ZE0
Nissan Leaf import check
ZE0 is the factory model code for the Nissan Leaf, built for the Japanese market from 2010 to 2013. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with ZE0-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
ZE0 at a glance
- Model code
- ZE0
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Leaf (first)
- Body
- 5-door hatchback
- Built
- 2010 to 2013
- Engine
- EM61 (electric motor)
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Japanese trims
- S, X, G
- Chassis number format
- ZE0-nnnnnn
From our own model library. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Known problems to check on a ZE0
- Battery capacity loss: ask for a battery health report (bars and state of health)
- Japanese-market charging and radio differences
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A ZE0 sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Nissan Leaf?
ZE0. A Japanese-market Nissan Leaf has a frame number that starts with ZE0, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the ZE0 built?
From 2010 to 2013, with the EM61 (electric motor) engine and FWD layout.
What should I check when buying a ZE0?
Battery capacity loss: ask for a battery health report (bars and state of health). Japanese-market charging and radio differences. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.