This is my favourite car channel. In a time when every other car youtuber is obsessed with unachievable (for most) super cars and hyper cars, this channel is a gem! And James is amazing
Speak for yourself - I live in an asshole of the world kind of fourth rate country, and I would have to save for literaly years to buy a comparable Leaf.
Right, so a couple things to keep an eye for. This does not have active battery thermal management, meaning that the battery temp is basically regulated by the outside temp. Especially in Australia, you shouldn't charge it more then 2 times in a row fast and even then after, leave it cool down for about 12 hours. When it gets below 6°c about, range is MAX 100km no matter how easily you drive, probably won't be much of an issue. Be careful about fast charging in hot weather, try to avoid it if you can. After 3 fast charges in a row, you should then slow charge it to re-balance the battery. It will make it last A LOT longer that way. This thing is pretty nice for a commuter car, you're gonna like it. For tyres, I recommend Michelin Crossclimate 2 tyres as they are good in rain and super efficient for maximum range (yes, tyre efficiency is a big factor for electric vehicles, also, keep on top of tyre pressure for good economy) Use B mode if you can in city driving but driving on motorway or anyplace where you don't really need to slow down regularly, use normal D mode (you engage B mode by selecting D for the second time and you can toggle between D and B. Also, use eco mode, it helps with smoother driving and obviously, longer range. For now, that's around all I can think about, I'll edit this post if I remember something else.
@@eizzah8323 Regenerative breaking, or one pedal driving. Extremely oversimplifying - car brakes when you let go of gas, slightly charging your battery. Really good around town or in traffic, because if you get used to it, you won't need to touch the brake pedal 80% of the time.
The thing about EVs, which it looks like you have found out, is that driving even a low-end one is insanely fun just because electric motors are so responsive.
I love how you kept the theme of buying cars that both are revered as the best representatives of progress and utility and moving the masses through innovative and clever design, and simultaneously things that are a disgrace to the title of 'automotive'. Respect.
Soo one thing that's not talked about these. Due to how cheap they were and are, they have a huge modding community. This means you can put a much bigger battery in them and rebuild the battery pack. These things are awsome.
Btw, quick add, my professor was the Head designer of this version of the Nissan leaf! The man Is so proud of this car, and he's got like two of them 🤣. You should deffo check him out! His name is Masato Inoue, and he was also responsible for the R32 and 33 Gtr hahahahahah. Also the stagea, laurel and a few other family sedan. But the leaf was his magnum opus, before he left Nissan, to be a professor.
@@TheAutisticOwl honestly, he's a lovely guy. a musician too. we studied for 2 years with him, and on the last day of every academic year, he used to get his guitar and amp out for us, and play songs in uni for us! we studied in italy, and he's the guitarist for a local band there. Really sweet guy all in all.
My mom leased a leaf for 3 years when she was still working as a travel nurse and loved it. With the solar panels on their house it was 8 bucks a month to keep the house ice cold in the 100+ degree heat and drive a few hundred miles in the leaf. Super cool if you have all the extra gizmos
I have a couple solar panels I havent installed Suddenly an EV doesnt seem like a bad idea Already bought a 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer GTI 16V tho, really doesnt use much gas, if you can keep it under 4k rpm (engine likes to party with 140hp)
I've been daily driving one of these for 7 years. Couldn't ask for a better commuter car. Absolutely love my little blue blob. It's heartwarming to watch someone else discover the joys of these cars.
There is something just so refreshing about watching someone express their excitement with some thing they’re hyped about. You giggling with James while driving at the end there was contagious, I was dancing my feet with excitement alongside you fellas!
Fun fact: the leaf has the world record for the fastest speed in reverse. Removed a software block that limits the reverse speed, but all it does for reverse is spin the motor backwards so theoretically the top speed is the same both ways. I think the record is like 87 miles per hour in reverse? Idk
Being Norwegian, it's so weird seeing someone being this excited about an old Leaf. But then I remember that were kinda weird with EVs here up north. Congrats on a great lil' beast. 1st gen Leaf is truly a great one.
Genuinely love Wade's enthusiasm when explaining the performance of a reggo, cheap EV I had my first, and reggo EV experience a few months ago at a car show, a Hyundai Ioniq 5. I totally get Wade's enthusiasm.
So if you want to do a performance mod, you can take the inverter from one of the newer 62kwh leafs and put it in yours, then you can use a computer to change the resolver offset and that basically upgrades your 80kw motor to 160kw
I remember the first time I took a Chevy Bolt for a test drive... they're bottom of the barrel EVs here in the states, but they are SO MUCH FUN! It's insane. I feel like 95% of people who hate EVs have never tried to drive one. Even the boring ones are hilariously fun.
As someone who owns a 2020 Bolt - man, when I have to drive the SUV for one reason or another I just don't ever feel as comfortable in it. I molded myself into my Bolt in a matter of a month. It made someone who really REALLY hates commuting into someone who can actually tolerate an hour-long drive to see friends. Responsive accel, L mode making driving a nearly one-pedal affair, surprisingly comfy suspension and such (really important for me off that gravel road). Just a lovely little package, and I'll never regret just outright buying the thing instead of fussing over payments - yes, even with the ridiculous battery shit that just happened. Fun fact - it actually costs less money in electricity for me to keep my Bolt charged for a month than my PC being on for that same month. Not that much less, really, but assuming I'm not making a two-hour roundabout trip every day, it's super inexpensive fuel-wise.
If I get an EV, this is probably the one I'm going for. I don't think I've driven more than 10 kilometers in a day since I went home for the first round of Covid lockdowns about 3 years ago.
