Introduction

The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact hatchback that has an excellent range. Depending on the version and battery pack, it can go between 150 miles and 226 miles on a single charge. 

For 2020, every Leaf is equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and active safety equipment including automatic emergency braking (forward and rear), active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. 

The base Leaf uses an electric motor with 40-kwh lithium-iron battery pack, and the Leaf Plus has a 62-kwh pack. Most Leafs will charge on a Level 2 home charger completely in about 12 hours, or can quick-charge at a nearby fast-charging station up to 80% in about 45 minutes. 

The Leaf will comfortably seat four adults, while five adults will be a crowd. There is 23.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the upright rear seat, which is a lot more than the trunk of even a large sedan. 

It's a bit confusing, but there are different Leafs with similar names with different ranges. The regular Leaf with its smaller battery can go an EPA-rated 150 miles. The Leaf Plus can go 215 miles. The Leaf S Plus can go 226 miles, thanks to different wheels. 

Nissan says the Leaf Plus can recharge up to 80% on a 240-volt Level 2 charger (commonly found at charge points in cities and installed at home for new EV owners) in about 11.5 hours. On a 50-kw fast-charger found at some larger charge stations, the Leaf can charge up to 80% in about 45 minutes. 

Leaf SV and higher trims get standard adaptive cruise control and can be fitted with active driving assistants that can help steer, stop, and start the Leaf on long drives or in stop-and-go traffic. 

Lineup

The Leaf is sold in S and SV trim levels, while the Leaf Plus is sold in S, SV, and SL trims. 

The base Leaf S with 150 miles of range costs $32,525, before any applicable state or federal tax incentives, and the top Leaf Plus SL with 215 miles of range costs $44,825, including destination. Upgrading the Leaf's 40-kwh battery to a 62-kwh battery costs about $6,000, although it varies between S and SV trims. 

The base Leaf S for $32,525 gets cloth trim, 16-inch wheels with covers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and active safety features. A fast charger is optional for $1,690. 

For $35,115 for the Leaf SV, still with the 40-kw battery, adds 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded audio, navigation, and adaptive cruise control. Options include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heat pump for $900, and driver-assistance features and upgraded headlights for $1,600 or $2,000 depending on battery size. 

The Leaf Plus S adds a fast-charger to the Leaf S. 

The Leaf Plus SV costs $40,675, including destination. 

The Leaf Plus SL for $44,825 adds 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a heat pump for cabin heating, heated seats and steering wheel, ProPilot Assist, and navigation. 

Walkaround

The Leaf looks better now than it did when it was bulbous; we don't know if that early egg shape was strictly for aerodynamics or an attempt to stand out as an EV, but carmakers have learned that EV buyers don't particularly want their cars to look different. On the 2020 Leaf, only the 'Zero Emissions'? badge says the Leaf is anything different than a regular hatchback. 

All the Nissan looks are there, including a longish hood, boomerang-ish grille, floating roof, and blacked-out bits that are clever and complex. It's more cluttered than the old bug-like Leaf, but also better looking. 

Interior

Any electric car has more cabin room than a same-sized car with a conventional powertrain that takes up space. And it's more quiet. The Leaf gains more space with upright seats, and adds better interior materials than the compact Nissan Versa, although some of the hard plastics look thin. 

The cabin is conventional, although there's an odd-looking mushroom shifter that we'd like to send back to the forest. The new 8.0-inch touchscreen washes out in direct sunlight. 

The front seats have enough hip and back support, although they lack shoulder bolsters up high. There's room for long legs in front, and long arms with the telescoping steering wheel, however short arms might be stretched to reach it, as it doesn't pull back far enough for them. 

In the rear, the 33.5 inches of leg room isn't as bad as it sounds, because of the upright seats. 

Behind the rear seat, the Leaf holds 23.6 cubic feet of cargo. With the second row tumbled forward that expands to 30 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

The front-wheel-drive Leaf S makes 147 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque from its electric motor and 40-kwh lithium-ion battery pack; it can go about 150 miles on a charge. The Leaf Plus makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The range from its 62-kwh battery is 215 or 226 miles, depending on tire size. Remember that the range of any electric car is reduced in cold weather, by 10 percent or more. 

The Leaf is entertaining to drive, with a suspension and steering tuned to feel like a regular car. However it doesn't do much to hide its considerable weight, and the Leaf Plus rides a half-inch higher, which can add more lean in corners. 

The Leaf's performance can change with its driving modes. In normal modes, the Leaf Plus has enough performance to speed easily along at highway speeds. In Eco mode, acceleration is cut back, while the range increases. Eco also cuts back on air conditioning or heater output. 

In the e-Pedal mode, the Leaf becomes a one-pedal driver, with the electric motor set to regenerate juice when the pedal is lifted, and this slows the car as if the brake were being applied. It's the most efficient way to drive a Leaf, and can be fun, although it takes some learning and mental re-programming, because it basically eliminates gliding or coasting. 

Summary

With range that can exceed 200 miles, and speed that keeps up with traffic, the 2020 Nissan Leaf hatchback becomes practical. We would go with the Leaf Plus, to get the most out of the electric experience. The standard fast-charger makes a big difference. 

 

-By Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.