The Nissan Leaf is a compact, five-door electric car with a hatchback design. Its first generation was introduced in the United States in 2010, though it received a major overhaul for the 2018 model year. The Nissan Leaf has set itself apart from traditional hybrids by running 100% on electricity. This plug-in electric car (with a range of up to 226 miles in its most recent model year) is a great option for green-conscious individuals who don’t want to sacrifice their driving experience. Meanwhile, its compact size makes it ideal for maneuvering around tight corners and in crowded city streets.
The Nissan Leaf is currently in its second generation (model years 2018-present) of production, and there have been some notable changes between the first and second generations. For example, the new generation of Nissan Leaf features an innovative e-Pedal mode, which offers regenerative braking without the need to depress the brake pedal.
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Q: Does the Nissan Leaf take gas?
A: No, the Nissan Leaf does not have a gas engine. Unlike traditional hybrids that use a gas engine in conjunction with a battery, the Nissan Leaf is run 100% on electricity through its innovative lithium ion battery.
Q: How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Nissan Leaf?
A: The cost to replace the battery in a Nissan Leaf can vary depending on your specific model year. According to Clean Technica, you can generally expect to spend around $5,500 on a new Nissan Leaf battery, which includes installation. For older models of the Nissan Leaf, an additional adapter kit is required to retrofit a new battery. This may require an additional cost as well.
Q: What kind of plug does the Nissan Leaf use?
A: Nissan offers three battery-charging options for the Nissan Leaf. A Level 1 charging station consists of a standard 120-volt wall plug and is ideal for overnight use and driving short ranges. A Level 2 plug consists of a 240-volt outlet, which some homes are equipped with, but others may require retrofitting. DC Fast Charger stations are also available in different locations across the country and are designed to completely charge the Leaf's battery in significantly less time than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
Q: How many miles can I go on a full charge in the Nissan Leaf?
A: The range of a Nissan Leaf will depend on whether the vehicle has a 62 kWh battery or a 40 kWh battery. For example, a 2019 Leaf with a 62 kWh battery can travel up to an estimated 226 miles on a single battery charge.1 With the standard 40 kWh battery, the 2019 Leaf still has a range of up to 150 miles.1
Q: How many years with a Nissan Leaf Battery last on average?
A: The life expectancy of a Nissan Leaf battery is an estimated 8-10 years. This can vary based on how frequently you drive, how often the battery is charged, and how well you generally take care of your vehicle.
1EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. See fueleconomy.gov. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition, and driving conditions. Battery range may decrease with time and use.
The most recent generation of the Nissan Leaf (2018 and 2019 model years) is available in three trim options. All three trims in the 2019 model year are also available in a "Plus" configuration, which includes a more powerful 62 kWh battery. There are a few other key features that set each trim level in the 2018-2019 Nissan Leaf apart.
Nissan Leaf S
• five-inch central display
• 16-inch wheels
• standard charging
Nissan Leaf SV
• seven-inch touchscreen display
• 17-inch wheels
• included Charge package (allows for connecting to 120- and 240-volt wall outlets)
• smartphone integration
Nissan Leaf SL
• Bose seven-speaker sound system
• leather upholstery
• heated seats, steering wheel, and side mirrors
It is also worth noting that each trim level on the Nissan Leaf has optional package add-ons. For example, the base S trim has an optional Charge package that allows the vehicle to be plugged into traditional wall outlets for easier charging. The SV and SL both have an available Technology package that includes such features as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control.
The price was great, the style adorable, however Nissan claims that the Leaf is able to get 80 or so miles to a charge, and that NEVER happens! Once you hit the freeway, the mileage drops like crazy and if I was able to get 40 or 50 it was a miracle! I hated the feeling of ALWAYS feeling like I was about to run out of power and had to find somewhere to park and charge for several hours since charging is not a fast process. If there were more fast charge stations or the ability to get at least 100 miles per charge I would've loved this car! I loved the IDEA of the car since I am a staunch environmentalist, but the reality drove me crazy so I traded it in after one month for a gas car! Very Sadly!!!
Don't need to buy gasoline, super quiet, very comfortable drive, almost no maintenance. Fantastic for driving around the city, as long as you don't need to drive more than 85 miles per day. Need to buy a used Leaf as the prices are great, about 1/3 price of new one. Extremely happy with my purchase
This car is impressive. Lots of great technology onboard, roomy interior front and back, adequate amount of cargo room. Stealthy quietness at all speeds, only wind noise and the slight sound of high voltage moving you forward. Can easily get you through a several days of market runs, picking up and dropping off kids at school, etc. without the need to charge. Once you begin using highways or freeways, you'll need to consider your level of charge. My morning commute is 60 miles of freeways and some streets and I can make it with a few miles to spare, plug into a standard outlet while at work, and make it back home without worry. This car is not designed for long, high speed journeys! Be sure to get one with the quick charge port!!!
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