I implore you to reconsider, Chadamo plug (the type the leaf uses) is going the way of the do-do outside of japan, multiple charging station companies have already announced they will be dropping support of it on their new stations- in a few years the already rarer chadamo plug may become impossible to find- leaving you to charge on a 24~ hour wall plug anytime you need to recharge... Also avoid early leafs at least, they usually have horrific battery degredation because they didn't ever implement any battery protection systems like cooling, buffers or heating on any of the sub 150~ milage ones as far as I know. I highly recommend you go for something the upgraded E-golf, Focus EV or Ioniq EV, which all have CSS and 115~125mi range Particularly the Ioniq seems to hold up incredibly well, I've researched EV's for a couple years before just buying my own this year, and after watching pretty much every long term owner review of their Ioniq after 80~200k miles, literally none of them had lost any range, and seeing maybe 100? On various sites selling them, checking their range on the dash when the pictures were provided, all of them seemed to have good battery health as far as I could tell. Tl;DR: Avoid Chadamo based cars, and anything without a fast charger, also I've seen a ton of bolts with massive degredation (like 3 years old with a max range of 19 miles from 253, its the only car worse than the leaf in that department)
@@SkyTreeStudio Ioniq batteries seem to last quite nicely, Bolt batteries not so much. (I've watched hundreds of videos and looked at the same amount of cars for sale and Bolts seemingly have some of the worst battery health for some reason- maybe the batt. recall all of them have to go through off the assembly line has something to do with it)
@@choppercove didnt know i was talking to albert einsten 32k a month isnt a whole lot, because he is like 7 cars, warehouse a house put all them bills and having t9 pay james
This is one of the best reviews of the leaf in my opinion! You’re not scaremongering people about range and the “it’s like a phone charge it over night” barely anyone makes that reference!
Videos like these, especially ones by Aging Wheels are what warmed me up to the idea of electric cars. When people present them in this fun and casual way it's way more likely to get people, especially car enthusiasts like me interested in EVs, as opposed to those schmuks who make their EV their entire personality, and berate everyone who doesn't drive an electric car. I hope to one day be able to afford an Abarth 500 Cabrio, cause that thing is everything I want, a small, fun to drive convertible.
That's true. Just let EVs speak for themselves, and people will buy them if they are competitive with gas. Pompous jerks and governments forcing the issue only serves to push people away.
Before you get an EV, do consider if it's range, your needs, the electricity price and the general electric infrastructure all click together that an EV will actually work for you. For example me living in a rural area alone disqualifies having an EV because of how far I have to travel in a car, even if I was able to afford an EV it would be a downgrade from any ICE.
@@supra107 I won't be able to afford an EV, even a used one any time soon, so any "consideration" is a mere fantasy. I just wanted to say how channels like Aging Wheels warmed me up to the idea of EVs with their fun and lighthearted approach. Up until only a few years ago I absolutely loathed the very idea of an electric car, and now I actually kinda want one.
@@supra107Pretty hard for electric prices to come above fossil unless you live in a literal shithole lol, but yes, electric infrastructure is THE factor to consider, especially in the US where it can be spotty
The reason why I like BEVs is the same reason why I love Holden HSV. Powerful performance and smokey burnouts. Big power Electric Cars are basically Muscle Cars.
I love the little "gas door" up front it has proper hinges and works like a normal car hood like that is so well done they could have just made it a shitty cheap oversized gas door
Fun thing; You can actually use your 2017 leaf as a household battery storage if you want! Leafs did come with bi-directional charging since 2015 I believe. You mentioned that the leaf has double the storage capacity compared to the household battery you have, how would you like to triple that?
I love the old LEAF design. It just looks so unique. I have a 2022 Leaf and I prefer the old body design. The newer ones just look... like a normal car. I would have gotten an older model, but the thing about EVs is that battery degradation exists and the longer you go using a rechargeable battery, the less capacity it has, so I got one new. I wanted an EV that I could visit people in, not just the bare minimum to get groceries. It's better than the i3 I had last in terms of range. That thing barely went 80 miles (128 km) on a full charge, but it was very cozy to drive compared to my current.
I actually wish more EVs would just look like normal cars. Some EVs look fantastic (e.g. Teslas are pretty good) but some EVs are designed to be as "different" as possible in the worst possible way (like the BMW i3). I guess my point is I just want milk that tastes like real milk.
Ever since you teased the eNugg in one of your first videos, I was really curious to hear more about it because I didn't know electric conversions were a thing. Shame to hear the batteries are busted, but I would still love to see a video going over what the process is like.
this is perfect. The leaf is clearly the functional and nuggety car to pick from this era, plus tinkerable. It’s interesting how the economics of the cost of solar is a large part of your decision (petrol prices being what they are). Especially fun to think about given people insisted solar would never be economical over coal power stations so recently. Now it’s the best and cheapest option for unreliable or even nonexistent electrical grids. Plus you’ve noticed the novelty of free clean power and wanting to do something with that abundance! It makes my solarpunk heart smile. People said it was an ideological dream but now more and more people are finding the benefits of owning their own plentiful clean power, and it’s beautiful.
This video makes me so happy. The excitement in your voice is exactly what I sound like when I get a neat electronic thing or part for my bike. I know im going to respond just like this when I get my first electric car
I'd really recommend getting leafspy pro and their recommended ODB2 module, it's great to have if for no other reason than to see all the dials dance as you put your foot down and draw over 100A from the battery
As a former leaf owner, it's honestly the best city car you can find. Charge it up slow whenever you don't use it, and it barely ever complains. The only issue I had with my leaf (which had the 40 KWh pack) was that long distance road trips with the fast chargers were annoying as anything, so I bought a long range Tesla, but even still 100% recommend as a city car every day of the week
My used Chevy Volt is the most fun I’ve ever had with a car. I literally don’t remember when I last put gas in it. I only do short trips and errands and walk the rest of the time, so it’s perfect. It also is just SOLID. I’ve had it for a while and have never had any issues with any aspect of it beyond basic maintenance. Hands down the best car I could have possibly gotten. I’m pretty sure it’s appreciated since I bought it, too. Edit: I also agree on the quietness! I’m spoiled by the silent ride and think other cars are obscenely loud now.
Nissan Leaf is awesome. It exploded in popularity in Northern Europe where I live. I sadly had to sell mine, but it is easily the best car I have ever owned. I have considered getting another one, though I hear quality varies after this version.
I'd be really interested to see how a 30kWh battery pack has aged in a hot climate like Australia. Hopefully you share the leafspy data somewhere. I Absolutely loved the LEAF30 but even here in the UK the lack of thermal management was an issue that led to early degradation compared to literally any other mass market EV.
