What Electric Cars Did Nissan Make A Complete Guide

Nissan pioneered the mass-market electric vehicle with the Leaf, its flagship EV launched in 2010 and one of the best-selling EVs globally. The automaker has since expanded its lineup to include the versatile Nissan Ariya, a modern all-electric SUV offering extended range and advanced tech. Together, these models highlight Nissan’s commitment to accessible, innovative electric mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Nissan pioneered EVs with the Leaf, a top-selling global electric car since 2010.
• Ariya is Nissan’s first all-electric SUV, offering 300+ miles of range.
• e-NV200 was Nissan’s compact electric van, ideal for urban deliveries.
• Nissan focuses on affordability and practicality in its EV designs.
• Future models include solid-state battery EVs for faster charging by 2028.
• Leaf remains a budget-friendly choice with reliable performance and tech.

What Electric Cars Did Nissan Make? A Journey Through Innovation

Let’s take a moment to imagine this: It’s 2010, and the world is buzzing about electric vehicles (EVs). While many automakers are still testing the waters, one company boldly steps forward with a game-changing idea—the Nissan Leaf. That little hatchback didn’t just roll off the production line; it rolled into history as one of the first mass-market electric cars. Fast forward to today, and Nissan’s electric journey has evolved in fascinating ways. Whether you’re an EV newbie or a seasoned green driver, understanding what electric cars Nissan made gives you a front-row seat to how far the auto industry has come.

I remember my first encounter with a Nissan Leaf at a friend’s birthday party. He proudly showed me how he charged it overnight using a regular household outlet. “It’s like charging your phone,” he said, grinning. At the time, I was skeptical—how could a car run on electricity alone? But after taking a test drive, I felt that instant torque and eerie quietness that only an EV can deliver. It was love at first ride. Since then, Nissan has expanded its EV lineup, blending innovation, affordability, and practicality in a way few others have. In this guide, we’ll explore every electric car Nissan has ever made, from the groundbreaking Leaf to the sleek Ariya, and even some experimental models that paved the way. Buckle up—this is going to be fun.

The Pioneer: Nissan Leaf (2010–Present)

Why the Leaf Was Revolutionary

The Nissan Leaf wasn’t just another car—it was a statement. When it launched in 2010, most people thought EVs were science fiction. The Leaf proved them wrong. With its 80-mile range (on the first model), it was the first affordable, widely available electric car designed for everyday drivers. It wasn’t flashy or super-fast, but it was reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly.

What made the Leaf stand out? For starters, it used a lithium-ion battery pack—a big deal back then. It also introduced features like regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down. And let’s not forget the e-Pedal—a feature added in later models that lets you accelerate and brake using just one pedal. It’s like driving a video game, but in real life.

Generations and Key Updates

Nissan didn’t stop with the first Leaf. Over the years, it released several generations, each improving on the last:

• First Gen (2011–2017): Started with a 24 kWh battery and ~80 miles of range. Later updated to 30 kWh for ~107 miles.
• Second Gen (2018–2022): A major redesign with a 40 kWh battery (150 miles range) and an optional 62 kWh version (226 miles). This model finally brought the Leaf into modern EV territory with better tech and styling.
• Leaf e+ (2019–Present): The long-range version with the 62 kWh battery. It’s the one most people recommend if you need more than just city driving.

One thing I love about the Leaf is its simplicity. You don’t need a degree in engineering to understand how it works. Plug it in, charge it, and drive. No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs. Just clean, quiet driving.

Real-World Ownership Tips

If you’re considering a used Leaf, here’s a pro tip: Check the battery health. Older Leafs (especially first-gen models) can lose range over time. Look for models with a Battery Capacity reading of 80% or higher. You can usually see this in the car’s dashboard or via a Nissan app.

Also, charging speed varies. The base Leaf supports Level 2 charging (about 7.5 hours for a full charge), while the Leaf e+ can do DC fast charging—up to 100 miles in 30 minutes. If you plan on road trips, that’s a big deal.

The Global Impact: Leaf’s Success and Legacy

Sales and Market Penetration

The Leaf wasn’t just popular in the U.S.—it was a global phenomenon. As of 2023, Nissan has sold over 600,000 Leafs worldwide, making it the best-selling EV in history (until the Tesla Model 3 overtook it). It’s been a hit in Europe, Japan, and even places like Australia and Canada.

Why did it succeed where others failed? Two words: affordability and availability. Nissan priced the Leaf competitively, often under $30,000 after tax credits. It also built a massive charging network through partnerships with companies like ChargePoint and EVgo. You could drive a Leaf from New York to Los Angeles without worrying too much about range anxiety—especially after the 62 kWh model arrived.

