Fifteen years in the past, when the unique Nissan Leaf was launched, it appeared like it could have been the surefire winner of the rising EV wars. That first-generation Leaf was the final word means for eco-minded drivers to specific to the world that they have been so significantly better than everybody else. It was the logical subsequent step of the stereotypical Toyota Prius driver: they’d migrate to a Leaf, break up with fuel completely, after which the Leaf would dominate the way forward for transportation.
But, that didn’t occur. Tesla got here on the scene and proved to everybody that the way forward for electrical vehicles was means slicker, sleeker, and extra technologically superior.
That’s okay. For each Cybertruck proprietor extolling the virtues of Full Self-Driving as they take a baseball bat to its chrome steel physique for TikTok follows, there’s a rising gaggle of EV-curious patrons who merely need fundamental, practical transportation that isn’t too costly. At a base worth of $29,280, the Leaf is the most cost effective new EV on sale in the US, now that the Chevrolet Bolt twins are formally deceased. A minimum of, for now. Their return is pending.
Output
147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque (S), 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque (SV Plus)
Base Value
$29,280
As Examined Value
$38,210
However getting a brand new Leaf proper now isn’t as cut-and-dried as it might sound. In 2018, Nissan launched a closely revised Leaf, with extra energy, extra vary, a brand new look, and extra tech. However, was that sufficient? Now that it’s 2024, extra EV rivals have metaphorically grown wings and realized methods to even surpass Tesla. Nissan appears to be content material to let the Leaf solely plod round on land.
Yeah, it’s faster than the primary Leaf was and might go additional, however it doesn’t have triple-digit DC quick charging speeds. Its battery remains to be air-cooled, as an alternative of liquid-cooled just like the overwhelming majority of EVs available on the market. It’s not a part of Nissan’s swap to Tesla’s NACS plug; hell, it’s nonetheless utilizing CHAdeMO as an alternative of CCS. Is the Nissan Leaf nonetheless related in 2024? To seek out out, I’d need to spend per week with one.
Driving Impressions
The Leaf’s 2018 redesign introduced some delicate platform revisions and a brand new trim that was good for over 200 miles of vary. In 2023, the automotive was up to date once more, simplifying the mannequin vary to simply two trims: S and SV Plus. The small battery, 40 kWh S trim, feeds a 147 horsepower motor. The topmost SV Plus mannequin that I examined has a bigger 214 horsepower motor, fed by a 62 kWh battery.
Suspension-wise, the Leaf isn’t all that difficult – it’s both refreshingly easy or annoyingly primitive relying in your perspective. It doesn’t have fancy low-profile motors mounted between the rear suspension, or a cell-to-body battery pack design meant to save lots of weight and add physique rigidity.
No, the Leaf is constructed like every given mid-2000s compact automotive. It’s a entrance motor, front-wheel drive automotive with a reasonably routine entrance MacPherson strut entrance suspension, and a basic-but-robust semi-independent torsion beam rear axle. Within the period of hyper-fast, super-advanced EVs, the Leaf is fundamental.
That’s okay although.
Like most EVs, horsepower doesn’t inform the total story of a car’s efficiency. The Overton window has shifted, and now 215 horsepower could sound downright underpowered to some. That’s not truthful although. We will’t overlook concerning the Leaf’s 250 ft/lbs of torque—it is accessible right away, which makes it zip to 60 mph at a surprisingly fast fee.
Our pals at Motor Pattern received one to hit 60 in as little as 6.7 seconds; that’s in all probability faster than your favourite scorching hatch you idolized again in highschool. In the actual world, the Leaf feels sufficiently swift, however I’d cease in need of dubbing it a quick EV. Nevertheless, mash the throttle to the ground on an empty highway, and the Leaf will do its greatest impression of a rambunctious canine attempting to run on a freshly oiled hardwood ground.
Nevertheless, the experience and dealing with present the Leaf’s fundamental automotive development. Some have known as the Leaf enjoyable to drive, and I’d agree on some degree, however I don’t assume the automotive’s barely partaking character comes from any form of suspension or steering goodness. The steering is okay – not a lot really feel, however correct with a surprisingly fast ratio.
The dealing with is about the identical, correct, however not significantly engaging; however as a result of the Leaf is relatively low-slung and car-shaped in comparison with most EVs available on the market, by advantage it feels a lot extra maneuverable than any SUV-shaped competitor in an analogous worth vary. Throw it right into a nook, and it doesn’t do something all that fascinating.
The experience wasn’t all that nice both. Busy, bumpy, and unsophisticated. To me, the Leaf drives as if it’s a toddler attempting to stroll on its tippy toes; it was disjointed, jittery, not all that composed, and pretty stiff with none robust dealing with chops that one would assume to be inherent to a automotive with mediocre experience high quality.