Not good, supposedly. Non thermal managed leafs in Australia are known to cook their own batteries during fast charge, the computer and charger is too stupid to not slow charge rate in relation to battery tempature, battery life being cut by 60% or worse is not uncommon
This is a 2017 model year. It has pack that is even more advance than the Lizzard Pack. Should be fine in warm weather, just don't DC Fast Charge with with Chademo on warm days.
@@deepbludreams I used to have a 30kWh pack. I saw my temperature meter completely full all the way into the red on multiple occasions before. The charge rate definitely got slowed with heat. I was capped at 22kW DC Charging and enforced eco mode with limited acceleration and 60mph/100kph top driving speed when the battery was too hot.
Nice, I've been a LEAF driver solely for the past few years, and I've loved it. I'm glad you do too! By the way, battery capacity is measured in kWh (killowatt hours), not in kW (killowatt). kW is how much power you're pulling at this moment, and kWh is how much energy you hold. Cheers!
Hi Wade! Superfan from the UK! Just wanted to send you this message as a good deed and also simply me being me. You've made me get an old iPod simply for you being you! I love how honest you are, and how you don't sugar-coat anything. Really is refreshing and humbling! Just wanted to say been watching your main channel since you did the abuse comparison between the normal iPod and flash modded one and love your 'style' ever since! I like how you explain localities to others as you know they don't understand us ol' mate! I've been to Aus so many times seeing my British sister there. Love you awesome guys! And honestly, your channels help me with my severe depression too and helps making my sh*t life at uni more tolerable! Wish you honestly more success and from your crumbling humbling ashes may you rise ol' mate as nobody deserves success more than you. I love snakes, drumming and electric guitars so your my style. I know you're a jazz drummer I love that too! Mate Wade! Have a good one man!
EVs get so much unfair hate. And yeah, gas engines are fun and charming and I definitely appreciate all the engineering and the mechanics behind it all, but there's so much more to a car than just loud noises and the smell of gasoline.
I've had one of these for nearly 8 years now, and it doesn't get old. Puts a smile on my face every time. If you want more performance, IIRC the place to start is the inverter, and there is at least one upgrade option.
"giant mobile phone" is one of my favorite things about having an electric car. i made it difficult for myself moving to a place with no parking, but still lol
Wade discovering how fun EVs are is fantastic content! I never understood all the hate that EVs get, especially Leafs. I am a petrol head through and through, I have had more cars than years I have been alive, I also currently own a very fast tuned Audio wagon, but I maintain that my little Nissan Leaf is still the best car I have ever owned, it gets way more seat time than any other car I have!
The Compliance Car EVs were truly horrible. They deserved the hate they got. But those BEVs which fully exploited the Fun that is lots of instant torque. Makes EVs just another Fun car.
A little lesson here. "Diesel" trains are actually a diesel motor powering an electric generator to power an electric motor. So to those people who say "how strong can those electric cars get? Weak" uh dude.... trains
@MrHat. The main advantage of electric trains are that they don't need to haul around tons of batteries . that's what makes long haul ev trucks quite dumb . For short distences for example somthing like a garbage truck it would make sense .
This channel has done the unthinkable: actually gotten me excited about cars. I have NEVER cared about cars, I don’t even drive one (yet). Thank you Dank Man, Ol’ Mate James and the fleet of nuggets 🙏
I like the Leaf, it's reasonably-priced and underneath it's actually well designed. Unlike some of its contemporary EVs which were effectively an ICE car with electric gubbins jammed in wherever they'll go.
My dad got a Nissan leaf (a few years older I think) for around 3 grand US (price was because it had damage to the front panels/ bumper) a few months ago. He loves that car so much. He was kind of embarrassed to be driving it at first but it definitely grew on him.
Every other UA-camr: "Make sure you like, comment and subscribe, and check out our merch store!" Dank: "And that's the end of the video, so y'know, get a dog up ya!"
Hey Dank! Just so you know the reason why it doesn’t chunder-steer through the corners like you were talking about it’s because the center of mass is down on the floor. Most FWD cars have the mass of most the car in the front. The leaf, like a Tesla, has the battery under the car under your fear. Better balance through the corners equals better handling.
I had a huge smile when I saw the thumbnail. You always make me laugh, whenever I have a bad day and also when I don't have a bad day. You're the best 👊🏻 many greetings from Austria
Recently bought a Volkswagen ID3, and its wonderful. It’s my first ever electric car, but also my first automatic. I love it, previously I was driving a 2007 Ford Focus, and this is so much smoother and nicer to drive. Its got no CD slot, which is a bit of a shame for me, but it has CarPlay which so makes up for it. It is crazy handy!
It's always fun to see someone underestimate EVs and then they drive one and they get so shocked lol. Chevy Bolt is another good, relatively cheap EV that's even faster than the leaf and has so much more range!
I daily drove one of these all throughout high school. I even took my driving test in it. Can confirm it absolutely RIPS corners and the torque is surprising. 10/10 egg recommend
EV’s really are fun. I love cars and was hesitant on the EV, and still am due to how the charging infrastructure is, but I took a Tesla on a roadtrip and it was a blast. When I live in a place where I can charge an EV, I will definitely buy one.
2:59 just a quick note: battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) not kW. kW is a measurement of the rate of power usage. So if you run a 30 kWh battery at 30kW power draw for an hour straight it will be dead.
I once drove in an electric Vito at work. I didn't even know that thing was electric We set off and suddenly the driver put his foot on the gas and the thing just pushed us Forward so hard. It was so unexpected because the other vitos only had an 85hp diesel or something like that.
I had a Skoda Citigo EV under lease for a couple of years and loved it for exactly the same reasons, such a shame I had to hand it back when the leaser wanted to sell it.
Got rear ended at 60mph in my leaf recently and didn't even know what happened - I thought a tyre had popped maybe. Got out to see that someone had annihalated their fiesta going into me. Defo recommend if you want to keep a family safe. Don't recommend for any other reason - we have an i pace now and it's the best car I've ever had
I was wondering when you might try an electric. 😂 As a former used Leaf owner just know the car itself is fantastic for what it is but the range was an issue for me. Especially in the winter. If it had a more usable range I would still have it to this day. I have a Kona EV now and I love it but I think the leaf was just a tiny bit better.