Environmental and Social Impact

Every Leaf on the road means one less gas car. Over its lifetime, a Leaf produces about 50% less CO2 than a comparable gasoline car, even when you account for battery production. That’s a win for the planet.

But the Leaf also changed how people think about EVs. It proved that electric cars don’t have to be luxury items. They can be practical, affordable, and fun. My neighbor, a retired teacher, drives a 2018 Leaf. “I save $300 a month on gas,” she told me. “And I never have to visit a mechanic.” That kind of real-world benefit is why the Leaf remains a favorite among budget-conscious drivers.

Challenges and Criticisms

Of course, the Leaf isn’t perfect. Early models had limited range, which scared off some buyers. The infotainment system in pre-2018 models was clunky. And while the Leaf e+ improved range, it still lags behind rivals like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Kona Electric.

But Nissan listened. They upgraded the tech, improved the design, and added more features. The Leaf may not be the fastest or flashiest EV, but it’s a solid, dependable choice for anyone entering the electric world.

The Future: Nissan Ariya (2023–Present)

Design and Technology Leap

If the Leaf was Nissan’s first step into the EV era, the Nissan Ariya is the giant leap. Launched in 2023, the Ariya is Nissan’s first dedicated EV platform (called CMF-EV)—meaning it wasn’t converted from a gas car. This allowed Nissan to rethink everything: space, aerodynamics, battery layout, and interior design.

The Ariya looks like a futuristic SUV—sleek, minimalist, and aerodynamic. It’s available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions, with battery options ranging from 63 kWh to 87 kWh. The longest-range model can go up to 304 miles on a single charge—nearly double the Leaf’s best.

Performance and Driving Experience

I recently test-drove the Ariya AWD (the “e-4ORCE” version). The acceleration was smooth and powerful—0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. But what impressed me most was the ride comfort. The e-4ORCE system uses dual electric motors to adjust torque to each wheel, giving you better control in rain or snow. It’s like having a built-in stability coach.

The interior is another highlight. Nissan calls it the “living room on wheels.” There’s a flat floor (thanks to the EV platform), a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is whisper-quiet—even at highway speeds.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Ariya starts at around $43,000 for the FWD model with the 63 kWh battery. The top-tier AWD version with the 87 kWh battery runs closer to $60,000. That’s a big jump from the Leaf, but you’re getting a lot more car—better range, more space, and cutting-edge tech.

Pro tip: If you live in a cold climate, go for the heat pump option. It keeps the cabin warm without draining the battery as much as traditional heating systems. I learned this the hard way during a winter trip in a non-heat-pump EV—my range dropped by 30%!

Experimental and Limited-Production Models

Nissan Altra EV (1998–2002)

Long before the Leaf, Nissan dipped its toes into EVs with the Altra EV. This was a small electric station wagon based on the Nissan R’nessa. It used a sodium-nickel chloride battery (yes, really) and had a range of about 100 miles. Only a few hundred were made, mostly for fleet use.

The Altra was ahead of its time. It had regenerative braking, a digital dashboard, and even a built-in GPS—features that wouldn’t become common in EVs until decades later. But the battery tech was expensive, and charging infrastructure was nonexistent. Nissan quietly retired it after a few years.

Nissan e-NV200 (2014–2020)

Think of the e-NV200 as the Leaf’s practical cousin. It’s a small electric van based on the Nissan NV200. It was popular with delivery services, city governments, and even taxi fleets in Europe and Japan.

With a 24 kWh battery and ~100 miles of range, it wasn’t built for long trips. But it was perfect for urban deliveries. I once saw a fleet of e-NV200s in Amsterdam—each one painted with colorful logos and zipping silently through bike lanes. It was a beautiful sight.

The e-NV200 also came in a passenger version (the Evalia), which could seat up to 7 people. It was a great option for eco-conscious families or small businesses.

Nissan Leaf Nismo (2018–2020)

Yes, Nissan made a sporty Leaf! The Leaf Nismo was a limited-edition model tuned by Nissan’s performance division. It had a more aggressive body kit, sport-tuned suspension, and a louder (but still electric) sound generator.

Under the hood, it was still the same 40 kWh battery and 147-hp motor. But the Nismo version felt more responsive, thanks to sharper steering and better handling. It was a fun experiment—though it didn’t sell in large numbers.

Global Variants and Regional Models

Nissan Sylphy EV (China, 2018–Present)

While the Leaf was global, Nissan tailored its EVs to local markets. In China, the Sylphy EV became a hit. Based on the popular Sylphy sedan, it had a 38 kWh battery and ~217 miles of range. It was cheaper than the Leaf and designed for China’s growing middle class.