Extra importantly, it was a far cry from the unique Leaf which had a easy and smooth experience. Some patrons won’t thoughts the Leaf’s experience, however maybe the older I get I’ve much less endurance for suspension setups that may’t do two issues without delay. I don’t assume the Leaf must be a nook carver, but when it’s going to experience like this, then I ought to get one thing out of it, no?
On a optimistic word, one of the best a part of the Nissan Leaf expertise could be its one-pedal driving. Clean, predictable, and uncomplicated, the e-Pedal is a pleasant reminder that Nissan pioneered and perfected one-pedal driving on its first strive.
Vary, Battery Dimension, Noticed Effectivity
Nissan despatched me a 60 kWh Leaf SV plus. A keen-eyed EV fanatic could discover that quantity is down from 62 kWh of the 2018-2022 automotive, however it’s not that huge of a deal. Nissan says there have been solely slight battery chemistry alterations, and the 60 kWh label is reflective of its precise usable battery capability. It’s good for 212 miles of vary, barely down from the 226 of the 2022 mannequin. I’d wager that it’s in all probability due to these snazzy basket-weave-like rims Nissan’s fitted to all of the top-trim SV plus fashions.
Not together with charging losses, I averaged 3.2 miles per kWh, or round 107 MPGe in case you’re extra keen on that unit of measurement. I didn’t do a full flat-to-full EV vary check, however given the common effectivity and usable battery capability, the Leaf was on monitor to realize 192 miles of vary. Not dangerous.
Take into accout the Leaf was pushed in roughly an equal mixture of freeway and metropolis visitors. The press mortgage befell throughout early fall, which suggests cooler temperatures and the usage of the electrical heater. The 2024 Leaf does have a warmth pump, however it might want some help from PTC heating to spice up inside ambient temperatures.
Charging Expertise
When the Leaf was up to date for 2018, Nissan doggedly caught with the outdated CHAdeMO DC quick charging port, even because it had change into exceptionally clear that CCS was going to win out. Thus, the Leaf is locked out of so many DC quick charging stations – Electrify America, ChargePoint, and lots of different DC quick charging service suppliers have all introduced they’re sunsetting assist for the CHAdeMO charging port.
We’ve requested Nissan if it has plans to do a CHAdeMO to CCS adapter, and it mentioned that it “can’t remark additional on plans for CHAdeMO-equipped automobiles.” There’s a third-party CHAdeMO to CCS adapter, however it’s very costly. Additionally, the CHAdeMO affiliation doesn’t assume it’s a wise concept to make use of it in any respect within the first place.
Even when we ignore the cost port compatibility woes, the Leaf’s charging talents seem lackluster in comparison with fashionable EVs that are solely barely costlier. The Leaf lacks options like battery charging preconditioning or preheating. Heck, its battery remains to be air-cooled, not liquid-cooled like most of its EV rivals. On the AC charging entrance, there is no such thing as a approach to alter the utmost amps the automotive will pull from a degree 1 or degree 2 charger. It does seem that there’s a tough restrict within the automotive’s software program to 12 amps and 32 amps respectively.
In apply, the Leaf’s charging capability felt largely wonderful. Earlier than my time with the Leaf, I had by no means used a CHAdeMO cost port, I’d argue that it’s ergonomically superior to CCS. Irrespective of the charging station, the CHAdeMO port clicks in simply, and in the course of the 4 DC quick charging occasions I had with the Leaf, it by no means had any compatibility points interfacing with a number of manufacturers of DC quick chargers.
Throughout one charging occasion, I plugged right into a DC quick charger at 17%. The Leaf reached its max 62.5 kW pace pretty rapidly, held robust, and tapered all the way down to a fairly fast 35 kW when it handed 85%. A 20 to 80% cost within the Leaf took me about 35 minutes. That isn’t significantly quick, however seemingly quick sufficient for a price-conscious purchaser.
The Leaf’s degree 2 charging expertise was equally uneventful, though its 6.6 kW max onboard charger is a bit on the low aspect in comparison with the 9.6 – 14kW items present in newer EVs.
Inside
Within the crossover-crazy period the place seemingly each new nameplate (particularly electrical ones) is a high-riding SUV, the Leaf stands out by being distinctly car-shaped. But, that doesn’t appear to discourage the automotive’s inside high quality, or inside packaging. The inside is effectively completed albeit fundamental.
There are little to no soft-touch plastics, however the plastics themselves match effectively and look good. The window switches, door handles and even key fob are the identical as some other Nissan, so a driver gained’t have to take a Skillshare course to determine methods to work the Leaf. For EV hopefuls seeking a glitzy and flashy automotive that stokes the automotive design geek, the Leaf is likely to be a deal breaker. For others, they may discover the Leaf’s simplistic and easy-to-use inside refreshing. The toughest factor concerning the Leaf is its orb-shaped gear shift.
Fortunately, the Leaf is well-packaged. Legroom is stable for each rows of seats, even when numerically the rear seat is a bit tighter than the common compact automotive. In individual, it doesn’t really feel that means, as a result of the seats are mounted considerably excessive for a automotive that has no pretension of being a crossover.
As a complete, the Leaf is snug, the driving place avoids the sensation as in case you’re sitting on prime of the battery, in contrast to some EVs, the place the seats are mounted uncomfortably near the ground. I match effectively comfortably in each rows of seats, however I additionally admit that I’m solely 5’9”. Taller drivers is likely to be much less enthralled with the Leaf.
Tech Options
The Leaf is about as superior as a pre-paid price range flip telephone. As soon as once more, a purchaser seeking a tech-laden automotive will likely be considerably disenchanted by the Leaf. However, an EV hopeful seeking a back-to-basics driving expertise, will just like the Leaf. Hell, the Leaf’s gauge cluster is partially an analog dial. There’s a small configurable digital show, however in any other case, it’s fairly gentle on methods and suggestions. The SV Plus mannequin provides customary heated seats and Nissan’s suite of ADAS options (known as Professional Pilot Help) a collection of options which are largely equivalent between trim ranges.
Are Android Auto and Apple Carplay “tech options?” As a result of that’s all you’re gonna get, people. And no, they aren’t wi-fi.
Infotainment & Person Expertise
Regardless of the low degree of options, Nissan’s 8-inch infotainment display is straightforward, snappy, and straightforward to make use of. It appears like the identical unit utilized in its cheaper ICE vehicles, so it’s received buttons, knobs, and dials, which are all useless easy to make use of. There aren’t plenty of options within the infotainment display itself, however there are some EV-specific features like vitality utilization or charging station location through GPS.
The HVAC temperature and fan pace are managed by a easy row of bodily buttons under the principle infotainment display. It’s straightforward and dependable, however in all probability not all that compelling to a purchaser who’s in search of Nissan’s model of a Tesla Mannequin 3. There’s a Nissan Leaf app, however it’s so fundamental, that I can’t think about house owners deliberately utilizing it for a lot apart for pre-heating or pre-cooling the car’s inside on an exceptionally scorching or chilly day.
Security & ADAS
All Nissan Leafs include Customary Nissan Security Protect 360, which is NIssan-speak for a fleet of crash avoidance know-how. All Leafs include Computerized Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Computerized Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Site visitors Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Excessive Beam Help.
The SV Plus provides Professional Pilot Help, which is successfully refined radar cruise management that may speed up or cease in heavy visitors.
Pricing & Trims
The S, with the 40 kWh battery, 149-mile vary, and fewer highly effective motor stickers for $29,280 together with the vacation spot price. The upgraded Leaf SV Plus is $37,135. Each vehicles are eligible for half of the IRA’s tax credit score, successfully making the Leaf $25,530 and $33,385, respectively. The SV Plus trim is probably going one of the best purchase for a purchaser seeking a 200-mile + EV – the additional energy, heated seats, and additional vary make the Leaf SV Plus the higher purchase of the 2.
Verdict
I’ve to degree with you all. After I first acquired the Leaf, I got here in low-key anticipating to hate the factor, however I didn’t in any respect. I discovered it largely nice to make use of.
I appreciated its automotive type issue; it stands out in a world stuffed with outsized, overpowered SUVs. However, a lot concerning the automotive feels prefer it’s simply an older product in dire want of a substitute, which it’s. Even for the reason that Leaf’s refresh in 2018, EVs can accomplish that many extra issues, and Nissan hasn’t actually applied these updates right here. The Ariya is a greater instance of what a contemporary Nissan EV may be, however it’s additionally rather more costly.
The Leaf’s real-world vary, effectivity, efficiency, and driving dynamics are wonderful sufficient, however the worth appears considerably excessive for the extent of kit the automotive affords. It’s a stone’s throw from the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which is a greater, greater automotive that drives even additional. If the Leaf SV Plus was within the mid-20 Okay vary, and its S mannequin was within the excessive teenagers, possibly it could be extra compelling, however alas, it isn’t.
We will’t dismiss the elephant within the room, both: the Leaf’s CHAdeMO port makes it a non-starter for many EV charging stations. I do know some patrons might be allured by the Leaf’s easy-to-use nature, however given how briskly CHAdeMO stations are disappearing, there’s an actual concern that Leaf house owners might be left with a automotive that has been successfully outmoded and unable to make use of a lot of the rising DC quick charging community. As it’s, the 2024 Nissan Leaf validates so many fears that anti-EV pundits have, that patrons will en masse be caught with a paperweight that isn’t in a position for use. I can’t even say they’re fallacious on this one.
Nonetheless, I can’t assist however really feel that if Nissan fastened these issues for the Leaf’s subsequent act, it might be a compelling providing once more. A brand new Leaf that stored this car’s car-shaped type issue and easy-to-use nature might be simply what the market wants.
However that automotive ain’t this one.
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