Introduced in 2010, this nameplate marked Nissan’s entry into the modern mass-market battery-electric era and was positioned as a practical, globally marketed EV rather than a niche compliance car. The first production version arrived at the end of 2010 for major markets including Japan, the United States, and Europe, and Nissan has repeatedly described it as the world’s first mass-produced EV. Early versions established the formula that made the car significant: a compact five-door hatchback, everyday usability, and a strong emphasis on quiet, zero-emission motoring for mainstream buyers.
A major second-generation redesign arrived in 2017, giving the car a more contemporary shape and updated electric-vehicle technology while keeping the same basic mission. Nissan later expanded the lineup with the higher-output, longer-range LEAF e+ variant in 2019, reflecting the model’s move from early EV pioneer to a more mature mainstream electric hatchback. In 2026, Nissan unveiled an all-new third-generation version, underscoring that the nameplate remains active and continues to evolve.
Over time, this model has become one of the most important vehicles in Nissan’s modern history. It helped normalize the idea of an affordable, everyday EV and became closely associated with the company’s broader zero-emission strategy. Rather than disappearing and returning, the nameplate has remained in continuous production since its debut, with each generation building on the original concept of accessible electric mobility.