due to collaboration) was one of the first mass-market electric cars available globally. While it may not have the flash of a Tesla or the range of newer models, the Miev holds a special place in the history of sustainable driving.

As someone who’s spent time behind the wheel of a 2013 Nissan Miev, I can tell you it’s not about speed or luxury—it’s about simplicity, efficiency, and doing your part for the planet. Whether you’re a city commuter, a college student, or someone looking for a second car to run errands, the Miev offers a surprisingly practical solution. But like any vehicle, it comes with trade-offs. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Miev tick, where it shines, and where it falls short. From real-world range to interior quirks, we’ll cover everything you need to know before considering this little electric pioneer.

Design and Exterior: Compact, Quirky, and City-Friendly

The Nissan Miev’s design is… distinctive. With its tall, boxy shape and short overhangs, it looks like a friendly robot from a 1990s cartoon. But don’t let the quirky exterior fool you—this design is actually quite functional. The high roofline and upright stance maximize interior space, while the compact footprint makes it ideal for squeezing into tight parking spots. In cities like San Francisco or New York, where every inch counts, the Miev feels right at home.

Aerodynamics vs. Practicality

While the Miev isn’t exactly aerodynamic (its boxy shape creates some wind resistance), the trade-off is worth it for urban drivers. The tall cabin gives you excellent visibility, and the short length means you can parallel park with confidence—even in spots that would make a Honda Civic hesitate. I once parked mine in a space so tight I had to exit through the passenger door. Not ideal, but possible!

Exterior Features and Build Quality

The exterior is made of lightweight materials to improve efficiency, which keeps the curb weight down to around 2,800 pounds. The body panels are mostly plastic, which helps with dent resistance but can feel a bit flimsy in direct sunlight or during minor bumps. The headlights are halogen (not LED), and the taillights are simple but effective. One thing to note: the Miev doesn’t have a traditional grille since it doesn’t need to cool an internal combustion engine. Instead, there’s a small vent and the charging port is cleverly integrated into the front fascia.

Overall, the design won’t win any beauty contests, but it’s purpose-built for efficiency and urban mobility. If you value function over form, you’ll appreciate the Miev’s no-nonsense approach.

Interior and Comfort: Minimalist, Functional, and Surprisingly Roomy

Step inside the Nissan Miev, and the first thing you’ll notice is how light and airy it feels. The large windows and high seating position create a sense of openness that’s rare in small cars. The dashboard is simple—almost minimalist—with a digital instrument cluster that displays speed, battery level, and energy usage. There’s no tachometer (obviously), and the layout is intuitive even for first-time EV drivers.

Seating and Space

Despite its small exterior, the Miev offers decent interior space. The front seats are comfortable for short to medium drives, with adequate cushioning and support. Rear passengers get enough legroom for occasional use, though taller adults might find it a bit cramped on longer trips. The rear seats fold flat, expanding the cargo area from about 10 cubic feet to over 30—perfect for groceries, luggage, or even a small piece of furniture.

One quirk: the center console is narrow, and storage is limited. There’s a small glove box, door pockets, and a center tray, but don’t expect a deep center console or cupholders that can handle large travel mugs. I learned this the hard way when my iced coffee spilled during a sudden stop.

Materials and Build Quality

The interior materials are mostly hard plastic, which keeps costs down but doesn’t feel premium. That said, everything is well-assembled and durable. The seats are cloth-covered and easy to clean—great for families or pet owners. The lack of soft-touch surfaces might disappoint some, but remember: this car was designed for efficiency, not luxury.

One standout feature is the lack of engine noise. With no internal combustion engine, the cabin is incredibly quiet at low speeds. You’ll hear a faint whirring from the electric motor, but it’s barely noticeable. At highway speeds, wind and tire noise become more apparent, but it’s still quieter than most compact cars.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Silent, and City-Optimized

The Nissan Miev is powered by a 66-horsepower electric motor that delivers 180 lb-ft of torque instantly. That might not sound like much, but electric motors provide maximum torque from 0 RPM, so the Miev feels surprisingly peppy off the line. In city driving, it accelerates smoothly and confidently, making it easy to merge into traffic or zip through intersections.

