How Many Electric Cars Did Nissan Sell in 2016

Nissan sold over 50,000 electric vehicles globally in 2016, solidifying its position as a leader in the EV market. The Nissan LEAF remained the brand’s top-selling EV, contributing significantly to this milestone despite growing competition. This strong performance highlighted Nissan’s early-mover advantage and growing consumer demand for affordable, zero-emission transportation.

Key Takeaways

• Nissan sold 48,000 EVs in 2016, dominating the affordable EV market.
• Leaf was 95% of sales, proving its role as Nissan’s flagship EV.
• Sales grew 5% YoY, showing steady demand despite market challenges.
• Europe led adoption, accounting for over 50% of global Leaf sales.
• US sales lagged, highlighting regional disparities in EV uptake.
• Battery upgrades drove interest, boosting 2016 demand for newer models.

How Many Electric Cars Did Nissan Sell in 2016?

Remember the early days of electric cars? The idea of driving a vehicle that didn’t rely on gas felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. But by 2016, the electric vehicle (EV) market was starting to take shape, and one name stood out: Nissan. As one of the first major automakers to go all-in on mass-market electric vehicles, Nissan had already made a name for itself with the Nissan Leaf, a car that promised to bring EVs to the everyday driver. But how many electric cars did Nissan sell in 2016? That’s the big question we’re tackling today.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the Leaf lived up to its hype—or if Nissan’s gamble on electrification paid off—this deep dive is for you. We’ll explore sales figures, market trends, and even the challenges Nissan faced as it tried to lead the charge in the EV space. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, a data nerd, or just someone curious about how far electric cars have come, stick around. You might be surprised by what we uncover.

The Nissan Leaf: A Pioneer in the EV Market

From Concept to Reality

Let’s start at the beginning. The Nissan Leaf wasn’t just another car—it was a statement. Launched in 2010, it was one of the first affordable, mass-produced electric vehicles designed for regular consumers. No longer were EVs reserved for tech billionaires or eco-warriors with deep pockets. The Leaf promised practicality, affordability, and a zero-emission driving experience.

By 2016, the Leaf was in its second generation, with improvements in battery life, range, and features. It had already sold over 200,000 units globally by the end of 2015, a testament to its early success. But as competitors like Tesla and Chevrolet introduced their own EVs, Nissan faced new challenges in maintaining its lead.

Why the Leaf Stood Out

What made the Leaf so appealing in 2016? For starters, it was affordable. With a starting price under $30,000 (before incentives), it was accessible to a wide audience. The 2016 model also offered a range of around 107 miles on a single charge—a solid improvement over earlier versions. While that might sound low compared to today’s standards, it was competitive for its time.

But the Leaf wasn’t just about specs. It was about accessibility. Nissan focused on making EVs feel normal. You could charge it at home, use public charging stations, and even take advantage of government incentives. For many buyers, the Leaf was their first step into the electric future.

The Leaf’s Role in Nissan’s Strategy

For Nissan, the Leaf wasn’t just a product—it was a symbol of the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The automaker invested heavily in EV technology, including battery development and charging infrastructure. In fact, Nissan partnered with companies like ChargePoint to expand access to charging stations, making it easier for Leaf owners to drive longer distances.

But here’s the thing: while the Leaf was a pioneer, it also had to compete in a rapidly changing market. As we’ll see, 2016 was a pivotal year for Nissan’s EV ambitions.

Nissan’s 2016 EV Sales: The Numbers Behind the Hype

Global Sales Figures

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: How many electric cars did Nissan sell in 2016? The answer is both impressive and revealing. Globally, Nissan sold approximately 49,000 Nissan Leaf units in 2016. This made it the best-selling electric car of the year—again—but the number was lower than some analysts had predicted.

For context, here’s a breakdown of Nissan’s global Leaf sales from 2015 to 2016:

• 2015: ~43,000 units
• 2016: ~49,000 units
• Year-over-year growth: ~14%

On the surface, that’s a healthy increase. But when you compare it to the overall growth of the EV market (which expanded by nearly 60% in 2016), Nissan’s growth felt a bit sluggish. Competitors like Tesla were gaining momentum, and new players like Chevrolet were entering the game with the Bolt EV.

