Nissan Australia has expanded its all-electric Leaf hatchback line-up for 2021, with the addition of the longer range and higher-powered Leaf e+.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf e+ arrives in Australia at a smidgen over $60,000 – within touching distance of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 – with a more powerful electric motor and larger battery for a claimed range of 385km.
Beyond the drivetrain and battery changes, the Nissan Leaf e+ carries over the standard Leaf’s level of specification.
You can read our Australian launch review of the Nissan e+ here.
Pricing
- 2021 Nissan Leaf: $49,990
- 2021 Nissan Leaf e+: $60,490
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
Both versions of the Nissan Leaf are powered by an electric motor driving the front axle, hooked up to a lithium-ion battery pack.
The standard Leaf features a 110kW/320Nm e-motor, while the e+ ups that to 160kW/340Nm.
In standard trim, the Leaf will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds, while the Leaf e+ claims an almost hot-hatch-like 6.9 seconds (claimed).
While not really relevant in the Australian market, top speed for the Leaf is quoted as 145km/h while the e+ ups that to 158km/h.
Economy
The standard Nissan Leaf features a 40kWh battery pack good for a claimed zero-emissions driving range of 270 kilometres per charge.
Opting for the e+ ups battery capacity to 62kWh and claimed range increases to a more substantial 385km.
Both batteries are rated at 350V, though the e+ is capable of 100kW DC charging while the standard Leaf makes do with 50kW DC charging.
The base Leaf can be charged from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 60 minutes using a 50kW charger, while it takes the e+ 90 minutes on the same capacity.
However, the e+ can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as 45 minutes using a 100kW charger. Both vehicles also have bi-directional charge capability, meaning they’re ready for Vehicle-to-Grid use and can power homes or businesses when required.
Nissan says the Leaf is “still the only 100 per cent electric vehicle to offer bi-directional charging capabilities directly from the factory”.
Later this year, a fleet of Nissan Leafs will be participating in a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial program in Canberra in partnership with EV charging supplier JET Charge.
Dimensions
The Nissan Leaf measures 4490mm long, 2030mm wide (with mirrors) and 1540mm tall, with a 2700mm wheelbase.
In standard guise the Leaf weighs in at 1594kg (kerb) while the Leaf e+ tips the scales at 1736kg..
Nissan has confirmed the Leaf e+ rides slightly higher (circa 5mm) to accommodate the marginally thicker battery pack assembly underneath.
Luggage capacity, meanwhile, is rated at 405L.
Servicing and Warranty
The Nissan Leaf range is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assist.
Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
For both Leaf variants, the first six visits will cost $251, $330, $251, $330, $251 and $330 – totalling $1743 over 72 months or 120,000 kilometres.
Safety
The Nissan Leaf wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2018 tests conducted by Euro NCAP.
Category scores included 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 85 per cent for child occupant protection, 71 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 70 per cent for safety assist.
Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User), lane keep assist, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are standard.
Dual frontal, side chest and side curtain airbags are also standard.
Standard Equipment
Highlights for both models include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with auto levelling
- LED daytime running lights
- Front and rear fog lights
- Auto-folding heated side mirrors
- 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
- Bluetooth
- DAB+ radio
- Bose premium audio system (7 speakers)
- Climate control
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 7.0-inch driver supervision display
- Leather-accented seat trim with Ultrasuede inserts
- Heated front and rear (outboard) seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Front and rear parking sensors
Available colours for the Leaf include Arctic White (solid), Magnetic Red, Pearl Black, Platinum silver, Gun Metallic grey (premium finishes) as well as Ivory Pearl with Pearl Black roof (premium two-tone finish).
The 2021 line-up also offers a new Vivid Blue finish which is available in single-tone (pictured) and two-tone variants, as well as additional two-tone options combining the Pearl Black roof with Magnetic Red or Gun Metallic.
Premium single-tone paints ask for an additional $595, while the two-tone options add $990.
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