Update: 2016 Nissan Leaf

Top Selling EV Gets Updates on Battery Life and Range

The Nissan Leaf, which has sold more pure electric cars in the U.S. than any other manufacturer, is boosting the range on its 2016 model in the U.S. by bumping up the battery size and efficiency.

This new Leaf will get an EPA-estimated 107 miles on a full charge, a 27-percent increase compared to the 2015 model.

The Nissan Leaf, first introduced in December 2010, is the sales leader for electric vehicles (EV) with more than 185,000 on the road worldwide. Clean Fleet Report reviewed the 2013 Leaf two years ago and were impressed with its handling, quiet ride, interior space, passenger comfort, torque and smooth acceleration. We also felt that, at the time, the approximate 75 mile driving range was attractive enough to get many drivers out of their gasoline-powered cars and into a plug-in, all-electric LEAF.

This driving range increase on the Leaf SV and SL models is impressive, coming not only from additional batteries being added and the battery growing in size from 24 kWh to 30 kWh, but also from that battery being more efficient in how the stored electricity is managed and used. Nissan will continue to offer the 24 kWh battery in the entry-level Leaf S model, with a nominal 84-mile driving range.

While the exterior, electric motor and suspension remain the same, the 2016 Nissan Leaf has upgrades to the infotainment system and communication connectivity with new mobile apps and a

friendlier user interface.

Pricing for the 2016 Leaf, before any federal or state tax incentive programs or Nissan’s destination charge, begin at:

Model S       $29,010

Model SV     $34,200

Model SL      $36,790

The base model price remains the same as 2015 while the upper trim levels (SV and SL) with the bigger battery (and some other added equipment) get $2,100 and $1,670 bumps respectively.

Clean Fleet Report will provide a full review on the 2016 Nissan Leaf in the coming months. Until then, you can go to your local Nissan dealer to drive the 2015 model and request being added to the 2016 Leaf inquiry list.