Regional Performance

Not all markets were created equal. Let’s look at how the Leaf performed in key regions:

• United States: Nissan sold around 14,000 Leaf units in the U.S. in 2016. This was down slightly from 2015 (~17,000 units), despite the introduction of a longer-range model (the Leaf 30 kWh). Why the drop? High gas prices had fallen, making gas-powered cars more attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
• Europe: The Leaf fared better here, with sales of around 18,000 units. Countries like Norway (where EVs were heavily incentivized) and the UK drove much of this demand. The Leaf’s affordability and practicality resonated with European drivers.
• Japan: Nissan’s home market saw sales of about 10,000 units. While this was solid, it wasn’t enough to offset the U.S. decline.

The takeaway? The Leaf was still a global leader, but its growth was uneven. Some markets embraced it, while others lagged behind.

Challenges and Opportunities

What held Nissan back in 2016? A few factors come to mind:

• Range anxiety: Even with the 30 kWh model, the Leaf’s 107-mile range was a barrier for some buyers. Competitors were pushing 200+ miles, and Tesla’s Supercharger network made long-distance driving feel less daunting.
• Competition: The Chevy Bolt (with 238 miles of range) and Tesla Model 3 (announced in 2016, with deliveries in 2017) stole some of the Leaf’s thunder. Nissan’s lead was shrinking.
• Perception: The Leaf was still seen by some as a “second car” or a “commuter vehicle.” Nissan struggled to shake this image, even as it improved the car’s capabilities.

But it wasn’t all bad news. The Leaf’s affordability and reliability kept it in the game, and Nissan’s early-mover advantage gave it a loyal customer base.

How Nissan Compared to Competitors in 2016

Tesla: The Disruptor

No discussion of 2016 EVs is complete without mentioning Tesla. While Tesla didn’t release exact Model S and Model X sales figures, estimates suggest the company delivered around 76,000 vehicles globally in 2016. That’s nearly 50% more than the Leaf—and Tesla was selling luxury EVs at a much higher price point.

What set Tesla apart? Its focus on performance, range, and tech. The Model S could go over 250 miles on a charge, and Tesla’s Supercharger network made cross-country trips feasible. The Model 3, announced in April 2016, was a game-changer. With a $35,000 price tag and 200+ miles of range, it threatened to steal Leaf buyers.

For Nissan, Tesla wasn’t just a competitor—it was a wake-up call. The Leaf had to evolve, and fast.

Chevrolet and the Bolt EV

Chevrolet entered the EV race in a big way in 2016 with the Bolt. With 238 miles of range and a $37,500 price tag, it directly challenged the Leaf’s value proposition. While Bolt sales didn’t start until late 2016 (and were limited to select states), the car’s potential was clear.

For Nissan, the Bolt was a reminder that innovation couldn’t stop. The Leaf’s early lead was no guarantee of long-term success.

Other Players: BMW, Volkswagen, and More

Nissan wasn’t alone in the EV space. BMW’s i3 (with a range extender option) and Volkswagen’s e-Golf were also gaining traction. While neither outsold the Leaf, they added to the competitive pressure.

The bottom line? 2016 was a turning point. The EV market was no longer a niche—it was a battlefield.

The Impact of Incentives and Policies on Nissan’s Sales

Government Incentives: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the biggest factors influencing EV sales in 2016 was government policy. In the U.S., federal tax credits of up to $7,500 made the Leaf even more affordable. States like California offered additional rebates and perks (like HOV lane access), further sweetening the deal.

But here’s the catch: incentives varied widely by region. In Europe, countries like Norway and the Netherlands offered generous tax breaks and subsidies, which helped drive Leaf sales. In contrast, some U.S. states had little or no support for EVs.

For Nissan, this meant that its sales were heavily dependent on policy. When incentives were strong, the Leaf sold well. When they weren’t, sales stalled.

Charging Infrastructure: The Missing Piece

Another key factor? Charging infrastructure. While Nissan partnered with ChargePoint and others to expand access to chargers, the network still had gaps. In 2016, fast-charging stations were sparse, and Level 2 chargers were unevenly distributed.

This was a problem for the Leaf, which relied on public charging for longer trips. Tesla’s Supercharger network, by contrast, was growing rapidly—and exclusively for Tesla owners. Nissan’s lack of a dedicated fast-charging network hurt its appeal to some buyers.

What Could Nissan Have Done Better?

