This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The Nissan Leaf Plus has room for up to five passengers, and leather upholstery is standard on top-end SL models like this one.

The Nissan Leaf Plus has a 62 kWh battery pack and an estimated range of up to 215 miles. Regular models have a 149-mile range.

For 2022, the all-electric Nissan Leaf SL Plus model comes with an EPA estimated maximum range of 215 miles on a full battery charge, and with a slight redesign for 2023, that range is now stated as 212 miles. Although the 2023 model is now on its way to dealers, our test vehicle for this report was the 2022 Leaf SL Plus, with a base price of $37,500 (plus $1,025 freight). 

For 2023, the standard S model with a 147-horsepower electric motor and maximum range of 149 miles begins at $27,800 (plus $1,095 freight), up $400 from 2022; while the new SV Plus model with a 214-horsepower electric motor and 212-mile range starts at $35,800. Making the difference on the range is the battery size. The standard model comes with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Plus model has a 60-kWh battery. On our 2022 tester, according to the EPA fuel-economy window-sticker statement, the full charge takes about 11 hours with a 240-volt charger. But Nissan’s specs said all 2022 models could be charged to at least 80 percent of full capacity in 40-45 minutes using a quick charger.

Now, Nissan says the 2023 S model with the smaller battery can be charged to 80 percent of full power in 40 minutes, using the “Quick Charge” port, while the SV Plus can get to 80 percent charge in an hour. After a 2018 redesign that increased its range to 149 miles from the original 107, the Leaf hatchback was introduced in the new extended-range version known as the Plus for 2020.

For the 2022 model year, there are five Leaf trim levels offered – two standard models with the shorter range, and three Plus versions with the 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 are the S Plus ($32,400), SV Plus ($35,400) and SL Plus ($37,400), the one we tested for this report.  Changes for 2020 included giving all trim levels the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package as standard equipment. It includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind-Spot Warning, Lane-Departure Warning, and High-Beam Assist.

 All versions also come with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Blind-Spot Intervention. Standard models for 2022 get an eight-inch color touch-screen display, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. Also added to all Leaf versions for 2020 were driver and front passenger knee air bags, and rear seat-mounted outboard side-impact air bags. The Intelligent Around View Monitor and Intelligent Driver Alertness features – standard on SL models – is available on SV models through the SV Technology Package ($1,490). Our tester came with the Sunset Drift ChromaFlair premium paint ($395 extra). A premium two-tone paint combination is $695 extra.  One feature that took a little time to get used to was the new sound to signify forward movement so the car can be heard by blind people at crosswalks. Nissan says the sound is “known as ‘Canto’ (derived from the Latin verb for ‘I sing’).” It plays when the car is moving forward under 18.6 mph.

There is also a new “pulsing chime” that sounds when the car is backing up. Both sounds are louder than before, to comply with “updated U.S. electric vehicle regulations that go into effect Sept. 1, 2020,” Nissan says. An additional speaker was placed inside the engine compartment. As for the range, some electric vehicle proponents believe that a minimum of 200 miles is what consumers want so they can avoid having anxiety about whether they will run out of power prematurely. I believe the range needs to be higher than that, perhaps no less than 300 miles, but I do a lot of impromptu over-the-road driving that would require even a longer range. My Leaf SL Plus was delivered to my home with the power meter showing 77% of battery left, and a range of 176 miles. I drove it locally to work and back and around town for a day and a half until the battery level dropped to 30% and range to about 55 miles. I plugged it up overnight to a 120-volt outlet in my garage to top off the battery. Even with its improved capacity, the Plus model’s battery is nearly the same physical size as the regular one, Nissan says. Top speed is up about 10% as well, specs show.  

Plus models for 2022 also include a 100kW quick-charging system, allowing them to charge more quickly, but you need a high-voltage charging station to use this feature.  This requires using a commercial quick-charging station, rather than at-home “trickle” charging that takes 20 or more hours at 120 volts (Level One) or about 11 hours at 240 volts (Level Two).  Most Leaf owners presumably would have Level Two charging installed at their homes for regular overnight topping off.  The angle of the charging port, at the front of the car, has been designed to allow the user to connect the charging cable without bending down. Plus models come with the color eight-inch dash display and a navigation system that can be linked to a compatible smartphone. Standard features on the S Plus model include the 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, Nissan Intelligent Key with Pushbutton Start, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with streaming audio, satellite radio, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, Automatic Temperature Control with HVAC timer (pre-heat/pre-cool cabin), charging timer (set desired charge time), eight-inch information display, and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

