The Nissan Leaf EM10 is an 80 kW (107 PS) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produced between 2010 and 2017. It features a compact, liquid — cooled design integrated with a single — speed reduction gearbox. This motor delivers 280 Nm of instant torque from 0 rpm, providing smooth, quiet acceleration ideal for urban environments.
Fitted exclusively to the first — generation Nissan Leaf (ZE0), the EM10 was engineered for efficiency, low running costs, and zero tail…
Nissan
As a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), the EM10 powertrain meets all applicable Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards for tailpipe emissions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9001).
The Nissan Leaf EM10 is an 80 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor engineered for compact EVs (2010-2017). It combines a liquid-cooled stator with a single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant, linear torque and exceptional efficiency. Designed as a zero-emission powertrain, it complies fully with Euro 5 and Euro 6 ZEV regulations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
Fuel type | Electric | |
Configuration | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | |
Aspiration | N/A | |
Bore × stroke | N/A | |
Power output | 80 kW (107 PS) | |
Torque | 280 Nm (from 0 rpm) | |
Fuel system | N/A | |
Emissions standard | Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) - Euro 5/6 | |
Compression ratio | N/A | |
Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (separate circuit for motor/inverter) | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | N/A | |
Oil type | Dedicated EV Reduction Gear Oil (NS-3) | |
Dry weight | 110 kg (motor assembly) |
The Nissan Leaf EM10 was used exclusively in Nissan's ZE0 platform with front-wheel-drive, transverse mounting. This motor received minor control software updates across its production run (2010-2017), but the core hardware remained consistent, creating no significant interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The EM10's primary reliability risk is inverter IGBT module degradation, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-power demand in hot climates. Nissan service data indicated this was the most common electronic failure point for early ZE0 Leafs, while the motor itself is otherwise exceptionally robust. Neglecting inverter coolant maintenance makes proactive fluid changes and avoiding extreme loads critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2010-2017) and aggregated workshop data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The EM10 motor itself is extremely reliable long-term with no internal wear items like pistons or valves. The primary concerns are electronic (inverter) and ancillary (coolant pump, gearbox). With proper maintenance of the cooling system and gearbox oil, the EM10 can easily last the life of the vehicle, often exceeding 200,000 km without major motor issues.
The most common serious issue is inverter IGBT module failure, often triggered by heat. Other frequent problems include wear in the reduction gearbox bearings (if oil is not changed), failure of the inverter coolant pump, and corrosion in high-voltage connectors. These are well-documented in Nissan service information.
The EM10 motor was used exclusively in the first-generation Nissan Leaf (model code ZE0) from 2010 to 2017. It was paired specifically with the 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It was not used in any other Nissan model.
No, the EM10's power output is strictly controlled by the factory ECU and inverter software for thermal and safety reasons. There are no widely available or safe aftermarket methods to increase its power output. The focus for Leaf owners is typically on preserving battery health rather than increasing performance.
Efficiency is measured in kWh/100km. The ZE0 Leaf with EM10 typically achieves 14-16 kWh/100km in mixed driving. This translates to a real-world range of 120-150 km on a full 24 kWh charge, depending on driving style, climate, and use of climate control.
Yes, but not engine oil. The EM10's integrated single-speed reduction gearbox requires a specific electric vehicle gear oil (Nissan NS-3) that should be changed every 120,000 km. The electric motor itself requires no lubrication changes.
The EM10 requires minimal maintenance. Key tasks include changing the reduction gearbox oil (NS-3) every 120,000 km, replacing the inverter/motor coolant as per the service schedule, and periodic inspection of high-voltage connectors and coolant hoses. There is no timing belt, spark plugs, or oil filters to replace.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
NISSAN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.