Acceleration and Top Speed

0 to 60 mph takes about 16 seconds—slow by modern standards, but perfectly adequate for urban commuting. The top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph, which is fine for highways but means you’ll need to plan longer trips carefully. On the freeway, the Miev holds its own, but it can feel sluggish when climbing hills or passing slower vehicles. I once had to merge onto a highway during rush hour and found myself gently encouraging the accelerator—patience is key.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Miev’s suspension is tuned for comfort, not sportiness. It soaks up bumps and potholes well, making it a great choice for city streets with uneven pavement. The steering is light and responsive, though it lacks feedback at higher speeds. The low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack under the floor) helps with stability, but the tall body can feel a bit tippy during sharp turns.

One thing I appreciated: the regenerative braking system. When you lift off the accelerator, the car slows down noticeably, capturing energy to recharge the battery. This “one-pedal driving” takes some getting used to, but once you master it, you can drive most of the time without touching the brake pedal. It’s efficient and reduces wear on the brakes.

Real-World Range and Charging

The Miev’s 24 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles on a full charge. In real-world driving—especially in city conditions with frequent stops and regenerative braking—many owners report 70 to 80 miles. In cold weather, that can drop to 50–60 miles due to battery efficiency loss and cabin heating.

Charging is straightforward. The Miev comes with a 120V Level 1 charger (the kind you plug into a regular outlet), which takes about 20 hours for a full charge. A 240V Level 2 charger (like those at public stations or home installations) cuts that down to about 4–6 hours. There’s also a DC fast-charging port (CHAdeMO), which can recharge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes—great for road trips, though fast chargers were less common when the Miev was new.

Tip: If you’re considering a used Miev, check the battery health. Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade. A battery health check at a Nissan dealer can tell you the state of charge (SoC) and whether it’s still performing well.

Technology and Features: Basic but Functional

The Nissan Miev wasn’t built to compete with luxury EVs, so don’t expect a giant touchscreen or voice-activated AI. But for its time, it offered solid tech features that supported its role as a practical city car.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The base model comes with a simple AM/FM radio, CD player, and auxiliary input. Higher trims (like the SL) add a small LCD screen with navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The interface is basic—think early 2010s smartphone—but it gets the job done. I used Bluetooth to stream music from my phone, and it worked reliably.

One downside: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If you rely on smartphone integration, you’ll need to use the auxiliary jack or Bluetooth for audio. Navigation is preloaded, but it’s not updated frequently, so you might want to use your phone’s GPS instead.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety features are modest but adequate. Standard equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS, and stability control. Higher trims add side airbags and a rearview camera. The Miev earned a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which is respectable for a small car of its era.

One notable feature: the “Eco” mode, which adjusts throttle response and climate control to maximize range. It’s useful for stretching your battery on longer trips, though it makes the car feel even slower.

Climate Control and Cabin Comfort

The Miev has a standard air conditioning system, but it draws power from the battery, which can reduce range in hot weather. In winter, the cabin heater also uses battery power, which is why cold-weather range drops so significantly. Some owners install aftermarket seat heaters to reduce cabin heating demand.

Tip: Pre-condition the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This warms or cools the interior using grid power, preserving battery for driving.

Ownership Costs and Practicality: Affordable to Buy, Cheap to Run

One of the biggest advantages of the Nissan Miev is its affordability—both upfront and over time. Used models are widely available, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on year, mileage, and battery condition. That’s a fraction of the cost of a new EV.

Fuel and Maintenance Savings

Electricity is cheaper than gasoline. At an average rate of $0.13 per kWh, a full charge costs about $3.12. That’s equivalent to paying $1.20 per gallon of gas—unheard of even in the cheapest燃油 cars. Over 15,000 miles, you could save $1,000 or more compared to a gas-powered compact car.

