The Nissan Leaf has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) market since its launch in 2010. In this article, we take a closer look at the trends in Leaf sales and production volumes to clarify how this innovative car has been accepted by the market and has contributed to the spread of EVs.
Leaf sales volume
The first-generation Leaf ZE0 attracted attention from the moment it was released in 2010, and was expected to be the car that would lead the way to the future of EVs. Despite facing various challenges, such as the need to improve driving range and develop charging infrastructure, Leaf sales have steadily increased, and in 2014, cumulative global sales surpassed 100,000 units.
However, sales subsequently stagnated due to the emergence of competing EVs and concerns about driving range. Nissan continued to evolve the Leaf by expanding battery capacity and introducing new models, and released the second-generation Leaf ZE1 in 2017. This led to sales increasing again, and the company is expected to achieve global cumulative sales of 650,000 units in 2023.
Reference: Nissan
Sales volume in 2022
Nissan Leaf sales for 2022 were 3,285 units .
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | 1,273 units |
| February 2022 | 1,558 units |
| March 2022 | 1,748 units |
| April 2022 | 213 units |
| May 2022 | 213 units |
| June 2022 | 1,340 units |
| July 2022 | 1,546 units |
| August 2022 | 1,142 units |
| September 2022 | 1,177 units |
| October 2022 | 416 units |
| November 2022 | 736 units |
| December 2022 | 1,370 units |
| total | 12,732 units |
Nissan Leaf registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2023
Annual sales for Nissan Leaf in 2023 will be 10,026 units.
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | 1,629 units |
| February 2023 | 1,254 units |
| March 2023 | 1,715 units |
| April 2023 | 851 units |
| May 2023 | 516 units |
| June 2023 | 640 units |
| July 2023 | 507 units |
| August 2023 | 376 units |
| September 2023 | 656 units |
| October 2023 | 886 units |
| November 2023 | 536 units |
| December 2023 | 460 units |
| total | 10,026 units |
Nissan Leaf registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2024
Sales in the first half of 2024 are expected to be lower than those in 2023.
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 486 units |
| February 2024 | 617 units |
| March 2024 | 575 units |
| April 2024 | 228 units |
| May 2024 | 278 units |
| June 2024 | 366 units |
| total | 2,550 units |
Nissan Leaf registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Production volume trends and future outlook
The number of Leafs produced is closely related to sales trends. The first-generation Leaf was initially produced in plants in Japan and the United States, but as demand increased, production was expanded to other parts of the world, including the UK and Mexico.
The second-generation Leaf, released in 2017, incorporates various innovations, such as improved production efficiency and cost reduction, which contributed to an increase in production volume. Furthermore, Nissan will launch the crossover EV “Ariya” in 2022 to expand its EV lineup. Together with the Leaf, Nissan aims to further grow in the EV market.
A word from the editorial department
The trends in Leaf sales and production volumes reflect the growth and challenges of the EV market. The Leaf’s journey overlaps with the journey of the EV market as a whole: early successes and challenges, competition from competitors, and evolution through technological innovation.
There are many challenges that remain for EVs, such as further extending driving range and shortening charging times. However, as the trend in sales and production numbers for the Leaf shows, technological innovation and market expansion will make EVs more familiar to us and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
As a pioneer of EVs, the Nissan LEAF will continue to lead the market and shape the future of EVs. Trends in sales and production volumes will be important indicators of the growth and potential of the EV market.
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