So you want an electric car but you do not want to spend Tesla money? No worries,
you've got choices. Believe it or not the market is filled with accessibly-priced
electric cars and among the most prominent is the Nissan Leaf. Introduced
in 2011 the Leaf helped make electric cars ever so slightly more mainstream.
With version 2.0 Nissan hopes to continue that momentum. Like the original
Leaf, the second generation has a practical hatchback design but that
shape has been wisely sculpted to better mesh with the rest of Nissan's lineup.
Look close and the zero emission badges and 3D grill treatment hint at the Leaf's
electrified nature but overall it no longer screams I'm electric. These days
it's more of a whisper. Like a proper hatchback the Leaf offers a hearty blast
of practicality. Cargo space is a generous 23.6 cubic
feet behind the rear seats, which can also be folded though the transition is
anything but flat. I mean your kid's favorite figurine could base jump off
this ledge, if so inclined.
Plop down in the second row and you'll notice that the seats sit high
stadium-style giving the backseat passengers an excellent view of the
world ahead. At the same time because they sit high if you are tall enough and
your hair is cool enough it might hit the headliner. I'm not cool enough but
just barely. Another interesting element is a
conspicuous center tunnel that minimizes foot space for whoever's sitting in the
middle position. What could possibly be there in a car that doesn't have a drive
shaft or an exhaust system?The answer is nothing.
Nissan has said the Leaf will be offered with a larger battery pack in the future.
Perhaps some of that battery will cram in here. Regardless the tunnel is a minor
imposition for occupants. Overall the interior is thoughtfully arranged and
outfitted. Nissan softened prime touch points and if you're sitting up front
headroom is fantastic. That said, for my 5 foot 10 frame, with the seat adjusted so
my legs are comfortable it's a long reach to the steering wheel because it
does not telescope. Also, I've noticed that with my hands on the steering wheel
there's no way for me to use either of the armrests. Then again who drives with
two hands on the steering wheel these days? I barely even look. Other random
interior observations include sun visors that do extend but not quite enough, a
surprisingly deep glovebox, massive windows permitting a nearly unobstructed
view out, and an infotainment system that works well enough but stretches the
icons of my beloved Apple CarPlay...at least at the time this video was filmed.
Moving on, many of the Leaf's most compelling
qualities emerge in motion.
I talk all the time about the joy of instant electric motor torque. The Nissan
Leaf springs off the line with enough gusto to occasionally spin the tires and,
time permitting, also accelerate. Electric cars sometimes struggle at higher speeds
but not the Nissan Leaf. When you hit its accelerator the electric motor
immediately kicks in with passing power. For dangerously darting through narrow
gaps in freeway traffic this is a fine tool. Beyond sprightly acceleration ride
quality is really quite good. Road impacts are absorbed without drama, the
chassis handles quicker than necessary corners without losing its composure, and
the steering feels tight and responsive with just the right amount of heft. At
high speeds there's a bit of wind noise but then again engine noise is
non-existent. For slowing down the Leaf has regenerative brakes for converting
motion into electricity instead of heat. It's great for efficiency but like
countless electric and hybrid cars through history a side effect is utterly
unnatural brake feel. Press the brake pedal and the response is artificial,
rubbery feedback, making it hard to stop smoothly. No worries,
Nissan has a solution. It's called E-pedal mode, a nifty feature activated by
pulling this lever. Lift off the accelerator and the Leaf slows just like
you have your foot on the brake except my foot is not on the brake. For more
serious deceleration, like if a child were to jump out in front of me, I'd have
to actually use the brake pedal but with a little forethought one pedal operation
is completely possible. And it's almost fun.
E-pedal mode comes standard and is smart enough to activate the brake lights when
needed and even hold the vehicle in a stopped position on steep hills. Exhaust
the Leaf's estimated 150 mile range and you've got choices. While it's possible
to charge the 40 kilowatt hour lithium ion battery pack with a regular three
prong outlet that could take several days. A more realistic choice is a 3.3
kilowatt home charger that tops off the battery in about 16 hours.
Even better, higher trims can utilize a 6.6 kilowatt charger,
shortening the wait time to eight hours. For ultimate speediness, Nissan also
offers a DC quick charge option allowing an 80% charge in only 40
minutes, provided you have access to a DC charging station. However you juice up
the charge ports are angled at a convenient 45 degrees, so you won't have
to squat to plug-in. For around $31,000, including destination charges, the Nissan
Leaf S includes automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, and
automatic emergency braking. Keep in mind there's also a $7,500 federal tax
incentive that cuts a healthy chunk off that asking price.
Among the Leaf's added-cost features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
leather-trimmed seats, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Nissan's nifty
around view monitor, LED headlights, Bose premium audio with a less than ideally
placed subwoofer, and Pro Pilot Assist that combines active steering with
dynamic cruise control to alleviate driver stress during commutes. In action
you still have to, as the driver, maintain complete attention at all times but the
dynamic cruise function works really well, maintaining tight proximity with
the vehicle ahead, instead of letting a big gap form where unscrupulous drivers
can pour in like ice zombies past a non-functioning wall. Winter is coming!
As mentioned in the beginning, the Nissan Leaf has a ton of electric car
contenders but the 800-pound gorilla is the Chevrolet Bolt. Yes, the Bolt's base
price is thousands higher but it's 240 mile range heartily trumps the Leaf's 150
mile range. If a gasoline-powered security blanket doesn't offend your
sensibilities a plug-in hybrid might make sense. The Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai
Ioniq plug-in, Honda Clarity plug-in, and the Toyota Prius prime each offer
varying degrees of electric range along with a gasoline engine backup, ensuring
you'll never be stranded for lack of electrons. Nonetheless, some people are
drawn to the gas free life. If you're ready to take the electric car plunge
the Nissan Leaf is one of the most accessible ways to do so.