I drive one of these some days for work and I love them, everything you said plus the "gear shift"" joystick is SO much better than the typical automatic paddle because you don't have to feel for a detent. It does ask for approval to collect data every time it starts and range is bad in the coldest swedish winter weather but it handles little snow-covered roads like a champ because of the torque and traction control. Eco mode is effortless and without it on it feels downright nippy. Coworker who drives a tesla at home says she likes it even more but I absolutely rate the Leaf.
I'm genuinely excited that you got a leaf! My old boss had one. Those things are torque-y lol. Just don't wrap it around a tree. They really have a lot of power. lol
No joke, this video was a deciding factor in me deciding to upgrade to a Leaf. Plus trim with ~190mi range and 200hp makes for a legitimately fun driving experience , especially compared to the Prius it replaced. If you can charge up your car every night, an EV is a life-changer.
I love how tou guys are just yourself. You always give me good vibes. When I have a rough day, you put a smile on my face. Even the longer vids sometimes feel like they end in secondes. I won't tell you to not change, cause that's unrealistic, and makes me a d*ck. I will say this. Wade, James, you two are a great duo and you're full of - there I say it - the best humor I know. Dad-jokes and all. Please stay yourself, and don't let the mean comments get to you. Kind regards, Bas (NL)
“Why a Leaf? Why that body shape, why that colour?” - it was the cheapest EV for sale I could find 👌
Plus it is just you in a lot of ways, to get some very 2000s car in some eyesour of a color but it was cheap
Oh but bloo is fun
Next vid: I'm making an V8 Supercar out of a ev 😂😂😂
Yeah...
But why a Nissan?
Idk why but im getting mom from incredibles vibe from that body shape... huh.
Tony is immune to speed.
Donkey Van is immune to shoe.
Nissan Flea is immune to servos.
Also Jeff’s previous owner is immune to deodorant.
and dont forget the free car!
@@colinchung9722 We don't mention him
@@colinchung9722 free car is immune to having a clean engine (well until it gets fixed later in March or so lol)
Yeah cos you'll be in the middle of the desert with no way to refuel your car
Ah yes let's us all collectively welcome the newest member of the nugget family:- THE NISSAN EGG
🥚
🥚
🥚🍳🥚🍳🍳🥚🍳🥚🥚🍳🥚🥚🍳
*EGG*
THE NEGG
This is my favourite car channel. In a time when every other car youtuber is obsessed with unachievable (for most) super cars and hyper cars, this channel is a gem! And James is amazing
I'd recommend Aging Wheels too, fairly similar vibes with random nuggets and the occasional EV
@@_kalia thanks for suggestion! I'll check it out.
Id still rather watch the unattainable stuff. Because its rare. I see a nissan leaf everytime i leave the house.
@@confused.cat.I second that post, Aging Wheels is awesome
Speak for yourself - I live in an asshole of the world kind of fourth rate country, and I would have to save for literaly years to buy a comparable Leaf.
I clicked this video chuckling and expecting violent dissing or something.
Now i want this car.
Hey man I just want to tell you that frank got me over my fear of snakes
Same
It bet your new fear is gonna be the smell, because he stinks.
Frank is my lord and savior
Love to see it
Bitey Frank
Right, so a couple things to keep an eye for.
This does not have active battery thermal management, meaning that the battery temp is basically regulated by the outside temp. Especially in Australia, you shouldn't charge it more then 2 times in a row fast and even then after, leave it cool down for about 12 hours.
When it gets below 6°c about, range is MAX 100km no matter how easily you drive, probably won't be much of an issue.
Be careful about fast charging in hot weather, try to avoid it if you can.
After 3 fast charges in a row, you should then slow charge it to re-balance the battery. It will make it last A LOT longer that way.
This thing is pretty nice for a commuter car, you're gonna like it.
For tyres, I recommend Michelin Crossclimate 2 tyres as they are good in rain and super efficient for maximum range (yes, tyre efficiency is a big factor for electric vehicles, also, keep on top of tyre pressure for good economy)
Use B mode if you can in city driving but driving on motorway or anyplace where you don't really need to slow down regularly, use normal D mode (you engage B mode by selecting D for the second time and you can toggle between D and B.
Also, use eco mode, it helps with smoother driving and obviously, longer range.
For now, that's around all I can think about, I'll edit this post if I remember something else.
How is b mode different compared to d mode ? I've driven an ev around once or twice for work (a Renault Zoe) and I'm confused on what it does
@@eizzah8323 Regenerative breaking, or one pedal driving.
Extremely oversimplifying - car brakes when you let go of gas, slightly charging your battery.
Really good around town or in traffic, because if you get used to it, you won't need to touch the brake pedal 80% of the time.
That aint a few things thats a full on warning section
This man Eggs
Thanks. I I have a nissan Egg too and these are great tips, although have an '12 egg I don't get the plus side of B mode without acceleration loss.
"we need the opinion of someone who has never driven an electric car before."
Ah yeah, Frank gets to drive!
lol
The thing about EVs, which it looks like you have found out, is that driving even a low-end one is insanely fun just because electric motors are so responsive.
The throttle response is impeccable, gas cars always feel somewhat unrefined with inconsistent throttle response
i remember driving an electric golf cart at uni, was so much fun, going full throttle like a madman
you can literally stomp out a beat to a song and the motor will be fine lol
@@osimmac idea: electric car kick drum
@@osimmac That's awesome
I like that you actually understand the point of an electric car.
this is possibly the best advertisement for the leaf I've ever seen companies should send you like several year old spare models
The madman went from gas guzzling Taxi to econobox EV in a matter of months
What Australia dose to people 😭
Well he's saving money for more gas guzzling taxi shenanigans.
@@jagtan13 Literally Gas Guzzling. I had no clue Strictly LPG ONLY Ford Falcons existed. Most were dual fuel switch over.
@@Neojhun Yeah the old green top (gas only) barras are the ones people want for performance builds now - they're more valuable.
