As the newest member of Nissan’s all-electric vehicle line-up, the Leaf Plus provides a much longer driving range than the Leaf. The difference between charges? 150 miles for Leaf versus up to 226 miles for Leaf Plus. Those driving ranges are fluid, especially if the commute is in freezing temperatures. During a week-long test drive of the 2019 Leaf Plus that saw temperatures in the 20s and 30s, the Leaf Plus’ 288 lithium-ion battery cells were in a bit of a shiver with the driving range heading downward considerably faster than when temperatures were in the 50s. But Leaf Plus’ full-color 8-inch display screen, onboard navigation, and NissanConnect easily enable the driver to find out where and how far the nearest public charging stations are located. Of special note: Leaf Plus includes a standard 100 kW capacity quick charging system.

Nissan Leaf Plus uses a 160 kW AC synchronous electric motor and a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This electric powertrain elicits 214 horsepower and 250 lbs-ft of torque. (In contrast, the second-generation Leaf’s electric motor and 40kWh battery pack provide a power output of 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.) Front wheel drive Leaf Plus’ e-Pedal enables smoother/quicker deceleration thanks to software re-writes. (e-Pedal means the driver can use the accelerator pedal for starting, accelerating, decelerating, and stopping the car.) The 106.3-inch wheelbase Leaf Plus provides 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space with second row seats upright and 30 cubic feet with rear seat folded. MSRP of Leaf Plus SL is $42,550.