The all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF has been named “Best Electric Car” at the 2018 What Car? Awards, just as the world’s best-selling, zero-emission vehicle is being launched to European media at the “Nissan Electric Ecosystem Experience” in Tenerife, Spain.
What Car? are one of the most widely recognized and respected awards amongst car buyers in Europe. They are also one of the UK’s biggest car-buying media brands, widely regarded as a trusted source for new car advice.
Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, praised the award-winning model, saying: “The electric car market has never been more competitive, yet the LEAF saw off all its rivals because it makes the most sense to most buyers. It combines excellent performance with generous standard equipment and low running costs. And even in winter weather, its real-world range is good.”
The EV market in the UK is growing and now accounts for around a fifth of LEAF sales in Europe. At the recent Nissan Electric Ecosystem Experience, Nissan also revealed that just three months since the new Nissan LEAF was announced, it has already received over 12,000 orders for the latest model. That is one sold every 12 minutes in Europe.
Nissan’s xStorage was also “Commended” in the “Technology Award” category, an accolade which recognizes innovative new technology developments. Nissan’s xStorage system uses recycled batteries from electric vehicles, allowing you to store power when prices fall, and even sell excess power from your Leaf back to the energy grid.
“The new Nissan LEAF is the most advanced and accessible 100% electric vehicle on the planet,” said Philippe Saillard, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe. “We’re delighted to receive such an accolade from the prestigious automotive brand, What Car?. This is a car that is more enjoyable, more connected and more exciting to drive than any other mainstream electric vehicle in history. It is simply amazing.”
The all-new LEAF offers a significant update over the previous model with dynamic new styling, advanced technologies and a higher capacity drivetrain that delivers significant increases in both range and power.
The 2018 LEAF is also the first Nissan model in Europe to feature Nissan’s autonomous ProPILOT technology as well as e-Pedal, which allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop simply by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator.
Customer deliveries of New Leaf will commence progressively across Europe from early February 2018.
About Nissan LEAF
The new Nissan LEAF is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility a consumer proposition that encompasses three main pillars:
Intelligent Power, which is brought to life through the LEAF’s advanced new 40kWh e-powertrain, with improved energy efficiency, increased torque and power output for more exciting driving.
Intelligent Driving, which is technology designed to improve driving confidence, enhance safety and reduce stress.
Intelligent Integration, the linking of the car to wider society via connectivity and to energy grids via unique bi-directional charging technology.
Much more than just a 100% electric vehicle, the LEAF is a whole new driving experience, designed to move people with greater exhilaration, confidence and connection to the world around them.
The Nissan LEAF has won a total of 114 awards across the globe. Highlights include:
| Award Name | Publication or Awards Organization |
| 2018 Best Electric Car | What Car? |
| 2017 Auto Test Green Car Award | Auto Test |
| 2017 City Car of the Year | Top Gear Lietuva Awards |
| 2017 Driver Power Survey – Best Green Car Overall | Auto Express |
| 2017 Best Fleet Value in America – EV/Plug-In/Hybrid | Vincentric |
| 2016 Véhicule Eco-Sécurité de l’année | L’Automobile & L’Entreprise Magazine |
| 2016 Green Innovation Award | Autó Pult 2016 Awards |
| 2017 Green Gold Award | UIGA |
| 2015 Best Alternative Fuel Car of the Year | Motor.es Award 2015 |
| 2016 EV Innovation Award | VCS |
| 2016 Automotive Loyalty Award | IHS Automotive |
| 2015 Codacons Superprodotto dell’Anno | CODACONS Italy |
| 2014 Canadian Green Car Award – Battery Electric | Canadian Green Car Automotive Jury |
| 2014 Ecocar | Tuulilasi |
| 2014 Véhicule Eco-Sécurité de l’année | L’Automobile & L’Entreprise Magazine |
| 2014 Most Loved Vehicle: Small Alternative Car | Strategic Vision |
| 2014 Best All-Around Performance Award | Automotive Science Group |
| 2013 Motoring.com.au Recommends Award | Motoring.com.au |
| 2014 Green Vehicle of the Year | Auto123 |
| 2014 Grand Prix Auto Environnement MAAF | MAAF |
| 2013 Editors’ Choice Best Green Car | Car1.hk |
| 2014 Green Gold Award | UIGA |
| 2014 Eco Car of the Year | Car of the Year in Latvia 2014 |
| 2013 Sweden Electric Car of the Year | Elbilsverige |
| 2013 Environment Award | FLEET WORLD HONOURS |
| 2013 Green Car of the Year | KBB.com |
| 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick | IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) |
| 2013 Electric Family Car of the Year | VAB – Flemish Automobile Club |
| 2012 Electric Car of The Year | AMPER exhibition jury |
| 2012 Véhicule Eco-Sécurité de l’année | l’Automobile et l’entreprise Magazine |
| 2012 Readers’ Choice Best Green Car | Car1.hk |
| 2012 The Best EV | Car Plus Magazine |
| 2012 Green Award of the Year | Autocar Asean Car of The Year 2012 |
| 2011 VROOMIE Award – Best Electric Car of the Year | Vroom Girls |
| 2012 Most Ideal Hybrid/EV Car | AutoPacific/AutoBytel |
| 2011-2012 Japan Car of the Year | Car of the year Japan |
| 2012 RJC Car of the Year | RJC |
| 2011 Annual Technology Award | QQ.com and Auto Magazine |
| 2011 Gold Award for Innovation | Croatian Car of the Year |
| 2011 Car of the Year | Top Gear (Hong Kong) |
| 2011 Green Steering Wheel Award | Auto świat (Axel Springer Poland) |
| 2011 Portugal Car of the Year | Volante Verde (Green Driving wheel) |
| 2011 Auto Express Special Award | Auto Express |
| 2011 Green Car Website Green Car of the Year | Green Car Website |
| 2011 Cars.com Eco Car of the Year | Cars.com |
| 2011 Popular Mechanics’ Breakthrough Award | Popular Mechanics |
| 2011 Ward’s 10 Best Engines | Ward’s AutoWorld |
| 2011 World Car of the Year | World Car Awards |
| 2010 China Green Car of The Year | Motor Trend |
| 2010 Green Family Car Award | National Business Daily |
| 2011 Ecobest Award | Auto Best Organization |
| 2011 European Car of the Year | ECotY |
| 2011 Ultra Low Carbon Award | What Car? |
courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com