This is why we watch
I love how you kept the theme of buying cars that both are revered as the best representatives of progress and utility and moving the masses through innovative and clever design, and simultaneously things that are a disgrace to the title of 'automotive'. Respect.
Soo one thing that's not talked about these. Due to how cheap they were and are, they have a huge modding community. This means you can put a much bigger battery in them and rebuild the battery pack. These things are awsome.
Can i put electric fencing around it?
@@fernadogonzalez2940 electric anti HEAT fencing
@@LilTachanka NOW YOU ARE SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE
@@fernadogonzalez2940 ain't no Russian shell getting through this shit
@@LilTachanka ready the 50 bmg machineguns aaaaaaaaaah
Btw, quick add, my professor was the Head designer of this version of the Nissan leaf! The man Is so proud of this car, and he's got like two of them 🤣. You should deffo check him out! His name is Masato Inoue, and he was also responsible for the R32 and 33 Gtr hahahahahah. Also the stagea, laurel and a few other family sedan. But the leaf was his magnum opus, before he left Nissan, to be a professor.
That is such an epic story. I wish he was my professor
@@TheAutisticOwl honestly, he's a lovely guy. a musician too. we studied for 2 years with him, and on the last day of every academic year, he used to get his guitar and amp out for us, and play songs in uni for us! we studied in italy, and he's the guitarist for a local band there. Really sweet guy all in all.
The turnaround from the R32 and 33GTR to a Leaf is hilarious and somehow not surprising - what a fun little car!
Legit kinda want one now
is there a particular reason why the battery isn't thermo regulated?
My mom leased a leaf for 3 years when she was still working as a travel nurse and loved it. With the solar panels on their house it was 8 bucks a month to keep the house ice cold in the 100+ degree heat and drive a few hundred miles in the leaf. Super cool if you have all the extra gizmos
I have a couple solar panels I havent installed
Suddenly an EV doesnt seem like a bad idea
Already bought a 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer GTI 16V tho, really doesnt use much gas, if you can keep it under 4k rpm (engine likes to party with 140hp)
The 5000$ replacement battery, good for mabye 35 miles. Not a good investment this one.
@@DarkLinkAD ??? What are you talking about, the batteries last an average of like several thousand charges, which could be like a 100k miles.
@DarkLinkAD amazing way to say you know nothing about these cars. this comment is so fucking funny
I've been daily driving one of these for 7 years. Couldn't ask for a better commuter car. Absolutely love my little blue blob. It's heartwarming to watch someone else discover the joys of these cars.
You must have put at least 17 miles on it by now.
There is something just so refreshing about watching someone express their excitement with some thing they’re hyped about. You giggling with James while driving at the end there was contagious, I was dancing my feet with excitement alongside you fellas!
Fun fact: the leaf has the world record for the fastest speed in reverse. Removed a software block that limits the reverse speed, but all it does for reverse is spin the motor backwards so theoretically the top speed is the same both ways. I think the record is like 87 miles per hour in reverse? Idk
So an emulated CVT gearbox?
So it's just a massive RC car?
The Nevera recently broke this record. 171mph in reverse
One more mile and it can go backwards through time
Being Norwegian, it's so weird seeing someone being this excited about an old Leaf. But then I remember that were kinda weird with EVs here up north. Congrats on a great lil' beast. 1st gen Leaf is truly a great one.
keep pumping that oil norway
@@silvernoob1603 Yeah, no.
@@Tjomsasen No, yeah
@@Tjomsasen No no, yeah
@@andrihusainsudra Yeah, yeah, no.
Genuinely love Wade's enthusiasm when explaining the performance of a reggo, cheap EV
I had my first, and reggo EV experience a few months ago at a car show, a Hyundai Ioniq 5. I totally get Wade's enthusiasm.
LOL a Hyundai Ioniq 5 is not reggo EV. That thing is bold design and has 800 volt architecture.
@@Neojhun yeah the ioniq 4 is more of a reggo EV, my uncle has one and it's way less sporty than my dad's volvo v60
Also got to ride in an IONIQ 5 at the auto show a few months ago!
So if you want to do a performance mod, you can take the inverter from one of the newer 62kwh leafs and put it in yours, then you can use a computer to change the resolver offset and that basically upgrades your 80kw motor to 160kw
Wouldn’t that put a lot of stress on the battery though?
@@joshuaashton1929 probably but that's part of the fun experience id say
Sounds like a great way to cut your range in half lmao
@@WelcomeToDERPLAND
smiles per mile >>> miles per gal- miles per charge
Whole EV thing kinda messes that saying up
@@WelcomeToDERPLAND actually since it only pulls full power for acceleration it doesn't have as big of an effect on it as you'd think
I remember the first time I took a Chevy Bolt for a test drive... they're bottom of the barrel EVs here in the states, but they are SO MUCH FUN! It's insane. I feel like 95% of people who hate EVs have never tried to drive one. Even the boring ones are hilariously fun.
As someone who owns a 2020 Bolt - man, when I have to drive the SUV for one reason or another I just don't ever feel as comfortable in it. I molded myself into my Bolt in a matter of a month. It made someone who really REALLY hates commuting into someone who can actually tolerate an hour-long drive to see friends. Responsive accel, L mode making driving a nearly one-pedal affair, surprisingly comfy suspension and such (really important for me off that gravel road). Just a lovely little package, and I'll never regret just outright buying the thing instead of fussing over payments - yes, even with the ridiculous battery shit that just happened.
Fun fact - it actually costs less money in electricity for me to keep my Bolt charged for a month than my PC being on for that same month. Not that much less, really, but assuming I'm not making a two-hour roundabout trip every day, it's super inexpensive fuel-wise.
volt will always be on top for me
the kind of people that hate EVs would hate how better they are for driving
7:20 the smile of this man says a lot lmao
I want to believe that Wade still chucks random shoes, drums, and cymbals at this car to check if it is immune to damage. 😄
If I get an EV, this is probably the one I'm going for. I don't think I've driven more than 10 kilometers in a day since I went home for the first round of Covid lockdowns about 3 years ago.