SV Plus models get 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, Intelligent Cruise Control and two additional speakers (six total). With our SL tester, we also got LED headlights and signature Daytime Running Lights, heated outside 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, auto-dimming inside mirror, universal garage opener, Bose Premium Audio with seven speakers, the Intelligent Around View Monitor, hybrid heater, rear heater ducts, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, and an Electric Parking Brake. There is room for up to five passengers, and there is 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. Among other technology in the newest Leaf generation is the e-Pedal, which lets the driver use a single pedal for more than 90 percent of everyday driving, including most braking. But the conventional brake pedal must still be used when fast or aggressive braking is necessary.

With the e-Pedal, when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal, the car will come to a complete stop without the driver having to press the brake pedal. To activate the e-Pedal, the driver must pull back on a switch in the center console upon initial startup. But it does not stay activated once the vehicle is shut down – it defaults back to the “off” position.  Of course, the e-Pedal also does not take over and slow the vehicle if the Leaf’s radar cruise control is active and the driver moves the foot off the accelerator pedal.  Using the e-Pedal most of the time, I found that in most driving conditions, I really didn’t need to use the actual brake pedal. Although I was not able to see for myself, the brake lights do come on when the e-Pedal is bringing the car to a stop, Nissan says. The ProPilot Assist system, included on our test vehicle, brings a combination of the radar/adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency forward braking with Pedestrian Detection, Steering Assist, Intelligent Lane Intervention, High-Beam Assist, and an electric park brake. Once it is activated, which happens when a button is pressed on the right side of the steering wheel, ProPilot Assist can keep the Leaf centered in its lane on the highway. But even though it can do this, it doesn’t want the driver to depend on it, for sure. It will disengage if the driver takes his hands off the steering wheel for more than a few seconds.

With this system, if the car in front stops, the system will apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a full stop if necessary, and, after stopping, the vehicle will remain in place even if the driver’s foot comes off the brake pedal. When traffic begins moving again, the car will start moving if the driver touches the cruise switch or lightly presses the accelerator pedal. Also new is a system that can share power between the vehicle and homes, buildings or power grids. The Leaf’s chassis has been beefed up for improved stability, with heavy components such as the battery pack put in the center of the car to help improve directional stability and bring smoother cornering. Leaf’s revised exterior design (introduced for 2020) makes it look more like a traditional hatchback than it did. It has the Nissan V-motion grille, “boomerang” light signature and floating roof, making the car look similar to other current Nissan models, such as the Rogue compact crossover.

The front console has 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.  The only extras on our Leaf SL Plus (besides the premium paint) were splash guards ($200), carpeted floor and cargo mats ($190), and rear cupholders and stash tray ($95). Total sticker price was $39,305, including freight and options.   The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

The package: Compact, five-door, five-passenger, electric-motor powered, front-wheel-drive hatchback electric vehicle. Highlights: Nissan completely redesigned its Leaf all-electric car for 2018, extending the range on a single full charge to about 150 miles, and giving it lots of new technology. But for 2019, the new Leaf Plus models raised 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 everyday commuting and family use. The car has plenty of power, lots of standard and optional features, and a roomy interior. Negatives: Range is limited to under 150 miles on regular models before recharging of the lithium-ion battery pack is required, so long road trips can be a challenge. Engines: 110-kilowatt AC synchronous electric motor (regular Leaf); 160-kilowatt motor (Leaf Plus). Transmission: Single speed. Power/torque: 147 HP./236 foot-pounds (regular Leaf); 214 HP./250 foot-pounds (Leaf Plus). Length: 176.4 inches. Curb weight range: 3,433-3,853 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Cargo volume: 23.6 cubic feet (behind rear seat); 30 cubic feet (rear seatback folded). Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; roof-mounted side-curtain for both rows. Electronic stability control: Standard.  Fuel capacity/type: 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack; range about 150 miles per charge (regular Leaf); 62 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, range 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). Base price range: $27,400-$28,800 plus $1,025 freight (regular Leaf, before any federal and/or state tax rebates/credits, if available); $32,400-$37,400 (Leaf Plus). Price as tested: $39,305, including freight and options (2022 Leaf SL Plus). On the Road rating: 8.2 (of a possible 10). Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.