The LEAF achieves an impressive 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes a 110 KW AC synchronous electric motor that now rivals the output of conventional gasoline powered engines. A 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack manages an EPA-rated 150 miles per charge, granting lots of versatility and confidence for the average commuter. An upgraded 62 kW/hour battery pack upgrade is available, and it brings the range of the LEAF to 226 miles, making its range very similar to conventional gasoline-powered models of similar size.
The LEAF uses Nissan's ePedal system, which provides aggressive regenerative braking, allowing for a unique one pedal acceleration and braking experience. Drivers back off the accelerator while cruising until they come to a complete stop, making driving around town a breeze.
All LEAFs have a 6.6 kW onboard charger that achieves a full charge in about 8 hours. Nissan also offers a fast-charging cable that can be plugged into either a 120- or 240-volt outlet. With a level-3 fast charger, the LEAF can recover 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Nissan says that the battery can retain 90% of its capacity after 500 charge/discharge cycles (approximately 60,000 miles). The company will continue its current warranty, guaranteeing about 70% of original capacity or more for eight years or 100,000 miles.
The S, SV and SL trim levels remain the same as previous years.
Standard features on the S include 16-inch alloy wheels, emergency automatic braking, 8-inch information display and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Hill Start Assist, hands-free Bluetooth phone system, automatic temperature control and Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start. The S trim needs to add quick charge cables while they come equipped as standard for all other trims.
The midlevel SV trim gets 17-inch wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control. The All-Weather Package on the S and SV includes heated seats and steering wheel, heated outside mirrors and rear heating ducts.
The Technology Package option on the SV trim includes LED lighting, 8-way-power seats, and adaptive cruise control. The top-line SL trim includes standard LED headlights, heated outside mirrors, leather seating, 8-way-power driver seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and premium 7-speaker Bose audio system.
Advanced safety features across all trims include, 10 airbags, a rearview camera, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Automatic Braking and Pedestrian Detection.
Capable Electric Drivetrain
Improved Range Per Charge
Accommodating Interior
Improved Value
Modernized Exterior Design
The Nissan LEAF carries over into 2020 with some refreshing tech upgrades. Advanced safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-departure warning, rear automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are now bundled into Safety Shield 360. An 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android auto capabilities replaces the old 7-inch unit.
The LEAF's competition includes the FIAT 500e, the Chevrolet Bolt and the Volkswagen e-Golf. The FIAT, the least-expensive of the crowd, comes in at a slightly higher price than the LEAF but only offers 84 miles of range per charge. The Volkswagen e-Golf offers 125 miles of range but is priced higher more than the LEAF. The Chevy Bolt, on the other hand, offers a very strong 238 miles per charge although it's price is higher, making the LEAF the most electric miles for the money today.
