TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF...

BE-LEAF IT The all-new Nissan LEAF; below, rear view of the vehicle

- With JUSTIN DELANEY & JOHN MITCHELL

NOWADAYS we tend to curse them for clogging up all the chargers but it's a testament to the Nissan LEAF that cars built a lifetime ago in EV speak are still doing the business and trundling around on ancient batteries.

The first LEAF hit the streets nearly 15 years ago and there are still quite a few early models knocking about - seeing as they sold nearly a million of them over the years.

Now this is not really a direct replacement for the last two generations of the LEAF as it's more closely related to the modern and bigger Ariyah but it’s still small and economical.

It comes with two battery options for an impressive range of up to 604km (WLTP), ensuring confident driving for everyday and long-distance trips.

It provides a compelling alternative for internal combustion engine (ICE) buyers, with a substantially increased maximum range (up to 604km), enhanced charging speeds (up to 417km in 30 minutes), and a suite of technologies that makes both driving easier and EV ownership more rewarding.

Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has sold close to 700,000 units worldwide, earning its place in history as the world’ first mass-market electric vehicle.