Leaf Gen 1 and Gen 2 Japan Production Information

The Generation 1 Leaf began production in December 2010 with chassis ZE0-000001 and ended in September 2012 with chassis ZE0-019977, so 19,977 produced. Although identical on the exterior to the Generation 2 Leaf, the "Gen 1" is easily identified internally by the hump in the rear space which houses the battery charger, the electric handbrake control on the centre console, and in the engine bay by the location of the coolant expansion tank. The Gen 1 came in only two trim levels - the "X" and the higher spec "G" which is easily spotted due to the solar panel on the rear aerofoil which keeps the 12 volt auxilary battery charged and cruise control on the steering wheel.

The first version of Generation 2 Leaf appeared in November 2012 with chassis AZE0-050001 and ended in November 2013 with chassis AZE0-063500 giving 13,500 Gen 2.0 Leaf's produced. Along with the X and G trim levels, a new, lower, level was added - the S. The S became the non-cruise control trim level and the X trim gained cruise. Gen2 was 80kg lighter than Gen 1 due to aluminium bonnet and doors and as well as having the ability to lock the charge cable in place, has an electric switch for the charge port door release rather than the mechanical cable of the Gen 1. X and G trim levels also offer the "B Mode" transmission selection for more aggressive battery regeneration.

The Gen 2.1 Leaf arrived in December 2013 with chassis AZEO-100001 finishing off in October 2015 at chassis AZE0-123076 giving 23,076 Gen 2.1 Leafs. In January 2014 the "Aero Style" Leaf appeared, sporting a different bumper design with non-circular LED daytime running lights, and special 17" rims. In May 2014 a limited edition "80th" was offered for the X trim level, with different colour options.

December 2015 saw the arrival of the Gen 2.2 Leaf, which is easily spotted due to a different side mirror shape. The Gen 2.2 saw the 30kWh battery option on offer and could be had with normal body style or the "Aero Style" package. It also boasted an updated VCM (vehicle control module) giving higher engine performance. In October 2016 they started offering a "Thanks Edition" of the 30kW models. First chassis was AZE0-200001 and last chassis was AZE0-225007 sometime in late 2017 giving 25,007 Gen 2.2 Leafs before the ZE1 arrived with a completely different body shape.

So, all up, a total of ~81,000 Gen 1 and Gen 2 Leafs were produced in Japan.