Maintenance is also minimal. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust system. The Miev has fewer moving parts, so fewer things can go wrong. Brake wear is reduced thanks to regenerative braking. The main costs are tires, windshield wipers, and occasional cabin air filter replacements.

Insurance and Depreciation

Insurance for the Miev is typically lower than for gas cars, especially if you qualify for green vehicle discounts. Depreciation is steep—like most EVs of its era—but since the purchase price is already low, the financial hit isn’t as painful.

One caveat: battery replacement is expensive. A new battery pack can cost $5,000–$8,000, though many used Mievs still have healthy batteries with 70–80% capacity. Always get a pre-purchase inspection.

Environmental Impact

The Miev produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it a great choice for reducing your carbon footprint. Even when accounting for electricity generation, studies show EVs are cleaner than gas cars over their lifetime. Plus, as the grid gets greener, so does your Miev.

Tip: Charge during off-peak hours (usually overnight) to save money and reduce strain on the grid.

Data Table: Nissan Miev Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Motor Power	66 hp (49 kW)
Torque	180 lb-ft (243 Nm)
Battery Capacity	24 kWh lithium-ion
EPA Range	84 miles
Top Speed	87 mph
0-60 mph	~16 seconds
Charging (Level 1)	20 hours (120V)
Charging (Level 2)	4–6 hours (240V)
Fast Charging (DC)	30 minutes to 80% (CHAdeMO)
Curb Weight	2,800 lbs (1,270 kg)
Cargo Volume (seats up)	10.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume (seats down)	30.5 cubic feet
Seating Capacity	4 passengers
Warranty (Original)	8 years / 100,000 miles (battery)

Conclusion: Is the Nissan Miev Right for You?

The Nissan Miev isn’t for everyone. It’s not fast, it’s not luxurious, and its range won’t impress modern EV buyers. But for the right person, it’s a smart, affordable, and eco-friendly choice. If you’re a city dweller with a short commute, access to charging, and a desire to reduce your environmental impact, the Miev could be a perfect fit.

It shines in stop-and-go traffic, costs pennies to operate, and offers a quiet, smooth ride. It’s also a great entry point into EV ownership—especially for first-time electric drivers. Just be realistic about its limitations: cold weather range loss, slow charging on standard outlets, and basic tech features.

Ultimately, the Miev is a pioneer. It helped prove that electric cars could be practical, affordable, and reliable. While newer models offer more range and features, the Miev remains a testament to the early days of the EV revolution. If you find a well-maintained used model with a healthy battery, it could be one of the most sensible cars you’ll ever own.

So, should you buy a Nissan Miev? If you value simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability over speed and style, the answer might just be yes. It’s not the flashiest car on the road, but it gets the job done—quietly, cleanly, and affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Nissan Miev electric car?

The Nissan Miev offers an EPA-estimated range of 50-62 miles on a full charge, depending on driving conditions. While modest compared to newer EVs, it suits daily commutes and urban driving.

How long does it take to charge the Nissan Miev?

Using a standard 120V Level 1 charger, the Nissan Miev takes 12-18 hours for a full charge. A 240V Level 2 charger reduces this to about 4-6 hours, making it practical for overnight or workplace charging.

What are the main pros and cons of the Nissan Miev electric car?

The Miev’s strengths include low operating costs, compact size for city driving, and zero emissions. Downsides include limited range, basic interior materials, and slower charging speeds compared to modern EVs.

Is the Nissan Miev reliable for long-term ownership?

Yes, the Miev has proven reliable over time, with few major mechanical issues reported by owners. Its simple electric drivetrain and strong battery longevity (10+ years in many cases) make it a durable choice.

How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Miev?

Maintenance costs are low due to fewer moving parts—no oil changes, exhaust systems, or complex transmissions. Annual upkeep averages $300-$500, excluding battery replacement (rare within the first decade).

Can the Nissan Miev handle highway driving?

The Miev can reach highway speeds (up to 80 mph), but its limited range and modest acceleration make it better suited for city and suburban routes. Frequent highway use may require careful trip planning.