The most successful mass-produced electric car in the world returns for the 2018 model year with eye-pleasing style, amenities and, most importantly, greater battery range.
The original Nissan Leaf EV was one of the earliest of its kind when it arrived for the 2010 model year. Although reasonably priced, its awkward appearance likely dissuaded some buyers from going electric. For some reason, the automaker felt compelled to bathe the Leaf in somewhat geeky styling, something that BMW was also accused of when it created the electric i3 hatchback. But the Leaf鈥檚 size and decent range gave it a leg up on the few competing electrics.
Fast-forward to 2018, and the electric-car field has expanded with a number of automakers producing both dedicated battery-powered models, or ones derived from existing makes.
The Leaf was originally imported from Japan and is now built at Nissan鈥檚 plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. Its looks have improved considerably from the original, as the new model is blessed with what Nissan calls 鈥渃ool tech鈥� styling.
The front end now sports an actual grille (non-functioning, since there鈥檚 no radiator) that identifies the car as part of the Nissan family. The remaining visual elements are esthetically pleasing to a point where the typical person would never guess the Leaf is electrically powered.
Although it appears larger than before, the new Leaf is only slightly longer and wider than the old model, and is virtually identical in distance between the front and rear wheels. Likewise, the passenger-compartment and stowage space with the rear seat upright or folded is identical. Why? The shapely sheet metal is attached to the same basic structure as before.
What does make the Leaf qualify as a new model begins with a more powerful motor that鈥檚 rated at 110 kilowatts (147 horsepower) and 236 pound-feet of torque, up from 80 kilowatts (107 horses) and 187 torque. It operates through a single-speed controller.
Combined with a more energy-dense lithium-ion battery, the projected range is 242 kilometres, which represents a significant 40 per cent increase from the previous official claim of 170 kilometres.
Even with those gains, the Leaf falls short of the Chevrolet Bolt鈥檚 383-kilometre maximum range, and the 2019 Hyundai Kona, which the automaker claims will travel 400 kilometres on a single charge. In response 鈥� somewhat, anyway 鈥� Nissan is readying the Leaf+ for 2019 that is expected to go 320 kilometres without needing to plug in.
Charging the Leaf鈥檚 battery from empty takes about 7.5聽hours using a 220-volt home station, and a sleepy 35 hours on 110-volt household current. Level 3 鈥渇ast鈥� chargers 鈥� available for use on many high-traffic routes, but too costly to set up at home 鈥� will provide an聽80 per cent top-up in about 40聽minutes.
Nissan also set about improving the Leaf鈥檚 suspension, as the original鈥檚 made for a tippy feel. A聽new power-steering system is designed from more driving precision.
Where the Leaf also shines is the $38,000 sticker price (including destination fees) for the base S trim level. Compare that with the $46,200 Chevy Bolt, and the $38,000 Volkswagen e-Golf, which has less range. EV prices might seem high, but the Quebec, Ontario and sa国际传媒 provincial government incentives could soften the blow.
The S is equipped with the usual basics plus an 鈥渆-Pedal鈥� switch that will slow or even stop the Leaf simply by taking your foot off the accelerator.
The midrange SV trim comes with navigation, seven-inch touchscreen and 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel wheels are standard). The premium SL has heated leather-covered seats, eight-way power-operated driver鈥檚 seat, 360-degree camera, Bose-brand audio system and a聽range of active-safety technologies.
Optional is Nissan鈥檚 semi-autonomous ProPILOT that maintains a set driving distance from vehicles in front and helps keep the car centred in the proper lane without driver intervention (for brief periods).
The new Leaf represents a reasonable compromise between price and range, with the attractive design and advanced content likely the deciding factors for most buyers.