I implore you to reconsider, Chadamo plug (the type the leaf uses) is going the way of the do-do outside of japan, multiple charging station companies have already announced they will be dropping support of it on their new stations- in a few years the already rarer chadamo plug may become impossible to find- leaving you to charge on a 24~ hour wall plug anytime you need to recharge...
Also avoid early leafs at least, they usually have horrific battery degredation because they didn't ever implement any battery protection systems like cooling, buffers or heating on any of the sub 150~ milage ones as far as I know.
I highly recommend you go for something the upgraded E-golf, Focus EV or Ioniq EV, which all have CSS and 115~125mi range Particularly the Ioniq seems to hold up incredibly well, I've researched EV's for a couple years before just buying my own this year, and after watching pretty much every long term owner review of their Ioniq after 80~200k miles, literally none of them had lost any range, and seeing maybe 100? On various sites selling them, checking their range on the dash when the pictures were provided, all of them seemed to have good battery health as far as I could tell.
Tl;DR: Avoid Chadamo based cars, and anything without a fast charger, also I've seen a ton of bolts with massive degredation (like 3 years old with a max range of 19 miles from 253, its the only car worse than the leaf in that department)
For 10 kilometers a day, if the roads where you are make it possible, get an electric bike instead...
Honestly, a Hyundai Iqoniq or Chevy Bolt are better ideas for something newer FYI...
@@SkyTreeStudio Ioniq batteries seem to last quite nicely, Bolt batteries not so much.
(I've watched hundreds of videos and looked at the same amount of cars for sale and Bolts seemingly have some of the worst battery health for some reason- maybe the batt. recall all of them have to go through off the assembly line has something to do with it)
I agree with the other commenter. If you live somewhere without much snow, you'll have more fun on an E bike and pay significantly less.
I love how chaotic this channels is. It’s like you get a new weird car every other month😂
@@choppercovehats really buggerall because sure its alot but! Not a whole not
@@choppercove yes
@@choppercove didnt know i was talking to albert einsten 32k a month isnt a whole lot, because he is like 7 cars, warehouse a house put all them bills and having t9 pay james
@@choppercove dont get me wrong he does make a nice paycheck but in this day and age 32 a month isnt a lot
@@choppercove I think they are living in Le Head
This is one of the best reviews of the leaf in my opinion! You’re not scaremongering people about range and the “it’s like a phone charge it over night” barely anyone makes that reference!
"I look like a functioning member of society" - best line of 2023 so far.
Videos like these, especially ones by Aging Wheels are what warmed me up to the idea of electric cars. When people present them in this fun and casual way it's way more likely to get people, especially car enthusiasts like me interested in EVs, as opposed to those schmuks who make their EV their entire personality, and berate everyone who doesn't drive an electric car. I hope to one day be able to afford an Abarth 500 Cabrio, cause that thing is everything I want, a small, fun to drive convertible.
That's true. Just let EVs speak for themselves, and people will buy them if they are competitive with gas. Pompous jerks and governments forcing the issue only serves to push people away.
Before you get an EV, do consider if it's range, your needs, the electricity price and the general electric infrastructure all click together that an EV will actually work for you. For example me living in a rural area alone disqualifies having an EV because of how far I have to travel in a car, even if I was able to afford an EV it would be a downgrade from any ICE.
@@supra107 I won't be able to afford an EV, even a used one any time soon, so any "consideration" is a mere fantasy. I just wanted to say how channels like Aging Wheels warmed me up to the idea of EVs with their fun and lighthearted approach. Up until only a few years ago I absolutely loathed the very idea of an electric car, and now I actually kinda want one.
@@supra107Pretty hard for electric prices to come above fossil unless you live in a literal shithole lol, but yes, electric infrastructure is THE factor to consider, especially in the US where it can be spotty
The reason why I like BEVs is the same reason why I love Holden HSV. Powerful performance and smokey burnouts. Big power Electric Cars are basically Muscle Cars.
Love how you keep only getting nuggets and you got a nugget of an EV
Honestly I don't care what it is or what this is about but whenever this bloke uploads I always watch it because it's so damn entertaining
I love the little "gas door" up front it has proper hinges and works like a normal car hood like that is so well done they could have just made it a shitty cheap oversized gas door
Fun thing; You can actually use your 2017 leaf as a household battery storage if you want! Leafs did come with bi-directional charging since 2015 I believe. You mentioned that the leaf has double the storage capacity compared to the household battery you have, how would you like to triple that?
The iMIev supports that aswell, but only has a 16kWh battery.
@@Thelango99 Good to know!
I love the old LEAF design. It just looks so unique. I have a 2022 Leaf and I prefer the old body design. The newer ones just look... like a normal car. I would have gotten an older model, but the thing about EVs is that battery degradation exists and the longer you go using a rechargeable battery, the less capacity it has, so I got one new. I wanted an EV that I could visit people in, not just the bare minimum to get groceries. It's better than the i3 I had last in terms of range. That thing barely went 80 miles (128 km) on a full charge, but it was very cozy to drive compared to my current.
I actually wish more EVs would just look like normal cars. Some EVs look fantastic (e.g. Teslas are pretty good) but some EVs are designed to be as "different" as possible in the worst possible way (like the BMW i3).
I guess my point is I just want milk that tastes like real milk.
Dank is now a certified football dad because of this car.
I believe they call it a "footy pappy" in Australia.
Dropping Frank off at soccer games to terrify the children
@@AfferbeckBeats*traumatise
Ever since you teased the eNugg in one of your first videos, I was really curious to hear more about it because I didn't know electric conversions were a thing. Shame to hear the batteries are busted, but I would still love to see a video going over what the process is like.
Where's the enugg video
@@BichaelStevens I think he just mentioned it in passing in one of the first videos here or back on dank just saying the batteries are cooked
this is perfect. The leaf is clearly the functional and nuggety car to pick from this era, plus tinkerable. It’s interesting how the economics of the cost of solar is a large part of your decision (petrol prices being what they are). Especially fun to think about given people insisted solar would never be economical over coal power stations so recently. Now it’s the best and cheapest option for unreliable or even nonexistent electrical grids.
Plus you’ve noticed the novelty of free clean power and wanting to do something with that abundance! It makes my solarpunk heart smile. People said it was an ideological dream but now more and more people are finding the benefits of owning their own plentiful clean power, and it’s beautiful.
