2019 Leaf "e-Plus" (60kWh)

Ok, so I predicted some pretty close info to this. Main specs: 62kWh pack, 160kW motor, 250-ft/lb torque, EPA range 364kms/226 miles, rapid charging CHAdeMO 70kW but can peak to 100kW, air cooling for thermal management, same size exterior/interior as current 40kWh model, couple of small exterior badging cues.

Inside, same but 1 big change: infotainment now 8-inch touchscreen with updated NAV and smartphone like feel/touch. Can also be updated Over The Air for NAV, BMS and firmware.

Price, only saw UK estimate at 36,000 and change GBP to start.

Not stated but I believe batteries to be LG CHEM, so different chemistry and with active air should be more heat tolerant and avoid "rapid gate".

What do you all think?
 
As a prospective Leaf buyer, I'm not sure if I'm hoping more for a reasonable price point on the e+, or that it drives higher incentives on the 40kW model.

I'm in a part of the U.S. where my only EV options are the Leaf, Bolt and i3, and the Leaf is the only one in my price range. It's going to be an interesting year.
 
Mike L said:
As a prospective Leaf buyer, I'm not sure if I'm hoping more for a reasonable price point on the e+, or that it drives higher incentives on the 40kW model.

I'm in a part of the U.S. where my only EV options are the Leaf, Bolt and i3, and the Leaf is the only one in my price range. It's going to be an interesting year.
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I was about to suggest looking at used Bolts, but prices are pretty high. There's a couple out there in the $25K neighborhood, but most are higher.
 
Domenick said:
I was about to suggest looking at used Bolts, but prices are pretty high. There's a couple out there in the $25K neighborhood, but most are higher.
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Bolts are still so new, hardly any have come off leases yet. If I have AutoTrader search a 100-mile radius, I get one hit. I'm also reassured by the fact that Nissan is almost a decade into this technology, so I imagine better dealer support given the low volume of sales.

(If I didn't have kids to get into the back seat, I'd buy a used i3 tomorrow and happily sleep on the couch for the rest of the year)
 
I hope that Nissan addresses the deal-breaker problem for taller drivers: the center console has a flare that puts a sharp corner into my leg right below my knee. This should be an easy fix.

Also, I like the higher rear seat, which supports adults legs better - except now the headroom is low. A steeper angle might be the best compromise?
 
NeilBlanchard said:
I hope that Nissan addresses the deal-breaker problem for taller drivers: the center console has a flare that puts a sharp corner into my leg right below my knee. This should be an easy fix.

Also, I like the higher rear seat, which supports adults legs better - except now the headroom is low. A steeper angle might be the best compromise?
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Hi Neil, sorry but in this longer range Leaf, the centre console is still the same. The only added change is the infotainment screen/centre. Everything else is identical, interior and exterior.

I understand ergonomically that the Gen 2.0 Leaf is a challenge for taller folks, so one of such stature would have to drive it (or at least sit in it) and determine if this could be an option for long-term and daily driving. If not, then there are other options to look at. Maybe the Kia Niro EV, as the Kona is still somewhat small and the Ioniq has a smaller back seat area then the Leaf, might be a good option to wait for.
 
Hi Kenneth,

We had a first gen Leaf (2015 S), and a 2015 e-Golf. Now we own a 2017 Bolt EV, and are leasing a 2017 e-Golf. We fit very well in all of these - I'm 6'-4" and my son is almost 6'-6".
 
NeilBlanchard said:
Hi Kenneth,

We had a first gen Leaf (2015 S), and a 2015 e-Golf. Now we own a 2017 Bolt EV, and are leasing a 2017 e-Golf. We fit very well in all of these - I'm 6'-4" and my son is almost 6'-6".
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That is great to know! I'm only 5'6" so I'm not used to "altitude" (only when flying!).
 
Kenneth Bokor said:
Ok, so I predicted some pretty close info to this. Main specs: 62kWh pack, 160kW motor, 250-ft/lb torque, EPA range 364kms/226 miles, rapid charging CHAdeMO 70kW but can peak to 100kW, air cooling for thermal management, same size exterior/interior as current 40kWh model, couple of small exterior badging cues.