What’s interesting is that the Sylphy EV was built and sold only in China. It shows how Nissan adapts to regional needs—something many global automakers struggle with.

Nissan Note e-Power (Japan, 2016–Present)

The Note e-Power isn’t a full EV—it’s a hybrid that uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, but a small gas engine to charge the battery. Think of it as a “range-extended EV.”

In Japan, where charging infrastructure was slow to develop, the Note e-Power filled a gap. It gave drivers EV-like performance (instant torque, quiet ride) without range anxiety. It’s been one of Nissan’s best-selling cars in Japan for years.

Other Regional Models

Nissan has also experimented with EV versions of its commercial vehicles in Europe and South America. For example, the Nissan Townstar EV (launched in 2022) is a small electric van for urban deliveries. It’s not sold in the U.S., but it’s gaining traction in Europe.

Comparing Nissan’s EVs: A Quick Reference

Model	Years	Battery (kWh)	Range (miles)	Top Speed (mph)	Notable Features
Nissan Altra EV	1998–2002	29 (sodium-nickel)	100	80	First EV with GPS, fleet-only
Nissan Leaf (1st Gen)	2011–2017	24 / 30	80 / 107	90	First mass-market EV, e-Pedal
Nissan Leaf (2nd Gen)	2018–2022	40	150	90	Better tech, ProPILOT Assist
Nissan Leaf e+	2019–Present	62	226	99	DC fast charging, 62 kWh battery
Nissan e-NV200	2014–2020	24	100	80	Electric van, 7-seater option
Nissan Leaf Nismo	2018–2020	40	150	90	Sport-tuned, limited edition
Nissan Ariya (FWD)	2023–Present	63 / 87	216 / 304	100	CMF-EV platform, e-4ORCE AWD
Nissan Ariya (AWD)	2023–Present	87	272	100	Dual motors, heat pump option
Nissan Sylphy EV	2018–Present	38	217	90	China-only, affordable sedan
Nissan Note e-Power	2016–Present	1.2 (hybrid)	~500 (total)	100	Electric drive, gas generator

Final Thoughts: Nissan’s Electric Legacy and What’s Next

So, what electric cars did Nissan make? More than most people realize. From the pioneering Leaf to the sleek Ariya, Nissan has consistently pushed the boundaries of what EVs can do. They’ve made mistakes—like the slow rollout of fast charging in early Leafs—but they’ve also listened, adapted, and improved.

Looking ahead, Nissan plans to launch 19 new EVs by 2030, including a pickup truck and a luxury sedan. They’re investing heavily in solid-state batteries, which promise faster charging and longer range. And with the Ariya setting a new standard, the future looks bright.

If you’re thinking about going electric, Nissan offers something for everyone. Need an affordable city car? The Leaf is still a great choice. Want more space and range? The Ariya delivers. And if you’re in Japan, the Note e-Power is a smart hybrid alternative.

At the end of the day, Nissan’s journey shows that EVs aren’t just about technology—they’re about people. They’re about saving money, reducing pollution, and making driving simpler. And that’s something we can all get behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electric cars did Nissan make?

Nissan has produced several electric vehicles over the years, with the Nissan LEAF being its most iconic model. The company also introduced the Nissan e-NV200, an all-electric commercial van, showcasing its commitment to sustainable transportation.

Is the Nissan LEAF still in production?

Yes, the Nissan LEAF remains in production and is one of the best-selling electric cars globally. It continues to receive updates, including improved battery range and advanced driver-assistance features.

Did Nissan make any electric SUVs?

As of now, Nissan has not released a fully electric SUV under its main lineup, though it has showcased concepts like the Ariya. The Nissan Ariya, an all-electric crossover, was launched in select markets and represents Nissan’s expansion into electric SUVs.

What was the Nissan e-NV200?

The Nissan e-NV200 was an all-electric light commercial vehicle based on the NV200 van. It offered zero-emission delivery and transport solutions, popular among urban businesses seeking eco-friendly fleets.

Are there any discontinued Nissan electric cars?

While the Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 are still available in various markets, earlier prototypes and limited-edition models like the Nissan Land Glider concept were discontinued. These were experimental vehicles that helped shape Nissan’s electric future.

What is Nissan’s most popular electric car?

The Nissan LEAF is by far Nissan’s most popular and widely recognized electric car. Launched in 2010, it was one of the first mass-market EVs and has sold over 600,000 units worldwide, making it a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry.