
Nissan’s Leaf SL Plus has a 215-mile battery range; Prices start at $ 37,500
For 2022, the all-electric Nissan Leaf SL Plus model comes with an EPA estimate of 215 miles on full battery charge, and with a slight redesign for 2023, the range is now said to be 212 miles.
Although the 2023 model is now on the road to dealers, our test vehicle for this report is the 2022 Leaf SL Plus, with a base price of $ 37,500 (plus $ 1,025 shipping).
For 2023, the standard S model starts at $ 27,800 (plus $ 1,095 shipping) with a 147-horsepower electric motor and a maximum range of 149 miles, an increase of $ 400 from 2022; The new SV Plus model with a 214-horsepower electric motor and 212-mile range starts at $ 35,800.
The size of the battery makes a difference in range. The standard model comes with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Plus model has a 60-kWh battery.
In our 2022 tester, the EPA fuel-economy window-sticker states that a full charge with a 240-volt charger takes about 11 hours. But Nissan’s specifications state that all 2022 models can be charged at least 80 percent of the full capacity in 40-45 minutes using the Quick Charger.
Now, Nissan says that with a smaller battery, the 2023 S model can charge 80 percent full power in 40 minutes using the “Quick Charge” port, while the SV Plus can charge 80 percent in one hour.
After the 2018 redesign increased its range from the original 107 to 149 miles, the Leaf hatchback was introduced in a new extended-range version called the Plus for 2020.
For the 2022 model year, five leaf trim levels are offered – two standard models with a lower range and three plus versions with an extended range. The standard models come with a 40 kWh battery, while the longer-range models have a 62 kWh battery.
The two standard 2022 models are the Leaf S ($ 27,400) and the SV ($ 28,800).
Extended range models S Plus ($ 32,400), SV Plus ($ 35,400) and SL Plus ($ 37,400), we tested for this report.
The 2020 changes include all trim levels to offer the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package as standard equipment. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and high-beam assist.
All versions come with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Blind-Spot Intervention.
The 2022 standard models get an eight-inch color touch-screen display, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board.
Driver and Front Passenger Knee Air Bags and Rear Seat-Mounted Outboard Side-Impact Air Bags are included for all 2020 Leaf versions. Intelligent Around View Monitor and Intelligent Driver Alertness Features – Available on SV models via standard SV Technology Package ($ 1,490).
Our testers come with the Sunset Drift Chromaflare Premium Paint ($ 395 extra). The premium two-tone paint combination is $ 695 extra.
One feature that has taken some time to get accustomed to is the new sound indicating moving forward so the car can be heard by the blind at crosswalks. Nissan says that the sound is called “kanto” (from the Latin verb ‘I sing’). It will play as the car moves forward under 18.6 mph.
There’s also a new “pulsing chime” that sounds like when the car is backing up. “Both sounds are louder than before to comply with the updated US Electric Vehicle Regulations, effective Sept. 1, 2020,” states Nissan. An additional speaker is placed inside the engine compartment.
As far as coverage goes, some electric vehicle proponents believe consumers want at least 200 miles so they can avoid the anxiety of whether they are depleted prematurely. I believe the range should be higher than that, maybe not less than 300 miles, but I do run on a fairly impromptu road that requires even more coverage.
My Leaf SL Plus was delivered to my home with a power meter with 77% battery life and a range of 176 miles. I drove it around town for about a day and a half until the battery level dropped to 30% and about 55 miles. I plugged it into the 120-volt outlet in my garage all night to lift the battery.
Even with its improved capacity, Nissan claims that the Plus-type battery has the same physical size as normal. Top speed increased by about 10%, specs show.
The 2022 Plus models also include a 100kW quick-charging system that allows you to charge faster, but you need a high-voltage charging station to use this feature.
It requires the use of a commercial quick charging station instead of “trickle” charging at home that takes 20 or more hours at 120 volts (stage one) or about 11 hours at 240 volts (phase two).
Most Leaf Owners have probably installed Level Two Charging for regular night tops in their homes. The angle of the charging port on the front of the car is designed to connect the charging cable to the user without lowering it.
Plus models come with a color eight-inch dash display and a navigation system that can be linked to a compatible smartphone.
Standard features in the S Plus model include high output quick charge port, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, regenerative braking system, e-pedal mode with Hill Hold Assist, portable trickle charge cable, automatic emergency braking, automatic on / off headlights Bluetooth hands-free phone system with key, streaming audio, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging assistant, automatic temperature control with HVAC timer (pre-heat / pre-cool cabin), charging timer (desired set charge time), eight-inch Performance, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.
The SV Plus models get 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Nissanconnect with navigation and services, Intelligent Cruise Control and two additional speakers (six in total).
With our SL tester, we’ve got LED headlights and signature daytime running lights, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather seats, eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, heated front seats and steering wheel, cargo cover, rear cover , Universal garage opener, Bose premium audio with seven speakers, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Hybrid Heater, Rear Heater Ducts, Nissan’s Propilat Assist and Electric Parking Brake.
There is room for five passengers and 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
Among the other technologies in the new Leaf generation is the e-pedal, which allows a driver to use the same pedal for more than 90 percent of daily driving, including high braking. But a conventional brake pedal should still be used when fast or aggressive braking is required.
With the e-pedal, when the driver removes his foot from the accelerator pedal, the car stops completely without the driver pressing the brake pedal. To enable the e-pedal, the driver must pull the switch back on the center console at the startup. But when the vehicle is shut down it is not active – it defaults to the “off” position.
Of course, if the Leaf’s radar cruise control is active and the driver moves the foot from the accelerator pedal, the e-pedal will not take over and slow down.
Using the e-pedal more often, I find that under most driving conditions, I don’t need to use a real brake pedal. While I can’t see myself, Nissan says the brake lights are turned on when the e-pedal is stopped.
Included in our test vehicle is the Propilot Assist System, which combines radar / adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, steering assist, Intelligent Lane Intervention, High-Beam Assist and Electric Park Brake.
After activating it, when the button is pressed to the right of the steering wheel, the propilot assist leaf can be focused in its lane on the highway. But even if it can do this, the driver certainly doesn’t want to rely on it. If the driver takes his hands off the steering wheel for more than a few seconds, it will hang.
With this system, if the front car is standing, the system applies the brakes to bring the vehicle to a full stop if needed, and after the stop, the driver’s foot is off the brake pedal but the vehicle remains in place.
When traffic starts to move again, the car begins to move if the driver touches the cruise switch or lightly presses the accelerator pedal.
Power sharing between vehicles and homes, buildings or power grids is new.
The Leaf’s chassis is beefed up for improved stability, while heavier components, such as a battery pack, are placed in the center of the car to improve directional stability and provide a smoother corner.
The Leaf’s revised exterior design (introduced for 2020) makes it look like a traditional hatchback. It features a Nissan V-Motion Grill, a “Boomerang” Light Signature and a Floating Roof, similar to other current Nissan models such as the Rogue Compact Crossover.
The front console features dual cupholders between the front seats, allowing for a storage tray at the base of the console for smartphones and wallets. There is also a 12-volt power outlet and a USB port.
Splash guards ($ 200), carpet floor and cargo mats ($ 190), and rear cupholders and stash tray ($ 95) only in our Leaf SL Plus (except for premium paint).
The total sticker price, including goods and options, was $ 39,305.
The automotive columns by G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in Express-News since 2000. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @ gchambers3. Their driving partner Emma Jane Williams contributed to this report.
2022 Nissan Leaf / Leaf Plus
Package: compact, five-door, five-passenger, electric-motor driven, front-wheel-drive hatchback electric vehicle.
Highlights: Nissan has completely redesigned its Leaf All-Electric car for 2018, extending the range to about 150 miles on a single full charge and offering plenty of new technology. But for 2019, the new Leaf Plus models have increased the range to about 215 miles for those willing to pay a few thousand dollars more for extra battery capacity. With that upgrade, the Leaf is more practical for daily travel and family use. The car has plenty of power, plenty of standard and optional features and a spacious interior.
Negative Factors: Limited to less than 150 miles on regular models before recharging a lithium-ion battery pack, so long road trips can be challenging.
Engines: 110-kW AC Synchronous Electric Motor (Regular Leaf); 160-kilowatt motor (Leaf Plus).
Transmission: Single speed.
Power / Torque: 147 HP./236 ft-lbs (regular leaf); 214 HP./250 ft-lbs (Leaf Plus).
Length: 176.4 inches.
Curb Weight Range: 3,433-3,853 lbs.
Brakes, Front / Rear: Disk / Disk, Antilock.
Cargo volume: 23.6 cubic feet (rear seat back); 30 cubic feet (rear seatback folded).
Side Air Bags: Front Seat-Mounted; A curtain next to the roof for both rows.
Electronic stability control: standard.
Fuel Capacity / Type: 40 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery Pack; About 150 miles per charge (regular leaf); 62 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, range of about 215 miles (Leaf Plus).
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg-equivalent): 125 city / 100 highway / 112 combined (regular leaf); 114 City / 94 Highway / 104 Combined (Leaf Plus).
Original price range: $ 27,400- $ 28,800 plus $ 1,025 shipping (General Leaf, if any federal and / or state tax credits / credits are available); $ 32,400- $ 37,400 (Leaf Plus).
Price as tested: $ 39,305, including goods and options (2022 Leaf SL Plus).
On the Road Rating: 8.2 (out of 10 possible).
The prices shown are the manufacturer’s suggested retail; The actual selling price may vary.