This video makes me so happy. The excitement in your voice is exactly what I sound like when I get a neat electronic thing or part for my bike. I know im going to respond just like this when I get my first electric car
So you've officially turned from Drum Teacher to Mum who drives their children to the drum lessons
I'd really recommend getting leafspy pro and their recommended ODB2 module, it's great to have if for no other reason than to see all the dials dance as you put your foot down and draw over 100A from the battery
As a former leaf owner, it's honestly the best city car you can find. Charge it up slow whenever you don't use it, and it barely ever complains. The only issue I had with my leaf (which had the 40 KWh pack) was that long distance road trips with the fast chargers were annoying as anything, so I bought a long range Tesla, but even still 100% recommend as a city car every day of the week
As a 18 kWh remaining eNV200 daily driver, I find 40 kWh a bit overpowered for a city car
My used Chevy Volt is the most fun I’ve ever had with a car. I literally don’t remember when I last put gas in it. I only do short trips and errands and walk the rest of the time, so it’s perfect. It also is just SOLID. I’ve had it for a while and have never had any issues with any aspect of it beyond basic maintenance. Hands down the best car I could have possibly gotten. I’m pretty sure it’s appreciated since I bought it, too.
Edit: I also agree on the quietness! I’m spoiled by the silent ride and think other cars are obscenely loud now.
Nissan Leaf is awesome. It exploded in popularity in Northern Europe where I live. I sadly had to sell mine, but it is easily the best car I have ever owned. I have considered getting another one, though I hear quality varies after this version.
When he said that he’ll get someone to drive who never drove an ev, I thought he was going to bring out Frank
I'd be really interested to see how a 30kWh battery pack has aged in a hot climate like Australia. Hopefully you share the leafspy data somewhere. I Absolutely loved the LEAF30 but even here in the UK the lack of thermal management was an issue that led to early degradation compared to literally any other mass market EV.
Not good, supposedly.
Non thermal managed leafs in Australia are known to cook their own batteries during fast charge, the computer and charger is too stupid to not slow charge rate in relation to battery tempature, battery life being cut by 60% or worse is not uncommon
This is a 2017 model year. It has pack that is even more advance than the Lizzard Pack. Should be fine in warm weather, just don't DC Fast Charge with with Chademo on warm days.
@@Neojhun I had one. I promise you these 30kWh packs were notorious for even faster degradation than the OG 24’s!
@@deepbludreams I used to have a 30kWh pack. I saw my temperature meter completely full all the way into the red on multiple occasions before. The charge rate definitely got slowed with heat. I was capped at 22kW DC Charging and enforced eco mode with limited acceleration and 60mph/100kph top driving speed when the battery was too hot.
This one may not be ideal given that its early years were spent in Japan.
Man, "I look like such a functioning member of society in this" is a quote that I will be using daily from now on, thank!
Nice, I've been a LEAF driver solely for the past few years, and I've loved it. I'm glad you do too!
By the way, battery capacity is measured in kWh (killowatt hours), not in kW (killowatt). kW is how much power you're pulling at this moment, and kWh is how much energy you hold. Cheers!
0:46, You're comedic timing is on point.
Hi Wade! Superfan from the UK! Just wanted to send you this message as a good deed and also simply me being me. You've made me get an old iPod simply for you being you! I love how honest you are, and how you don't sugar-coat anything. Really is refreshing and humbling! Just wanted to say been watching your main channel since you did the abuse comparison between the normal iPod and flash modded one and love your 'style' ever since! I like how you explain localities to others as you know they don't understand us ol' mate! I've been to Aus so many times seeing my British sister there. Love you awesome guys! And honestly, your channels help me with my severe depression too and helps making my sh*t life at uni more tolerable! Wish you honestly more success and from your crumbling humbling ashes may you rise ol' mate as nobody deserves success more than you. I love snakes, drumming and electric guitars so your my style. I know you're a jazz drummer I love that too! Mate Wade! Have a good one man!
EVs get so much unfair hate. And yeah, gas engines are fun and charming and I definitely appreciate all the engineering and the mechanics behind it all, but there's so much more to a car than just loud noises and the smell of gasoline.
I've had one of these for nearly 8 years now, and it doesn't get old. Puts a smile on my face every time. If you want more performance, IIRC the place to start is the inverter, and there is at least one upgrade option.
"giant mobile phone" is one of my favorite things about having an electric car. i made it difficult for myself moving to a place with no parking, but still lol
Wade discovering how fun EVs are is fantastic content!
I never understood all the hate that EVs get, especially Leafs. I am a petrol head through and through, I have had more cars than years I have been alive, I also currently own a very fast tuned Audio wagon, but I maintain that my little Nissan Leaf is still the best car I have ever owned, it gets way more seat time than any other car I have!
The Compliance Car EVs were truly horrible. They deserved the hate they got. But those BEVs which fully exploited the Fun that is lots of instant torque. Makes EVs just another Fun car.
A little lesson here. "Diesel" trains are actually a diesel motor powering an electric generator to power an electric motor. So to those people who say "how strong can those electric cars get? Weak" uh dude.... trains
And fully electric locomotives have existed for over a century.
@MrHat. The main advantage of electric trains are that they don't need to haul around tons of batteries . that's what makes long haul ev trucks quite dumb . For short distences for example somthing like a garbage truck it would make sense .
good on you for getting an electric car, ignore the haters, they are too high on gas fumes to think straight.
“Where’s the exhaust pipe?” Had me rolling 😂
This channel has done the unthinkable: actually gotten me excited about cars. I have NEVER cared about cars, I don’t even drive one (yet). Thank you Dank Man, Ol’ Mate James and the fleet of nuggets 🙏
I like the Leaf, it's reasonably-priced and underneath it's actually well designed. Unlike some of its contemporary EVs which were effectively an ICE car with electric gubbins jammed in wherever they'll go.
It's a real shame about the poor battery cooling on the Leafs. That's the one weak point of the design.
