Electric cars are rapidly gaining traction in the UK and when it comes to popularity, the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf are standouts. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at both models and explore why both are so popular.
Range is one of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for an electric car. Both the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf offer impressive stats for their class. Here’s a closer look:
The latest edition of the Renault Zoe offers an all-electric range of up to 238 miles on a single charge.
With a range of up to 168 miles for city driving, the Nissan Leaf is an excellent choice for urban motorists.
Find out more in our guide to electric car range and the longest-range EVs.
Both the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf are 100% electric which means you can veto trips to the forecourt. That said, there are still running costs associated with EV ownership. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:
Expect to pay between £8 to £10 to charge a Renault Zoe from empty to full using a home overnight charging system. Of course, the exact cost will depend on electricity rates through your provider.
Electric cars like the Renault Zoe have fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engines, though you’ll still need to budget for routine maintenance like tyre changes, brake checks and cabin filter replacements.
The Renault Zoe has zero tailpipe emissions which translates to big savings when it comes to UK road tax.
Just like petrol-powered cars, insurance is essential for EVs. Premiums for the Renault Zoe will vary depending on your personal driving history, age of the car, location and driving habits.
A smaller battery means charging costs for the Nissan Leaf will generally be slightly lower than the Renault Zoe, typically around £6 to £8.
Like the Renault Zoe, the electric drivetrain of the Nissan Leaf keeps maintenance costs low. Costs may be lower as the Nissan Leaf is a more popular model and has a strong presence on British roads. This makes it easier to source parts.
Like the Renault Zoe, the Nissan Leaf has zero tailpipe emissions which slashes your UK road tax rates.
The Nissan Leaf is slightly cheaper than the new Renault Zoe to purchase new which means insurance premiums may be lower.
Both the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf are considered compact EVs which puts them in the same class in terms of size. However, there are a few key differences when it comes to practicality and interior space.
The Renault Zoe boasts an impressive boot capacity of 338 litres. This increases to a huge 1,225 litres with the back seats folded down.
The Nissan Leaf raises the bar with a boot capacity of 435 litres with all five seats in place. Fold down the back seats and this increases to almost 1,200 litres, putting it on par with the Renault Zoe. A clever 60/40 split rear seat system offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to configuration.
Plug the Renault Zoe into a 7kW wall box and the battery will charge from zero to 100% in just under 9.5 hours. The Nissan Leaf performs slightly better and goes from zero to a full charge in around 7.5 hours using a professionally installed Level 2 wall unit.
There’s also the option to “trickle charge” the Nissan Leaf using an EVSE cable plugged into a 230V outlet. This will recharge the battery back to 100% in 21 hours. Looking for a faster charge? Plug into a CHAdeMO rapid charger and go from 20% to 100% in just 60 minutes.
The Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf are both excellent choices when it comes to reliability and safety. Both EVs are packed with safety features like multiple airbags and electronic stability control, as well as driver assist features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
In terms of Euro NCAP safety rating credentials, the Nissan Leaf outperforms the Renault Zoe. The Nissan Leaf earned an impressive five stars from the car safety performance assessment programme. This is largely thanks to the 93% adult occupant protection and 86% child occupant protection figures. Meanwhile, the Renault Zoe received a rare zero-star Euro NCAP safety rating due to some results.
The Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe are comparable when it comes to green credentials. Both models produce zero tailpipe emissions and have a low environmental footprint, especially when the battery is charged using renewable energy.
Nissan and Renault are both advocates for sustainability and make an effort to use eco-friendly materials when manufacturing EVs. They also run great battery recycling programs.
The Renault Zoe wins over drivers with a sleek silhouette inspired by its French roots. The manufacturer describes the Zoe as “urban chic” and cites warm titanium finishes and diamond alloy wheels as exterior highlights.
Aerodynamic panelling and a unique floating roof ensure the Nissan Leaf turns heads. The Japanese manufacturer highlights the “signature V-Motion grille” as a key selling point for style-conscious drivers.
The leasing cost of a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe will depend on several factors, however, prices start from £250 a month for the Nissan Leaf whereas the Renault Zoe starts around £400. Factors which affect the price include:
The Nissan Leaf has an RRP range of £28,495 to £31,995.
The Renault Zoe has an RRP range of £29,995 to £31,995.
Your personal financial history can influence what interest rates you’re eligible for. This can decrease or increase the overall cost of leasing a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe.
The terms of your contract will impact the overall cost of leasing a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe. For example, longer terms will bring down your monthly payments but can increase the overall cost of your loan.
The expected value of your Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe at the end of your lease will have an impact on your monthly payments.
Many car lease agreements include annual mileage limits designed to minimise wear and tear on the vehicle. As a general rule, higher mileage limits translate to higher costs.
Larger down payments will generally reduce the overall cost of leasing a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe.
Your personal credit score is used by lenders to assess your standing as a borrower. Higher credit scores generally unlock access to better interest rates and deals for BEVs.
Leasing a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe is surprisingly easy. Simply follow these six steps to get the ball rolling and secure the keys to your new EV.
Ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to personal preferences, budget and your unique needs as a motorist.
Not 100% sold on the Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf? Both are excellent cars but they’re not the only compact BEV options available to British motorists. Here’s a quick look at some comparable models that shape up when it comes to size, features and range:
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