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 225 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, 7-inch information display, 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, adaptive cruise control, NissanConnect with Navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
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, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, electric parking brake, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic warning and steering assist as well as full-speed range and hold on the 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, premium 7-speaker Bose audio system, blind-spot monitoring, around-view camera, driver-attention alert and rear cross-traffic warning.
Capable Electric Drivetrain
Improved Range Per Charge
Accommodating Interior
Improved Value
Modernized Exterior Design
The Nissan LEAF carries over into 2019 essentially unchanged. A new Rear Door Alert System has been added for later this year which should help remind customers if they've left something in the back seat. Otherwise the LEAF remains the great electric car bargain that its always been.
Prices for the second-generation LEAF start at just under $30,000. 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 $3,000 higher than the LEAF but only offers 84 miles of range per charge. The Volkswagen e-Golf offers 125 miles of range but is priced about $1,000 more than the LEAF. The Chevy Bolt, on the other hand, offers a very strong 238 miles per charge, is priced starting at $6,000 more than the LEAF, making the LEAF the most electric miles for the money today.
