2013 to 2017 Nissan Leaf Import Information for Australia

Plus Model Details and Specifications

Nissan Leaf import will be possible for Australia from early 2019 – for the 2nd generation (2013 to 2017 models), and the 3rd generation (2017 to 2019 models) from 2020.

The Nissan Leaf is an all electric vehicle (EV), powered only by batteries which run an electric motor to drive the front wheels.

The first-generation model of the 5-door hatch was released in Japan and North America in 2010, and in Australia shortly after.

Since then, three factories in Japan, the US and the UK have worked non-stop to produce more than 300,000 units of the Leaf, making the all-electric Nissan the world’s best-selling EV.

The Nissan Leaf is eligible for import to Australia for the second generation AZE0 models built from 01/06/2013 to 30/9/2017 – as these were not sold new in Australia.

2013 to 2017 Nissan Leaf (AZEO) SEVS Ruling

Improvements over the previous model included:

• 80kg weight reduction thanks to aluminium panels

• Improved battery life and regenerative braking

• Increased boot space, hill-start assist, heated seats and steering wheel

Nissan Australia have announced they will be selling the 3rd Gen 2018+ Nissan Leaf but have yet to announce when (possibly mid-2019).

Why the delay ? It appears the factory in Sunderland, UK that will be producing the latest Leaf for Australia is struggling to keep up with demand (particularly from Norway).

This has delayed supply to Australia and as a result – depending on when the new Leaf finally makes it into Nissan Australia showrooms – the first year or two (Sept 2017 to 2019) of the 3rd Gen Leaf should become eligible for secondhand import under the new SEVS regulations.

Australian compliance for the 2013 to 2017 Nissan Leaf should be available by about the end of 2018, from which point we will be able to import you a top quality Nissan Leaf directly from the auctions in Japan.

Nissan Leaf import will be quite straightforward once compliance is available and you will be able to select anything you like.

See how the Nissan Leaf import process works

View 3 months of past Japan auction sales data for the Nissan Leaf AZE0

Why is the Nissan Leaf so popular ?

Being all electric, of course it has near-silent operation along with running costs of 3 to 5 times less than an equivalent internal combustion vehicle (depending on fuel and electricity prices).

Another factor here is that other than brakes and tyres, the Leaf requires minimal maintenance.

The 2013 to 2017 Nissan Leaf comes with a 24kWh battery, with a factory-optional 30kWh battery available from 2016 (20% greater range).

Depending on the testing standard used, the range on a full charge is quoted between 135 km and 228 km (or 172 km to 280 km for the higher capacity 30kWh battery).

At 90kW and 290 Nm of instant torque, the electric motor provides 0-100 km/h performance in the 7 second range and a top speed of 150 km/h.

The low centre of gravity due to the location of the Lithium ion battery results in good handling, and regenerative braking partially recharges the battery while driving.

A charging port behind the Nissan badge at the front of the car allows either standard (8 hours on home socket – with charge timer for scheduled off-peak charging) or fast charge options (10 to 30 minutes).

Battery life is good with low failure rates since introduction of the model, and battery prices will fall over time with economies of scale.

Parts and servicing are well supported for the Leaf thanks to the large production numbers and increasing worldwide focus on EV’s.

The Leaf has a Euro NCAP 5 star rating. Standard features include stability control, traction control, brake assist, electronic braking distribution (EBD), as well as front and side airbags.

Auto emergency braking and lane departure warning were optional features on later models.

Other features include BOSE sound system, 4 camera 360 degree around view system, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, cruise control and smart key access.

If you prefer to wait for the Gen 3 Nissan Leaf (pictured below) with 40kWh battery and up to 270km range, we should be able to source these for import from around 2020 – depending on when the new import regulations come into play.

Nissan Leaf Gen 3

Nissan Leaf NISMO Concept:

See Nissan Leaf Wiki and the Nissan Japan website for more model information and specifications.

Nissan Leaf Gen 2 Pictures