NISSAN LEAF 2024: THE CURRENT STILL FLOWS
NISSAN LEAF 2024: THE CURRENT STILL FLOWS
Posted on June 5, 2024
Just a few years ago, the Nissan Leaf was the best-selling electric car in the world of all time. Unfortunately for it, the Tesla Model 3 arrived and quickly took its place at the top of the category. Since then, the quantity of electric vehicles available on the market has exploded, and the Nissan Leaf has become just one model among many. At least, that's what several media outlets claim. Personally, I believe that the Leaf is still a relevant model. It remains one of the most affordable electric cars on the market and still has its merits even in 2024.
As expected, very few changes have been made to the Leaf for 2024. It's known that the current generation is approaching the end of its life cycle. However, it's still unclear whether the model will be renewed or not in the future. In any case, I believe it's essential to remember that the current Nissan Leaf is an opportunity that may not be available in the near future, so it's important to seize it now.
Range and Pricing
The Nissan Leaf is one of the last affordable electric cars with a starting price of $44,585. Of course, various government incentives can be deducted from this amount, making it even more enticing. For 2024, the small electric car from the Japanese manufacturer is available in only two configurations, one less than last year. The SL Plus version has been removed from the market, leaving the SV and SV Plus versions. So, you have the choice between a well-equipped entry-level model or the version with slightly enhanced equipment since the top-of-the-line model has been removed from the lineup this year. One of the main differences between the SV and SV Plus versions is the size of the battery. The SV version offers a range of 240 kilometers, while the SV Plus version allows the Leaf to travel over 342 kilometers on a full charge.
Category and Competition
Most manufacturers that once offered electric cars have migrated to the SUV segment, which means the Leaf has almost no direct competitors left. However, things have always been a bit mixed up in the electric vehicle niche, with SUVs pretending to be cars and vice versa. That's why the Leaf is often compared to models that wouldn't normally be in the same category. Unfortunately, in all cases, the Leaf is one of those that offers one of the lowest ranges, a factor that weighs heavily for most buyers.
Rivals: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Kia Soul EV, Mazda MX-30, Mini Cooper SE, Tesla Model 3
Design and Technologies
To be honest with you, I didn't like the first generation of the Nissan Leaf much, even though it's somewhat responsible for putting the name on the map. I much prefer the current model in terms of aesthetics simply because it looks like a regular car while still having its own personality. The Nissan Leaf is a bold and dynamic car. Nissan has made excellent choices in terms of exterior finishing, and the manufacturer has even taken some liberties with the wheel design, which I commend.
The interior of the Leaf is not particularly graceful and elegant, but it is modern and highly functional. You get a fully digital display for the dashboard. The car features an 8-inch touchscreen that integrates connectivity technologies such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for Nissan's internal system, it clearly displays graphics from a few years ago, but navigation is straightforward and smooth, which prevails over a more modern-looking system.
Performance
As I mentioned earlier, the 2024 Nissan Leaf offers two mechanical options. The SV version is powered by an electric motor with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This motor is paired with a 40 kWh battery pack, allowing the Leaf to offer a range of approximately 240 kilometers on a full charge. It's not particularly competitive if you only consider this data, but it's what allows the Leaf to be so affordable in the first place.
If you want a greater range, there's the SV Plus version. This one gets a 60 kWh battery pack, raising the range to 342 kilometers, which is better but still slightly lower than what the competition offers with over 400 kilometers on average. However, this version of the Leaf is also more powerful with its 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, making it quite enjoyable to drive.
Weak Points
The model is clearly at the end of its life cycle, which is a shame. The interior is a bit too "plastic" for my taste.
Strong Points
The Leaf is one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. It's a comfortable, spacious, and highly functional car. Its overall reliability is significantly better than that of most of its competitors.
Signature Element
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first serious electric cars to make its mark on the market. It may not be the most impressive model today, but its experience is palpable.
In Conclusion
The Nissan Leaf marks the end of an era in the electric car era, and it's a car that still has everything it takes to please. Its range is more than sufficient for urban commutes. If you need a second car for the family, it's a very interesting option.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier