Overview of the 2024 Nissan Leaf
The 2024 Nissan Leaf proves you can own an electric car without spending much money. With a price tag of less than $30,000, it offers a way to move from gasoline to electric charging without breaking the bank.
However, the Nissan Leaf has some downsides:
- It can only charge at a maximum speed of 50 kW, which is slower than other electric cars.
- It can travel about 180 miles on a single charge, which might need more for everyone. This range is based on a test where the car is driven at 75 mph on a highway.
Despite these issues, the Leaf could still be a good choice if you primarily drive short distances around town.
Suppose you need a car with a more extended range but still want to keep the price reasonable. Consider looking into other electric vehicles like the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV.
Nissan has decided to stop making the Leaf. They are shifting their attention to a newer, more expensive electric vehicle called the Ariya.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Nissan Leaf
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, making it easier for more people to switch to electric.
- Standard Safety Features: This comes with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features as standard, providing a comprehensive safety package.
- Eco-Friendly: Being electric, the Leaf produces zero emissions during operation, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Cons:
- Limited Range: The Leaf’s range is shorter than some competitors, potentially making it less suitable for long trips without frequent charging stops.
- Slow Charging Speed: Its maximum DC fast-charging capacity is lower than some rivals, meaning longer waiting times for charging.
- Audio System: The standard and optional Bose audio systems fail to impress, which might disappoint music lovers.
What’s New for the Nissan Leaf in 2024
No Changes for 2024
In 2024, the Nissan Leaf remains the same as before. However, Nissan has announced that they will stop making this model.
Pricing and Choosing Your Nissan Leaf
How Much It Costs
The 2024 Nissan Leaf’s price starts at $29,280 and can go up to $37,330, depending on your chosen version.
Models and Prices
- S model: $29,280
- SV Plus model: $37,330
Recommended Model
The SV Plus is the best option. It’s priced well and offers the most extended range and a more powerful motor than the S model. It also includes an 8.0-inch screen for using your phone’s apps in the car, a system to control the temperature automatically, a keyless entry system, and headlights that turn on themselves.
Electric Motor, Power, and Driving
How the Leaf Drives
The Leaf is a car that only uses its front wheels to move. The basic S model has a 147-horsepower motor and a battery that can store 40.0 kWh of electricity. The SV Plus model has a more potent 214-horsepower engine and a bigger 62.0-kWh battery.
Speed and Feel
A Leaf S can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. This is slower than other electric cars like the Bolt EV and the Tesla Model 3. However, the Leaf feels quick because its motor immediately gives you all its power. The SV Plus model is expected to be faster, but we have yet to test that.
Special Braking Feature
The Leaf has a unique feature called e-Pedal. It lets the driver use different types of regenerative braking. One setting enables the car to roll freely when you’re not pressing the gas pedal. The other setting slows the vehicle down when you lift your foot off the pedal, and this helps charge the battery a bit.
Charging and Battery Life of the Nissan Leaf
How to Charge the Leaf
Charge the Nissan Leaf with a standard 120-volt or faster 240-volt plug. Charging with a 240-volt plug is much quicker; Nissan says it takes about seven hours to fully charge the Leaf’s battery, whether the standard or the Plus model. Every Leaf comes with the ability to use DC fast-charging.
Battery Range
- Leaf S Model: Has a 40.0-kWh battery and can go about 149 miles on a full charge. This range might work for people with short drives daily, but it’s much less than other electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
- Leaf SV Plus Model: With a larger battery, it can travel up to 215 miles, according to the EPA, which is better for longer trips.
Fuel Economy and Actual Driving Range
Testing the Leaf’s Efficiency
The SV Plus model did better than its official rating in our tests. It got 98 MPGe on a highway test at 75 mph, even though the EPA said it would get 94 MPGe. But during this test, we only got 180 miles of range, less than what you might expect from looking at EPA ratings. This shows that electric cars often go a shorter distance on highways than their EPA rating suggests.
Inside the Nissan Leaf: Comfort and Space
Interior Design
The inside of the Leaf has much black plastic, but it’s put together well, so it doesn’t look cheap. You can change a big speedometer and a 7.0-inch screen to show different information.
Comfort and Room
The seats in the Leaf are very comfortable, like a recliner. There’s also much space in the back seat for grown-ups to sit comfortably.
Storage Space
Even though the back seat doesn’t lay completely flat when you fold it down, the Leaf has much room for stuff. We fit seven suitcases in the trunk and 19 when we folded the back seat. This is more than what the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Kia Niro EV could fit, making the Leaf one of the best for carrying cargo.
Entertainment and Staying Connected in the Nissan Leaf
Screen and Features
Every Nissan Leaf has an 8.0-inch screen where you can control the car’s entertainment system. You can connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can also add a navigation system to help you find your way.
Using the System
The system on the Leaf’s screen, called Nissan Connect, might look simple, but it’s easy to use and works fast when you tap it.
Sound System
The Leaf comes with a sound system that has six speakers. There’s an option to upgrade to a Bose sound system with seven speakers for better sound quality, but we didn’t find it much better when we tried it.
Safety Features and Ratings for the Nissan Leaf
How Safe is the Nissan Leaf?
The Nissan Leaf got a top safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That means it did well in crash tests.
Safety Technologies
- Safety Shield 360: This group of safety tools comes with every Leaf. It helps protect you on the road.
- ProPilot Assist: This is an extra option. It’s a system that can help drive the car under certain conditions, but you must pay attention and be ready to take control.
Checking Safety Details
You can look up its results on the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for deep details about how the Leaf did in various safety tests.
Important Safety Tools Included
- Emergency Braking: The Leaf can automatically brake if it sees a person in front or something else it needs to stop for.
- Watching Blind Spots: It can also warn you about cars in your blind spot or coming from the side when backing up.
- Optional Cruise Control: You can add adaptive cruise control, which adjusts your speed to keep a safe distance from cars ahead and can even follow them in traffic.
What the Warranty Covers for the Nissan Leaf
Warranty Information
Nissan gives a standard warranty package for the Leaf, similar to its other cars. But the Leaf’s battery has a longer warranty period because it’s a vital part of an electric vehicle.
- Basic Warranty: This lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
- Powertrain Warranty: It covers the car’s power parts for five years or 60,000 miles.
- Battery Warranty: The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, which is great for peace of mind.
Maintenance Included
Nissan doesn’t offer free maintenance with the Leaf, so you’ll need to cover those costs yourself.
FAQs
What is the range of the Nissan Leaf?
The base model ranges approximately 149 miles, while the SV Plus model offers up to 215 miles on a full charge.
How long does it take to charge the Nissan Leaf?
On a 240-volt charger, it takes about seven hours to fully trust either the standard or the Plus model’s battery.
Does the Nissan Leaf come with a warranty?
Yes, it includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Is the Nissan Leaf a safe car?
Yes, it comes standard with several advanced safety features. It has received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Conclusion
The Nissan Leaf is an affordable entry into the electric vehicle market, offering a zero-emission driving experience with a solid safety package. While its range and charging speeds may only meet the needs of some drivers, especially those with longer commutes or a desire for quick charging, it remains an excellent choice for city driving and shorter trips. I
 ncluding standard safety features and a competitive warranty package adds value, making the Leaf a compelling option for those looking to transition to electric driving. As Nissan plans to discontinue the Leaf in favour of newer models like the Ariya, potential buyers might also consider exploring other EVs with longer ranges or faster charging capabilities for a more versatile driving experience.