My dad got a Nissan leaf (a few years older I think) for around 3 grand US (price was because it had damage to the front panels/ bumper) a few months ago. He loves that car so much. He was kind of embarrassed to be driving it at first but it definitely grew on him.
Every other UA-camr: "Make sure you like, comment and subscribe, and check out our merch store!"
Dank: "And that's the end of the video, so y'know, get a dog up ya!"
0:14 the word "kerosene" reminds me of smthing
crystal castles
This channel is one of my faves, I just love the hype over "regular" cars mixed in with the oddball guys. Long Live the nuggets
Hey Dank! Just so you know the reason why it doesn’t chunder-steer through the corners like you were talking about it’s because the center of mass is down on the floor. Most FWD cars have the mass of most the car in the front. The leaf, like a Tesla, has the battery under the car under your fear. Better balance through the corners equals better handling.
I had a huge smile when I saw the thumbnail. You always make me laugh, whenever I have a bad day and also when I don't have a bad day. You're the best 👊🏻 many greetings from Austria
5:20
Holy Cannoli is that the Hawaii 5-0 song
YOU BETTER BE SOREY THERE BUD, NOW GET ON THEM KNEES AND GROVEL AND REPENT FOR FORGIVENESS.
Recently bought a Volkswagen ID3, and its wonderful. It’s my first ever electric car, but also my first automatic. I love it, previously I was driving a 2007 Ford Focus, and this is so much smoother and nicer to drive. Its got no CD slot, which is a bit of a shame for me, but it has CarPlay which so makes up for it. It is crazy handy!
1:47 That car has a Pixar mom’s bum
Wade being excited about the most nuggity electric car ever made.
This man is a modern treasure!
It's always fun to see someone underestimate EVs and then they drive one and they get so shocked lol. Chevy Bolt is another good, relatively cheap EV that's even faster than the leaf and has so much more range!
I daily drove one of these all throughout high school. I even took my driving test in it. Can confirm it absolutely RIPS corners and the torque is surprising.
10/10 egg recommend
This guys gonna flip when he figures out people are hot rodding this thing with 4WD and double the power.
EV’s really are fun. I love cars and was hesitant on the EV, and still am due to how the charging infrastructure is, but I took a Tesla on a roadtrip and it was a blast. When I live in a place where I can charge an EV, I will definitely buy one.
2:59 just a quick note: battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) not kW. kW is a measurement of the rate of power usage. So if you run a 30 kWh battery at 30kW power draw for an hour straight it will be dead.
I once drove in an electric Vito at work. I didn't even know that thing was electric We set off and suddenly the driver put his foot on the gas and the thing just pushed us Forward so hard. It was so unexpected because the other vitos only had an 85hp diesel or something like that.
Frank's nugget, "The Nissan Egg" welcome to the electric nugget family mate, The Frog.
4:38 A cup holder!! Bart, we gotta stop and get a cup!!
I had a Skoda Citigo EV under lease for a couple of years and loved it for exactly the same reasons, such a shame I had to hand it back when the leaser wanted to sell it.
now i'm just dying for a Technology Connections crossover, can you imagine these two nerding out on electric cars lol
Crossover of the century
Got rear ended at 60mph in my leaf recently and didn't even know what happened - I thought a tyre had popped maybe. Got out to see that someone had annihalated their fiesta going into me.
Defo recommend if you want to keep a family safe. Don't recommend for any other reason - we have an i pace now and it's the best car I've ever had
dankpods evolutioned from lil nuggets tech and 1 grit to big nuggets
This is just charming. Seeing a guy so accustomed to petrol vehicles and getting an electric car and loving it just brings a smile to your face.
I was wondering when you might try an electric. 😂 As a former used Leaf owner just know the car itself is fantastic for what it is but the range was an issue for me. Especially in the winter. If it had a more usable range I would still have it to this day. I have a Kona EV now and I love it but I think the leaf was just a tiny bit better.
6:08 TBH I was half expecting Frank to show up 😂
Oh man, I'm honestly more excited for the eNugg. I love obscure little weirdos like that. Hoping we get to see more of it
I drive one of these some days for work and I love them, everything you said plus the "gear shift"" joystick is SO much better than the typical automatic paddle because you don't have to feel for a detent. It does ask for approval to collect data every time it starts and range is bad in the coldest swedish winter weather but it handles little snow-covered roads like a champ because of the torque and traction control. Eco mode is effortless and without it on it feels downright nippy. Coworker who drives a tesla at home says she likes it even more but I absolutely rate the Leaf.
I nearly bought a used Leaf years ago, I was just as impressed as James after my test drive. They’re AMAZING fun
nearly bought it? What stopped you from getting it?
I'm disappointed mate
edit: I fully watched the video and now I want to buy myself a Leaf
Lmao that changed quick
I'm genuinely excited that you got a leaf! My old boss had one. Those things are torque-y lol.
Just don't wrap it around a tree. They really have a lot of power. lol
heh
tree
leaf
No joke, this video was a deciding factor in me deciding to upgrade to a Leaf. Plus trim with ~190mi range and 200hp makes for a legitimately fun driving experience , especially compared to the Prius it replaced.
If you can charge up your car every night, an EV is a life-changer.
"i look like such a functioning member of society in this..."
I love how tou guys are just yourself. You always give me good vibes.
When I have a rough day, you put a smile on my face. Even the longer vids sometimes feel like they end in secondes.
I won't tell you to not change, cause that's unrealistic, and makes me a d*ck.
I will say this. Wade, James, you two are a great duo and you're full of - there I say it - the best humor I know. Dad-jokes and all.
Please stay yourself, and don't let the mean comments get to you.
Kind regards,
Bas (NL)
Local distance driving and home charging really make EVs look attractive as a second car.
I used to be against EV's, but once I tried one I was hooked. Never experienced torque like that, and it goes for pretty much any EV.
My dad had one of these, and it served us well for many years. I'm proud.
this is like dank pods but reviewing cars instead of electronics 😂😂😂
1:24 Residents of Tromsø during the Polar Night Season be like:
Time to mod the Nissan Leaf into a nugget sleeper. There actually is a Nissan leaf race car in the world officially made by nismo.
Well now I want a Leaf.
Thanks a lot.