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t was launched in 2011 as an electric car. There were other options but the Nissan Leaf appealed to many because of its aesthetics. The second generation is here, and its improvements include a larger interior, fewer charges and a smoother drive.
There are new competitors around, though, and the question is, can the Nissan Leaf reign supreme?
Charging Time
The time varies, but if you have a CHAdeMo rapid charger, you’ll get an 80% battery in just 40 minutes. It’s a huge improvement on its predecessor and enables you to make the most of the electric car. Charging your car at home overnight takes around 7 hours, which is still an impressive time.
The manufacturers claim the Nissan Leaf can last 235 miles on a full charge. Realistically you can expect to get around 108 miles in cold weather, but more in warmer weather.
Driving The Car
The leaf has a 0-60mph speed in just eight seconds. It’s quicker than the Renault Zoe and Volkswagen e-Golf and speeds up quickly. Comfort is key when driving, and the leaf performs well on motorways and A-roads.
The Interior
With a rear view camera, front and back parking sensors and a built-in sat-nav, the leaf has all the essential features. The interior is appealing, and all information is displayed on the dashboard. You’ll have no problems finding what you need.
There’s a lot of head and foot space in the front of the car, so tall people will be comfortable driving it. To the rear, the headroom is less than satisfactory but there’s plenty of leg room. The boot is spacious and tests proved it can carry up to seven luggage cases, which is more than its competitors.
Conclusion
No car is perfect, and the Nissan Leaf has its minor faults. However, there are so many positive features the car is worth the price. It has excellent charging capabilities and a level of superiority to other electric cars in the same price range.
