And that’s an OK question, as, between COVID-19, supply chain issues, elections, and the economy in general, many of us have lost track of what’s the latest…myself included.
So… let’s start with the ’23 Leaf’s looks. You might not have noticed that Nissan redesigned the Leaf a couple of years ago, making it look…well…more car-like.
Yes, today’s Leaf is a value-packed, contemporary-looking five-door hatch that doesn’t scream, “I’m different!”
Let’s take a look. For starters, Nissan makes it easy to choose your Leaf.
There are only two models: the “S” and the “SV Plus.” And to make it even
easier, the SV Plus comes completely loaded. The only option on the Plus is a rear cargo cover.
Let’s start with the “S.” It has a 147 HP motor with a 149-mile range and a price tag under $30,000. That’s an excellent place to start in today’s inflationary environment. And while electric tax credits have become somewhat of a political football these days, it’s still possible to qualify for a $7,500 tax credit at the time this was written.
So…now you’re down to just over $20,000 for a brand-new vehicle.
Want to save more? Done deal. Estimates are that after you consider the cost of the electricity that you’ll use, the Leaf will get an equivalent of 121 MPG. Not bad, eh? That comes to around $800 yearly in savings for the average driver. Plus, you’ll save an estimated average of $400 a year on maintenance. Now we’re talkin’ about saving a hundred bucks a month on top of your low initial price and possible tax savings. Hey, maybe we CAN eat out every now and then again!
Now, as for the standard-loaded SV Plus that we tested, you’ll get 214 HP, a healthy 212-mile range, 17” alloys, door-to-door navigation and smart charging that’ll enable you to pre-heat or cool your Leaf as you walk to the parking garage.
You’ll also have Nissan’s Pro Pilot Assist with intelligent cruise control, heated seats, steering and mirrors, auto emergency braking, lane departure, rear cross traffic, lane intervention and forward collision alerts, rear auto braking, 360-degree view and even driver awareness alerts.
As I said, the only option on the SV Plus is a rear hatch cargo cover.
Pricing on the Plus is in the mid $30s. Again, there’s the possibility of still getting that $7,500 federal tax credit bringing your price for a proven fully-loaded all-electric five-door hatch down to the high $20s.
Pretty attractive, no?
As more and more public electric charging stations start to dot the landscape, it’s reassuring that quick charging will get you an 80% charge in the “S” in 40 minutes and the more powerful “SV Plus” in 60 minutes.
Do you still need more? OK, as you may remember, your all-electric Leaf will get you free access to most states’ freeway express lanes.
And one last thought: A coming flood of new electric vehicles is about to hit the market. You’ll see dozens, if not hundreds coming in from manufacturers that you probably have never heard of. While some of these new vehicles may be the greatest since the proverbial sliced bread, Nissan has been making Leafs for over ten years. They know what they’re doing, and they offer eight-year and 100,000-mile battery warranties to prove it.
Sleep well and enjoy your savings.
