For Those Looking to Turn Over a New Leaf, the Nissan Leaf Is an Excellent Entry-Level EV
An increasing number of drivers are finding out that paying for gas at the pump really gets in the way of saving money. Whether you are a commuter or daily driver, the cost of gasoline keeps going up, making it costlier than ever to drive a car. Fortunately, there is a way to break free from the gas pump by making your next vehicle a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). These models run solely on electric power, so all you have to do is charge them up, and you are ready to go. However, a number of drivers may be put off by the initial cost of buying a BEV. Many of the most popular models have a base MSRP that is higher than that of a comparably sized conventionally fueled vehicle. Fortunately, Nissan has the solution. The 2024 Nissan LEAF is an affordably priced BEV that will provide you with exceptional roominess and performance while making sure you only have to go to your local service station if you need to buy a pack of gum.
At Illini Nissan, we take pride in offering drivers from this part of Illinois the full lineup of models from Nissan. Stop by today and meet the 2024 Nissan LEAF. This is a great and affordable way to get into BEVs.
What is the Nissan LEAF?
Nissan started a trend in 2011 when it introduced the LEAF. This model became the first BEV to be offered by a major automaker, taking the next step in a natural progression started by hybrid models. However, hybrids represent a compromise, using a conventional gas engine at higher speeds to run the vehicle, with an electric motor literally along for the ride. Unlike hybrids, though, the LEAF runs solely on electric power, using a powerful lithium-ion battery to power an electric motor in its front axle, so you never need to use gasoline again.
There was also a critical difference between the LEAF and other BEVs available at the time. The first LEAF was offered by Nissan, one of the world’s largest automakers. This allowed the LEAF to be affordably priced. As a result, the LEAF became the first BEV for regular, everyday drivers.
Nissan used a very sporty and attractive compact hatchback design for the LEAF. This gives you a roomy and versatile interior. It allows you to carry up to five passengers, then easily fold down the rear seat if you need more cargo space. The LEAF proved so successful that in 2018, Nissan came out with a second-generation model that upgraded the interior and exterior looks while boosting the power and range of the vehicle.
How is the 2024 LEAF’s performance?
The 2024 LEAF offers drivers the choice of two different trim levels, each with its own powertrain. The base trim LEAF S has an MSRP of $28,140.[a] It features a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 110 kW AC synchronous electric motor located at the front axle of the vehicle. This provides the LEAF S with 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, which gives the LEAF S the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, enough acceleration to help you merge onto a busy highway. The LEAF S has a maximum range of 149 miles on a fully charged battery pack.
If you want improved performance, you might consider the other trim level, the LEAF SV Plus. This uses a larger 60 kWh lithium-ion battery to power a 160 kW AC synchronous motor located at the front axle. Just like the LEAF S, the 2024 LEAF SV Plus is front-wheel drive only. However, its powertrain provides up to 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. This gives you improved acceleration, helping the LEAF SV Plus get to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 106 mph. It also has more range, giving you a maximum of 212 miles on a full charge. However, the 2024 LEAF SV Plus has an MSRP of $36,190, making it less affordable for most budgets than a LEAF S.[a]
Charging the LEAF is easy. Each LEAF comes with a standard 6.6 kW onboard charger and portable charger cable. This will allow you to keep your Nissan LEAF charged at home or at any of a number of public DC fast charging stations. The LEAF also features regenerative brake recapture, channeling a part of the kinetic energy released by the use of the vehicle’s brakes to recharge the battery. The LEAF S also has a 50 kW quick charge port featuring a CHAdeMO configuration, while the LEAF SV Plus comes with a 100 kW quick charge port. Nissan estimates that the LEAF S can get up to 80% charged in just 40 minutes using a public DC fast charging station, while the LEAF SV Plus with the larger battery will take about 45 minutes.
How spacious is the LEAF?
When many drivers hear the word compact, they immediately think of a cramped and uncomfortable interior, trading off efficiency and economy for space. Fortunately, this is not the case with the 2024 Nissan LEAF. The front-row passengers will enjoy 41.2 inches of headroom and 42.1 inches of legroom, while the folks seated in the back will be able to stretch out with 37.3 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom. Both trim levels feature cloth seat trim, with the LEAF SV Plus adding heated front seats, a feature you are sure to appreciate on cold winter mornings here in Illinois.
The LEAF also has plenty of trunk space. When you open the convenient rear hatch, you can access up to 23.6 cu.ft. of cargo space. If you need more room, simply fold down the rear row of seats to free up a total of 30 cu.ft.. The rear seat is a 60/40-split bench, so you can fold it down partially for cargo while keeping an extra seat or two available for your passengers.
What Standard Technology Does the Leaf Feature?
Both LEAF trims come with the NissanConnect system on an eight-inch color display screen. This allows you to link your phones using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Not only will you be able to make hands-free calls and texts, but you can also stream your favorite apps. The LEAF S has a four-speaker audio system, while the LEAF SV Plus has six speakers. The SV Plus also comes with a trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Nissan has always put a premium on passenger safety, which is why both versions of the LEAF feature a number of standard driver-assist features. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning will let you know if there is an imminent front-end collision, and it will engage the Automatic Emergency Braking to help you avoid an accident. It even has a Pedestrian Detection feature when driving at slower speeds.
The LEAF also has standard Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, which is often a premium feature on BEVs offered by other brands. When you signal to change lanes, the system will let you know if there is a vehicle driving in your blind spot. Once the adjacent lane is clear, the system will let you know so you can safely change lanes. Similarly, Intelligent Lane Intervention will alert you if you start to drift out of your lane and then use slight steering adjustments to nudge your LEAF back on the straight and narrow.
Each LEAF has a rear camera you can view on the NissanConnect screen when backing up. In addition, you get a standard Rear Sonar System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These will let you know if a pedestrian or another vehicle is about to pass behind your LEAF, allowing you to avoid an accident.
The 2024 Nissan Leaf Is a Great First Bev!
Buying your first BEV can be a little stressful. Fortunately, Nissan takes all of the anxiety out of the process by offering a model that is safe, roomy, fun to drive, and very affordable. In this way, when you buy a 2024 Nissan LEAF, you don’t have to feel like you are making a major investment when buying your first BEV. But knowing how much you are going to love your LEAF, we bet this won’t be the last BEV you ever buy!
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