But the Nissan has always been a solid hatchback offering, and the Plus will be readily available in all 50 states, unlike the Hyundai and the Kia. Yes, the Leaf Plus's range estimate is lower than those of its main competitors, namely the 238-mile Chevrolet Bolt, the 239-mile Kia Niro EV, and the 258-mile Hyundai Kona Electric. The Plus, however, can source electrons from a more powerful 100.0-kW DC quick charger (the non-Plus Leaf is limited to a 50.0-kW DC source), which can fill the battery to 80 percent in 45 minutes plan on sitting for a full hour to reach the same state of charge with the lesser DC hookup. Replenishing the larger battery requires 11.5 hours with a Level 2 connection versus 7.5 hours for the 40.0-kWh model. Despite increasing battery capacity and motor power, Nissan didn't upsize the Leaf's 6.6-kW onboard charger for Plus duty. The interior carries over from the 40.0-kWh Leaf, yet Nissan provides more standard equipment to the Plus's S, SV, and SL trim levels, including forward-collision warning, an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a Level 1 and 2 charging cable. We measured only 69 decibels of noise inside at a 70-mph cruise.Įxterior touches include a small Plus badge on the rear hatch and subtle blue accents on the lower edges of the bumpers. As with the standard Leaf, the cabin is nicely hushed at speed, with minimal intrusions from road and wind noise. Despite revisions to its suspension and chassis systems to compensate for its additional weight, the Plus drives with the same comfortable ride quality, decent body control, and lazy steering that make its lesser brother an easygoing partner around town. The deceleration effect is linear and stronger than before, and the normal friction brakes blend in smoothly when stopping quickly. The Leaf's driver-selectable regenerative-braking system, e-Pedal in Nissan-speak, has been retuned to account for the extra mass and power, and it can bring the Plus to a full stop without touching the brake pedal. Back in Michigan under similarly temperate conditions, the Plus averaged 90 MPGe while in our care and returned 180 miles of highway range at a steady 75 mph, placing the updated Leaf's key figures right in the hunt with those we've recorded for the Bolt, Kona, and Niro EVs. Over an indicated 109 miles of congested city and highway driving in temperate Southern California weather, the Plus's computer dropped its range by 106 miles, making the EPA's 215-mile estimate seem realistic under optimal conditions. LOWS: EPA range estimate still trails competitors', longer recharge time, more expensive.
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