With the biggest 75kWh (usable) battery fitted, the Leaf has an official range of 375 miles. But the main focus has been on offering real-world range at speed, and indeed Nissan claims it can cover more than 200 miles at an 80mph cruise.
When you do reach your destination, it will charge at up to 150kW via – gasp! – a CCS plug. At which time, can we all please spare a moment to remember Chademo, forever the Betamax of EV charging?
Anyway, on the road the Leaf is very calm and quiet, and just… pleasant. Mechanically, it has a new ‘three-in-one’ electric motor (meaning it combines the inverter, motor and reducer into a single package) that sends up to 214bhp and 261lb ft of torque to the front wheels for a 0-62mph time of 7.6sec. The 52kWh car gets a bit less, at 174bhp and 254lb ft for a 0-62mph time of 8.6sec.
The power delivery feels linear and smooth: it’s not an EV for showing off with dramatic acceleration, but it has strong pick-up, as you would expect.
Provided it’s not in Eco mode, anyway, as therein throttle response is neutered to the point of being alarmingly unresponsive at times. In the less restrictive modes, there’s a perfectly decent level of response and ease of modulation.
The Mk2 Leaf’s one-pedal mode returns, plus there’s now adjustable brake regen controlled by paddles on the steering wheel. They work well, and having the more variable regen modes is always a welcome feature in an EV.