Looking back, Nissan could have done more to address these challenges. For example:

• Invest in fast-charging: A proprietary fast-charging network (like Tesla’s) could have alleviated range anxiety.
• Lobby for policies: Nissan could have pushed harder for consistent EV incentives across all markets.
• Educate consumers: Many buyers still didn’t understand how EVs worked. Nissan could have done more to demystify the technology.

These weren’t easy fixes, but they might have helped Nissan maintain its lead.

What 2016 Taught Nissan About the Future of EVs

The Rise of Long-Range EVs

2016 was a turning point for EV range. The Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 proved that 200+ miles was possible—and that consumers wanted it. For Nissan, this meant the Leaf’s 107-mile range was no longer competitive.

The lesson? Range matters. A lot. Nissan took this to heart, and by 2018, it introduced the Leaf e+ with a 215-mile range. It was a step in the right direction, but it came a bit late.

The Importance of Brand Perception

Another lesson: brand perception. The Leaf was seen as a practical, affordable EV—but not as a cutting-edge one. Tesla, by contrast, built a brand around innovation and performance.

Nissan realized it needed to change this. Later models focused more on tech, style, and driving experience. The 2018 Leaf, for example, added features like e-Pedal (one-pedal driving) and ProPILOT Assist (a driver-assistance system).

The Need for a Broader EV Strategy

Finally, 2016 showed Nissan that one car wasn’t enough. The Leaf was great, but it couldn’t appeal to everyone. The company began exploring other EV segments, including SUVs and crossovers.

Fast-forward to today, and Nissan is betting big on electrification with models like the Ariya (an electric crossover) and plans for more affordable EVs. The 2016 Leaf was just the beginning.

Data Table: Nissan Leaf Sales and Market Share (2015-2016)

Region	2015 Sales	2016 Sales	Year-over-Year Change	2016 Market Share (EVs)
United States	17,269	14,006	-18.9%	~25%
Europe	15,657	18,178	+16.1%	~30%
Japan	9,845	10,213	+3.7%	~40%
Rest of World	~1,000	~6,603	+560%	~15%
Total	~43,000	~49,000	+14%	~25%

Conclusion: Lessons from a Pivotal Year

So, how many electric cars did Nissan sell in 2016? About 49,000—a solid number, but not quite the explosive growth some had hoped for. The Leaf remained the world’s best-selling EV, but the gap between Nissan and its competitors was narrowing.

2016 taught Nissan (and the entire EV industry) some crucial lessons. Range matters. Brand perception matters. And policy matters. For Nissan, the challenge wasn’t just selling more Leafs—it was adapting to a rapidly changing market.

Looking back, 2016 was a year of transition. The EV market was maturing, and Nissan had to evolve with it. The company’s later investments in range, tech, and new models suggest it learned from this experience. And while the Leaf may not dominate the headlines today, its legacy as a pioneer lives on.

If you’re curious about the EV world, the 2016 Nissan Leaf is a great place to start. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a bold step into the future—one that helped pave the way for the EVs we drive today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many electric cars did Nissan sell in 2016?

In 2016, Nissan sold approximately 41,000 electric vehicles (EVs), primarily driven by demand for the Nissan LEAF. This figure includes global sales across all EV models offered by Nissan that year.

What was the Nissan LEAF’s sales performance in 2016?

The Nissan LEAF accounted for nearly all of Nissan’s 2016 electric car sales, with over 41,000 units sold worldwide. It remained one of the best-selling EVs globally despite growing competition.

How does Nissan’s 2016 EV sales compare to other automakers?

Nissan ranked among the top EV manufacturers in 2016, though Tesla surpassed it with higher volumes. The 41,000 electric cars Nissan sold placed it ahead of most legacy automakers in EV adoption.

Which countries contributed most to Nissan’s 2016 electric car sales?

The U.S., Japan, and Europe (especially Norway and the UK) were the strongest markets for Nissan’s 2016 EV sales. The LEAF’s affordability and charging infrastructure boosted its popularity in these regions.

Did Nissan meet its electric car sales targets in 2016?

While Nissan didn’t publicly disclose exact 2016 targets, the 41,000 electric cars sold aligned with industry expectations. Sales were steady but slowed slightly due to newer EV competitors entering the market.

Were there other Nissan electric cars besides the LEAF in 2016?

The Nissan LEAF was Nissan’s primary EV in 2016, with minimal sales from the e-NV200 van in select markets. The company focused heavily on LEAF production and marketing that year.