Drive with Innovation and Zero Emissions with Nissan Leaf 2022

The Nissan Leaf is a five-door hatchback electric vehicle (EV) manufactured by Nissan and was unveiled in 2010. It is currently in its second generation from October 2017 and was one of the first electric vehicles to be unveiled on the US market. Nissan has chosen to keep the Leaf as affordable as possible, and with the release of the 2022 model, the Leaf is still a lot cheaper.

The 2022 Leaf comes fitted with an electric motor powered by a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery with 147 hp and an optional system that boasts two electric motors and a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery with 214 hp. The standard 40 kWh lithium-ion battery can travel up to 239 km on a single charge. While the larger 62 kWh lithium-ion battery travels up to 346 km in the SV Plus and SL Plus trims and 363 km in the S Plus trim.

5 Pros

Cheapest EV

The 2022 Nissan Leaf is currently the cheapest EV on the market, bringing the Manufacturers’ Recommended Retail Price (MSRP) for a base Leaf model down to $27,400 before tax incentives. You could buy a Leaf for less than 20 grand.

Plenty of Standard Safety Tech

The Leaf offered plenty of safety features including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, reverse automatic braking, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features include ProPilot Assist and an advanced cruise-control system.

Roomy Interior

The Leaf is a 5-door 5-seat hatchback with a spacious and nice cabin. Plenty of headroom and can accommodate 668 liters of cargo with rear seats in place and 849 liters with rear seats folded.

Smooth Drive

The base model can accelerate from  0-100 kph in 7.8 seconds, while the Leaf Plus achieved 7.0 seconds flat. Braking is smooth with the e-Pedal function, which is performed by easing off the accelerator that adds control and is fun to drive. The absence of transmission shifts makes it easy to drive and the low-lying batteries improve the car’s aerodynamics and balance necessary to bring about confidence when taking turns.

Peaceful Cabin

The Leaf’s cabin is so quiet, thanks to the absence of engine noise and transmission. The Leaf is well insulated, and the only noise that enters the cabin is the friction noise between the tires and the tarmac.

5 Cons

Uses A Non-standard Fast-charging Port

The 2022 Leaf comes fitted with a CHAdeMO connector that can use DC fast chargers, but this connector is becoming less common compared to the newer CCS plug. The Leaf is also fitted with a J1772 port, but it’s only good for slower charging.

Inadequate Driving Range

Forget about traveling long distances in the base model Leaf. The base Leaf has a 239-kilometer range per charge, which is underwhelming low compared to newer models in the class that promise 400 kilometers or more per charge.

Rear Seats Don’t Fold Flat

The rear seats of the 2022 Leaf do not completely fold flat which is a hindrance to its practicality, and it reduces the ability to accommodate more cargo.

Narrow Small-item Storage

The 2022 Leaf comes with several cabin storage compartments but these options are not good, for storing small items. The glove box and the center console box are small.

Not An Entertaining Car To Drive

The new Plus trims are relatively fast on highways, but nowhere close to offering a sporty feel. When you take corners at speed, you will know that the Leaf was not designed for such tasks, but runs in a straight line. The steering wheel is very light and ideally suited for urban driving.

Verdict

The Nissan Leaf kickstarted the EV industry with comfortable, generously equipped features, a practical, and no-nonsense hatch that can accommodate five occupants, and safety kits as well. You can now check the Nissan Leaf stocklist for more available and latest models.