Inside, same but 1 big change: infotainment now 8-inch touchscreen with updated NAV and smartphone like feel/touch. Can also be updated Over The Air for NAV, BMS and firmware.

Price, only saw UK estimate at 36,000 and change GBP to start.

Not stated but I believe batteries to be LG CHEM, so different chemistry and with active air should be more heat tolerant and avoid "rapid gate".

What do you all think?
Click to expand...

Also, no LG Chem Cells - staying with in-house (AESC). Not sure if any chemical changes from 40kWh cells, however my guess is not.
 
Got some great tidbits today on the Leaf e+ while in Detroit for the NAIAS! Stay tuned for my next short episode of the EV Revolution Show for more!
 
Here is the official InsideEVs "First Drive" review of the Nissan LEAF e-Plus.

2019-leaf-plus-1-1920.jpg
 
I've been looking at Leafs over the past couple of weeks and thinking about selling my 2010 Subaru Outback Sport, a car I love to drive. I test drove the new Leaf (40 kWh version) twice now and am on the fence about it. I'm new to the EV world and learning more each day. The dealership here in Boulder, Colorado, is offering some good incentives and the folks there are great: friendly and helpful, but with the even newer Leaf E+ (62 kWh version) coming out soon, possibly this month, I'm thinking maybe I should hold out for that one instead. You would think too that the price the price on the 40 kWh version would be reduced with the E+ arriving shortly. I know too that Telsa has just announced the release of their Tesla Model 3 for $35K, so that complicates matters for me even more. Maybe I should just wait a couple years and keep driving my Subaru. Any thoughts about what I should do?
 
I have a couple trains of thought about this.

I think the Tesla Model 3 price drop may put pressure on dealers to lower their LEAF prices, so I'd consider at least waiting until the e-Plus comes out and see what sort of deals can be had.

On the other hand, if the LEAF driving experience didn't rock your socks as much or more than your current ride, maybe that's not the right car for you. I'd like to see everyone go electric, but I also think people should enjoy the vehicle they put so much money into. There are a number of new EVs cars coming over the next couple years, so waiting is better, at least, than buying another new gas car.

If you can get a Tesla Model 3 test ride, I suggest that as well. I know I really enjoyed its driving dynamics, and it is available now.

I'd love to hear what others think.
 
Domenick,

Thanks for your response. I really really really like the idea of an electric car, but if I'm honest, I'm not really jazzed about the way the Leaf handles (and looks). I really like the way my current ride handles and I think it just looks cooler, one of the better looking rides on the roads these days. One thing I also noticed about the Leaf (and the Bolt) is that the brakes seem softer than my Subaru somehow. Squishier somehow. I really noticed it while driving the Bolt. It's like when you're almost finished stopping, the Bolt prolongs the stop somehow and "softens" it for you, but this kind of motion made me feel a little nauseous. I noticed this in the Leaf too, but not as bad as the Bolt. Why do they do this?

So, maybe I'm not ready yet. I really want to like the Leaf, but I'm just not there yet. This actually surprised me because I'm really concerned about our environment and would like to see everyone go electric too.

With that said, it didn't occur to me that continuing to just drive my current car would be better than buying another ICE. That makes sense, but I do want to transition soon. The world needs less emissions coming from ICE cars.

Thanks again for your thoughts.
 
Hi and great comments guys, solid advice Domenick. Like what was said got to be a choice you like. If the Leaf is not for you then there are others. Test drive as many as you can. The softer breaking is due to brake by wire now in many EVs. It takes a little time to get used to but works really well. I’ve had my 2018 Leaf for almost a year and continue to love it. No issues and it handles great I’ve been able to plow thru all that winter has thrown at us with no efforts.

A car can be a personal choice and beyond looks there are other factors to consider. Find a local EV club in your area and see if you can learn more from others experiences.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
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