More than 10,000 Nissan LEAF electric cars have been sold in the UK since the vehicle came to market in 2011, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders (SMMT) has confirmed.
Despite the arrival of a slew of competition to the market, including the Volkswagen e-Golf and Kia Soul EV, the LEAF has managed to maintain its strong position as the nation’s most popular electric vehicle.
An indication of the uptake and acceptance of electric vehicles within the market, in the first half of 2015 alone, Nissan sold 2,964 LEAFs, which is up 68.4% over the same period for the year before and represents almost a third of all sales since they begun in 2011. Total sales are 10,161.
Retail, not fleet, accounts for the majority of LEAF sales at 71.2%. This has been accredited to a broadening of awareness and the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.
The news comes as a new value-packed Acenta+ grade is added to the LEAF line-up, offering even more choice to prospective owners. Available now, the new Acenta+ model sits between the base spec Acenta and Tekna specifications.
James Wright, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) commented:
“The UK’s electric vehicle market is growing at an extraordinary pace and while it may be too early to talk about tipping points, today’s achievement certainly indicates we’re well on our way. I am proud that the Nissan LEAF has played such a major role in changing perceptions of EV ownership and I am even prouder that the UK is now the number one market for LEAF sales in Europe.”
Source; Nissan
