Nissan LEAF Gets Much-Needed Range Increase

When Nissan revealed the new-generation LEAF, it received rave reviews for its more traditional styling, useful interior, and high-tech features. But there was one glaring issue: Despite all its tech, it still had just a 150-mile EV range. Fortunately, Nissan saw this issue and quickly promised us an extended-range model in the near future. Well, that future is right around the corner as we prepare to welcome the 2019 Nissan LEAF e+.

Thanks to its new 62-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the 2019 LEAF e+ will push the model’s range up by a whopping 40 percent to 226 miles. This finally puts it in the same range as its key competitor, the Chevy Bolt EV.

Beyond the added range, the “e+” badge also indicates a bit more zip behind the wheel. Power jumps from 110 kilowatts to 160 kilowatts, which translates to 214.5 horsepower — a 67.5-horsepower increase. Torque checks in at 250 pound-feet, which is a 14-pound-feet increase. This all results is a 13 percent quicker acceleration time from 50 to 75 mph.

One downside to larger batteries is less efficient charging and longer charging times. Nissan solves that issue by giving the LEAF e+ an available 70 kilowatt quick-charging system that charges this denser battery on a 100-kilowatt charger in roughly the same time it takes to charge the standard LEAF on a 50-kilowatt charger,

The 2019 Nissan LEAF e+ will hit showrooms in spring 2019. Pricing will come later.