The Nissan LEAF continues to be the best-selling 100-percent electric vehicle in the U.S. and the world, with more than 100,000 units sold in the U.S. and more than 238,000 units worldwide (as of fall 2016). For 2017, LEAF again provides drivers with the space and range to meet everyday needs; an exceptional value proposition due to zero spending on gas, lower operating and maintenance costs; and a starting price after tax incentives comparable to a similarly sized gas-powered car.
More importantly, LEAF continues to provide best-in-class1 standard EPA-estimated driving range of 107 miles on a single charge2. For 2017, all LEAF trim levels offer the 30 kWh battery that was previously only available on LEAF SV and SL grades. Along with the 100-mile plus range, the 30 kWh battery can be quick-charged to 80 percent (from the low battery charge warning) in about 30 minutes. Charging on a home charging system (Level 2, 240V) is estimated to take about six hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger.
Along with saving money, Nissan LEAF owners commend its value as a primary everyday vehicle – with High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) access (check local regulations), range that is more than twice the average driver’s daily need3 and LEAF’s instant, smooth acceleration and fun-to-drive handling characteristics.
Nissan also offers a limited warranty4 covering defects in materials or workmanship for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan also provides a limited warranty against battery capacity loss below nine bars of capacity as shown on the vehicle’s battery capacity level gauge for the first eight years or 100,000 miles for all models.
The 107-mile Range
Nissan has been a leading developer of lithium-ion battery technology for more than 20 years, and the 30 kWh LEAF battery is a great example of how rather than just increasing battery capacity, the company achieved a balance between capacity, packaging, durability and affordability.
Often when battery capacity is simply increased, the battery’s durability and compatibility with quick chargers may deteriorate. The 30 kWh battery design adds capacity without increasing battery package size by improving the cell structure of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells. Improved electrode material with revised chemistry results in higher power density and contributes to enhanced battery durability upon charge and discharge.
The 30 kWh battery’s modules contain eight cells per module (192 cells total). Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in packaging and design applications. The 30 kWh battery pack weighs just 46 pounds more than the previous 24 kWh battery pack and has the same size and footprint.
The battery powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, rated at 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, which drives the front wheels through a single-speed reducer. The 2017 LEAF has MPGe ratings of 124 city, 101 highway and 112 combined fuel economy.
As in previous years, the front-wheel drive LEAF uses a dedicated Nissan EV platform with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The body design includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity compared to a conventional compact car.
Nissan LEAF rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175.0-inch overall length, 69.7-inch width and 61.0-inch height. LEAF provides room for five adults and about 24 cubic feet of cargo space. Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides optimum weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for five-passenger seating by not intruding into the cabin space.
The 2017 Nissan LEAF offers a number of charging options, with a charge port located in the front body for the 240V charger and portable trickle-charge cable (110V). A charge port light and lock are standard. The available Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL, optional on S) allows charging to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes at charging stations using a CHAdeMO fast charger. There is also a standard photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for vehicle accessories.
LEAF SV and SL grades feature a 6.6 kW onboard charger that, using a 240V outlet, will charge the battery to 100 percent in about six hours. The system is an option on LEAF S, which in standard form utilizes a 3.6 kW onboard charger. All LEAF models come with a standard portable trickle charge cable.
Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, LEAF has virtually 100 percent of its torque available from start, delivering smooth, consistent acceleration and driving feel similar to a conventional V6 engine. Smooth ride and handling are provided through use of an independent strut suspension with stabilizer bar in front and a torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabilizer bar. Nissan LEAF utilizes a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system, while responsive braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The standard regenerative braking system in LEAF helps increase range. By applying the brakes or reducing speed by letting off the accelerator, the electric motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy that would otherwise be wasted into battery energy. The “B-mode” allows the driver to engage an even more aggressive level of regenerative braking while decelerating, such as when going down hills. B-mode is offered in addition to the normal and Eco drive modes.
Because Nissan LEAF does not have an internal combustion engine, Nissan has incorporated an “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” system, which is designed to alert pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching. When driving at low speeds, the system emits a sound from a speaker at the front of the vehicle. When the vehicle’s speed reaches 19 mph, pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and the “approaching sound” automatically turns off. If the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph, the sound comes on again.
Uniquely Styled Exterior
The Nissan LEAF exterior features a fusion of sophisticated aerodynamic management with the design freedom provided by the EV layout. The smooth, elegant movement of the body starts from the low, compact hood, moves through the iconic shoulder character line and on toward the large rear spoiler. The long, up-slanting headlights split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag.
LED low-beam headlights, which consume about half of the electricity of halogen headlights, are standard on LEAF SL. The slim-type aerodynamic LED taillight design and crisp corners combine with the aerodynamic rear bumper with rear diffuser to manage the aerodynamics of the rear end without compromising interior roominess. Nissan LEAF’s coefficient of drag is 0.28.
The exterior also utilizes a flat underbody (including a large front flat floor cover, electric motor area undercover, front undercover and rear diffuser with fins) to help manage airflow under the vehicle. An innovative vortex-shedding, roof-mounted antenna is one of many design elements used to help reduce wind noise. Other noise-reduction features include a quiet-operation windshield wiper motor, a sound-insulation windshield design and a dual-isolated, motor-mounting system. The five-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles, aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior environment. Heated outside mirrors are standard on SV and SL grades.
Two different wheel designs are offered: 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers for LEAF S and split five-spoke, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for LEAF SV and SL. Bridgestone Ecopia 205/55R16 all-season tires are used with the S grade, while 215/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver all-season tires are standard on SV and SL.
