Nissan Leaf Running Costs UK 2026
40kWh
Last updated: June 2026
Cost per mile
8.0p
home 28p/kWh
Annual (10k mi)
£983
80% home
Real-world range
130 mi
WLTP: 168 mi
Peak DC charge
50kW
CHAdeMO
The Nissan Leaf has been on UK roads since 2011 — longer than almost any other mass-market EV — and its influence on electric vehicle adoption cannot be overstated. The current generation 40kWh version is affordable and suits urban and suburban use perfectly. Its 130-mile real-world range and 50kW CHAdeMO fast-charging mark it as a first-generation EV in an increasingly second-generation market.
Running costs: Nissan Leaf
At 3.5 miles per kWh the Leaf costs 8p per mile on a standard home tariff. At 10,000 miles the annual electricity bill is approximately £980. Against the Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo at 42 MPG (15.5p per mile), the Leaf saves around £750 per year. For predominantly local driving the Leaf makes compelling economic sense — it's the long-distance picture where the limited range and slow DC charging require more careful planning.
| Annual mileage | 100% home (28p) | 80% home / 20% public | 50/50 split |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 miles | £640 | £786 | £1006 |
| 10,000 miles | £800 | £983 | £1257 |
| 12,000 miles | £960 | £1179 | £1509 |
| 15,000 miles | £1200 | £1474 | £1886 |
| 20,000 miles | £1600 | £1966 | £2514 |
Public charging rate: 60p/kWh. Costs calculated on real-world efficiency of 3.5 mi/kWh.
Charging
The 40kWh Leaf uses CHAdeMO for DC fast charging — a connector type that is being phased out in the UK in favour of CCS. This significantly limits public rapid charging options. The 50kW maximum rate is also lower than modern rivals. AC home charging at 6.6kW (7.4kW on some trims). For a home-charge-every-night pattern this is not a problem; for public charging dependency it is a serious limitation.
Battery capacity
40 kWh
Peak DC charge
50kW
Charge port
CHAdeMO (DC) / Type 2 (AC)
Efficiency
3.5 mi/kWh
Key fact
Over 650,000 Nissan Leafs have been sold worldwide — it was the world's bestselling EV until the Tesla Model 3 overtook it.
Who is the Leaf best suited for?
Best for
- ✓Urban and suburban use only
- ✓Drivers with home charging who rarely do long trips
- ✓First EV buyers wanting a proven, affordable option
- ✓Low mileage drivers
Less ideal for
- !Long-distance travel (range and charging speed are limiting)
- !Anyone who needs reliable rapid public charging (CHAdeMO network is shrinking)
- !High mileage drivers where a more efficient EV's savings compound more quickly
Compare against your current car
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Calculate your savingLeaf head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Nissan Leaf cost per mile in the UK?
At a standard home tariff of 28p/kWh, the Nissan Leaf costs approximately 8.0p per mile. On an overnight EV tariff at 7p/kWh, this drops to 2.0p per mile.
What is the real-world range of the Nissan Leaf?
The Nissan Leaf has a real-world range of approximately 130 miles in typical UK mixed driving conditions. The official WLTP figure is 168 miles, which is measured under standardised test conditions and is typically higher than real-world performance.
How fast does the Nissan Leaf charge?
The Nissan Leaf supports up to 50kW DC fast charging via CHAdeMO (DC) / Type 2 (AC). AC home charging is also supported. The charge time from 10–80% varies depending on the available charger speed.
How much does it cost to run a Nissan Leaf per year in the UK?
At 10,000 miles per year and 80% home charging (28p/kWh) with 20% public charging (60p/kWh), the Nissan Leaf costs approximately £983 per year in electricity.