2018 Nissan Leaf Electricity · LS68 HFU

Running a 2018 Nissan Leaf is notably cheap compared with a petrol equivalent. Real-world efficiency for the 40 kWh version is around 3.5-4.0 miles per kWh, giving an effective range of 130-160 miles in mixed use; home charging at a standard tariff of around 25p/kWh costs roughly 6-7p per mile, or about £700-£900 per year at 12,000 miles. Road tax is £0 for fully electric vehicles. Insurance sits in groups 21-23 depending on trim, typically £350-£500 annually. The biggest variable cost is the battery — if it has degraded significantly, replacement or a warranty-backed refurbishment could run into four figures, which is why checking SoH before purchase is essential. With no cambelt, oil changes, or exhaust components, routine servicing is limited to tyres, brake fluid, and coolant for the thermal management system.

Start with the battery: ask for the dashboard energy economy screen showing the state of health percentage — anything below 85% on a 2018 car is worth scrutinising. Look for a significantly reduced full-charge range figure (GOM) compared with the original 168-mile WLTP claim. Physically inspect the charge port for scorch marks, loose fittings, or signs of overheating, particularly if the previous owner regularly rapid-charged. Tyres deserve close attention because EVs are heavy and instant-torque; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues, and the model-level failure data shows tyres are a common Leaf MOT failure point. Check the suspension arms and bushes — another top failure category on this model — by pushing each corner and listening for clonks over bumps. Finally, verify the 12V auxiliary battery age, as a weak 12V can cause confusing warning lights and is a known Leaf annoyance.