DOES NISSAN HAVE AN ELECTRIC CAR?

For years, consumers have chosen Nissan as their preferred make of car. The reputation that Nissan cars have for safety and reliability is chief among the reasons. Today’s drivers aren’t looking for more, though. They’re very interested in cutting down on their trips to the pump and reducing their carbon footprints. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in an electric, emissions-free vehicle. And as a Nissan fan, you’re wondering if Nissan has an electric car. Well, we have good news for you. Nissan has three electric car models! The Nissan LEAF and LEAF Plus and the Nissan ARIYA. In this article, we’ll explore the features of the LEAF and ARIYA and delve into how these electric vehicles live up to Nissan’s reputation for dependability, security, and performance capability.

ELECTRIC CARS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

One of the most important considerations you’ll need to make when choosing an electric vehicle is its range. Just as a gas-powered car can only hold so much fuel in its tank, an electric vehicle can only carry so much power per charging of the battery. Some electric vehicles can travel farther than others between charges. While you may not notice the difference if you are only using the vehicle in a small radius, such as for driving locally, if you intend to use the car for longer trips, you will need to factor in the range and the availability of charging stations. While we’re on the subject of the availability of charging stations, you will also need to give some thought to where you expect to charge your vehicle each day. The US Department of Energy offers an interactive charging station map so you can check your route. Charging stations are becoming more and more common in major cities in the United States; however, the cost of using them will add up if you utilize them regularly. This is another reason to invest in a vehicle with a greater range: if you can make it back to your home each day, without needing to stop at a station, you are likely to be able to save a great deal of money on the overall cost of powering your car. You’ll also have to consider whether you will have easy access to maintenance for your electric car. If you live in a major metropolitan area like San Antonio, Texas, and you purchase your vehicle from us at Ingram Park Nissan, then you will be able to get your maintenance performed easily and conveniently by our dedicated service department. However, if you live in an area where electric vehicles are not yet common, then you may find it more difficult (and more expensive) to obtain the necessary maintenance for your car.

WHY CHOOSE NISSAN?

Even if you’re fully sold on the prospect of an electric car, it’s worth taking some time to ask the question of why you would want to choose Nissan specifically. Cost is obviously a major consideration. Many electric vehicles are prohibitively expensive for most consumers, while Nissan offers access to electric cars that are more affordable without sacrificing performance. The fact that Nissan has been in the electric vehicle market longer than essentially anyone is another indicator that they are a great option when shopping for an electric vehicle. When it debuted way back in 2011, the Nissan LEAF was the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. Needless to say, Nissan has only improved their engineering since then, meaning that they are among the most experienced manufacturers of these particular types of vehicles.

WHAT ELECTRIC CARS DOES NISSAN OFFER?

As mentioned above, Nissan actually has several options for discerning buyers who are in the market for an electric vehicle.

THE NISSAN LEAF AND NISSAN LEAF PLUS

The “LEAF” in Nissan LEAF is an acronym for Leading Environmentally Friendly Affordable Family car, and Nissan means it. This fully battery-powered compact hatchback is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. It’s an excellent family car and perfect for city driving. As far as charging goes, the standard model has a 40.0-kWh battery pack, with several options for charging. At 110 volts, the vehicle will take about 35 hours to charge. At 220 volts, you can get the job done in around 7.5 hours, perfect if you leave it plugged in overnight. There’s also the option for 440-volt fast charging, which can leave the battery in your Nissan LEAF fully charged within less than an hour. The Nissan LEAF Plus is quite similar to the standard model, but there are a few key upgrades that may serve your particular lifestyle better. The major difference is the fact that the battery in the Plus model is larger. With a 62.0-kWh battery, the Nissan LEAF Plus can travel as far as 226 miles on one charge. This makes it an excellent option for family trips and other extended drives. The Plus option also boasts a more powerful engine, being able to bring 214 horsepower to bear at its maximum capacity. Both versions take advantage of the latest technology to provide drivers and passengers with the utmost in comfort and safety. Each vehicle comes equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment display equipped with Apple CarPlay, allowing for unlimited options for music and radio during commutes. They also come equipped with the famous Nissan SafetyShield, which utilizes driver assistance and a semi-autonomous driving mode to help render these vehicles among the safest on the road.

THE NISSAN ARIYA

Designed as a replacement for the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan ARIYA is an electric crossover SUV that can travel as far as 304 miles on a single charge. This means that it is far more practical for road trips than essentially any electric car that has come before. The impressive storage space and seating capacity renders this doubly true. The Nissan ARIYA incorporates modern technology more completely than any previous electric model, lending it a sleek, and futuristic, design that can be easily controlled from a panel on the dashboard. It also makes use of ProPILOT Assist 2.0 technology to create a complete picture of the road the vehicle is traveling on, utilizing information such as speed limits and the presence of other vehicles to help keep the vehicle at a safe speed. If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle, Nissan has you covered with the LEAF, LEAF Plus, and ARIYA. Stop in at Ingram Park Nissan and take one (or all!) of these Nissan electric cars for a test drive.