Eight exterior colors are available: Forged Bronze, Coulis Red, Deep Blue Pearl, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Glacier White and Pearl White6.
Distinctive “EV Touch” Interior
The roomy Nissan LEAF interior offers a pleasingly modern design with a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The wide, high-tech instrument panel design is dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center “floating” C-stack with a 5.0-inch color LCD displaye (S grade) for use with the standard NissanConnect.
The digital “eyebrow” display at the top of the instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the percentage style state-of-charge meter, power meter, battery temperature gauge, multi-function display, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance-to-empty display.
A 7.0-inch display with multi-touch control is standard on SV and SL grades. The flat panel center C-stack cluster includes the color monitor for the standard RearView Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems, as well as the Around View® Monitor5 (available on SV and SL).
For 2017, LEAF SV and SL grades include standard NissanConnectSM with Navigation– featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, HD radio, SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel LinkTM for weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). The charging screen information is automatically updated every time the ignition is turned on and with every 12 miles of driving.
An “Eco route” feature for the available navigation system suggests power-saving alternative routes, and the system also displays “reachable area,” as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations, which is updated with every 12 miles of driving.
The NissanConnect EV system (no-charge subscription required), which is also standard on SV and SL grades, allows remote connection to the vehicle, providing monitoring of battery state-of-charge, start charging event control and turning on the heating and air conditioning system prior to entering the vehicle. Nissan LEAF drivers can use web-enabled mobile phones to turn on climate control and set charging functions remotely (SV and SL models only), even when the vehicle is powered down. An onboard timer can also be programmed to start the charging event (standard on all grades).
With the standard Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant7, drivers can manage incoming text messages via voice control without taking their hands from the wheel or eyes off the road. Drivers are alerted to an incoming text and, after initiating the system, can hear the text read out loud and respond via voice recognition, or via the steering wheel switches using pre-set answers such as “driving, can’t text,” “on my way,” “running late,” “okay” or a custom message.
The Nissan LEAF interior also includes standard heated front bucket seats and a 60/40 split folding rear seat and rear HVAC duct. LEAF SV seat fabric is made with bio-PET materials, which are also used for the back door trim, roof trim and headliner, carpeting and a number of other interior pieces such as the door panels and center console storage cover. LEAF SL includes standard leather-appointed seats. Rear cargo space measures a full 24 cubic feet with the 2nd row seat upright. There is 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the standard 60/40-split rear seat folded down.
The center console area includes the palm shifter for the “shift by wire” drive selector. The standard three-spoke steering wheel (heated and leather-wrapped on SV and SL grades) houses controls for cruise control (now standard on all grades), audio system and standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver standard on SL models.
Three audio systems are offered, starting with an AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD playback capability, four speakers and 5.0-inch color LCD display for LEAF S. LEAF SV and SL add two additional speakers and the 7.0-inch display. The Energy Efficient Series Bose® premium audio system with seven speakers is part of the Premium Package option on SV and SL models.
Two interior colors are offered: Black (S, SV, SL) or Light Gray (SV only).
Standard LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, three-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.
Three Well-Equipped Models, Two Option Packages
The 2016 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models: LEAF S, LEAF SV and LEAF SL. Standard features include a six-way manual driver’s seat, four-way manual front passenger’s seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage, RearView Monitor and 3.6 kW onboard charger. Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with driver’s window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge port door release, two cupholders, four bottle holders, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 12-volt power outlet and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers and NissanConnect.
The Nissan LEAF SV model adds the Quick Charge Port, 6.6 kW onboard charger, NissanConnect with Navigation, NissanConnect EV, 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, six-speaker audio system, a hybrid heater system that provides superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy, heated outside mirrors and steering wheel, partially recycled cloth seat fabric, passenger side map pocket and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The 2016 LEAF SL model adds a photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, LED low beam auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, auto-dimming inside mirror, leather-appointed seats, heated rear seat and cargo cover.
Just two option packages are offered. The Quick Charge Package (S grade only) includes the 6.6 kW onboard charger and Quick Charge Port, while the Premium Package (SV and SL grades) offers the advanced Around View® Monitor5 and Energy Efficient Series Bose® seven-speaker audio.
A Roadside Assistance program is offered for 36 months at no charge. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive limited warranty4 of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Under the New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, Nissan will protect against battery capacity loss below nine bars of capacity as shown on the vehicle’s battery capacity level gauge for the first eight years or 100,000 miles.
The 2017 Nissan LEAF is assembled in the U.S. at Nissan’s Vehicle Assembly Plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with battery assembly taking place next door in Nissan’s Battery Assembly Plant.
# # #
- Comparison based on MY17 LEAF vs. 2017 and 2016 non-luxury 100% electric vehicle competitors (Source: fueleconomy.gov). MY17 EPA range of 107 miles. Actual range may vary based on driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
- 2017 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate Nissan LEAF 2017 S, SV SL Trim: 2017 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate 124 city, 101 highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated the LEAF® equivalent to 124 MPGe measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 101 MPGe in highway driving. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions — use for comparison only. 2017 EPA range of 107 miles.
- Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS).
- For complete information concerning coverage, conditions and exclusions, see your Nissan dealer and read the actual New Vehicle Limited Warranty booklet.
- Parking aid/convenience feature. Cannot completely eliminate blind spots. May not detect every object and does not warn of moving objects. Always check surroundings and turn to look behind you before moving vehicle.
- Extra cost option.
- Use the text messaging feature after stopping your vehicle in a safe location. If you have to use the feature while driving, exercise extreme caution at all times so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. Compatible smartphone required. Text rates and/or data usage may apply.