WHAT’S SO ELECTRIC ABOUT THE 2019 NISSAN LEAF?

With over 100,000 units sold in 2018 alone, the Nissan Leaf is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle. In a market that’s grown by 81 percent over the past year, that’s big news for the Japanese automaker. Not only does it say something about the proactive, research-driven approach to the market from Nissan, but also the quality of the Leaf itself. In 2019, the Nissan Leaf returns to defend its title as the top-selling electric vehicle in the country. With all it has to offer, few doubt the Leaf can retain the title.

THE POWERTRAIN

Although the 2019 Nissan Leaf has some interesting aesthetic appeal, the powertrain is more than likely the reason many consumers opt for this vehicle over others. For the new model year, the Leaf gets two options for both the battery and the electric motor. The stock engine churns out 147 horsepower, while a 40-kWh battery fires out a range of around 150 miles.

If you’re searching for more power, range, and you have the budget to do so, take a gander at the Leaf Plus. This high-end version of the Leaf includes an electric motor that touts an impressive 215 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. It also upgrades to a 62-kWh battery that boosts the Leaf’s range to a whopping 226 miles on a single charge. Between that range and a zero-to-60 time of just 7.4 seconds, the Leaf Plus might be worth the extra money.

CHARGING TIMES

With three ways to charge the Leaf, Nissan has made it easy for drivers. A Level 1 120-volt charger allows you to plug into a standard household outlet, although a Level 2 240-volt charger is often preferred by many Leaf owners. You can also charge at public stations on a Level 2 or Level 3 quick charger.

If you opt for the Level 2 240-volt charger, the Leaf gets a full battery charge in just eight hours with the 40-kWh battery or 11.5 hours with the 62-kWh battery. Public charging stations can give you up to 80 percent charge in as little as 45 minutes.

HIGH-QUALITY INTERIOR AMENITIES

The interior of the 2019 Nissan Leaf has features that would make almost any other vehicle jealous. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly connect to your smartphone to the Leaf’s head unit. In addition, Nissan Intelligent Mobility provides safety, entertainment, and performance all on your touch-screen display.

Another awesome spec is NissanConnect EV. Using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or an app, you can connect to the Leaf to adjust the cabin temperature, find out how much charge you have left, or decipher how long it will take for a full charge. Throw in an available heated steering wheel, leather seating, remote entry, and a Bose premium sound system, and you have an electric car that sounds nothing like an electric car.

Over the past 10 years, Nissan has perfected the Nissan Leaf into an electric powerhouse. However, it’s more than just a green option. It still delivers many of the features as its gas-powered competitors, while helping save the world one mile at a time. Few other vehicles are more electrifying than that.