2018 Nissan Leaf's EPA-Rated Range Bests Estimate, Barely
CARS.COM — Nissan’s redesigned 2018 Leaf electric hatchback’s range on a charge has been EPA-rated at 151 miles – 1 mile more than Nissan’s first estimates when it unveiled the new version. Nissan initially estimated range at 150 miles with the new Leaf’s larger 40-kilowatt-hour battery pack, a 41 percent gain over the previous generation’s 107 miles.
Related: 2018 Nissan Leaf Review: Quick Spin
Among rival electric small cars, that’s more than the Hyundai Ioniq EV’s 124 miles, but less than the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s 238 miles and the longer-range Tesla Model 3’s 310 miles. But at $30,875 to start (including destination), the Leaf also is cheaper than the longer-range models. Click here to compare the Leaf’s EPA range, as well as its EPA energy efficiency rating (measures in mpg-equivalent).
The 2018 Leaf is just arriving at dealers now, according Brian Maragno, Nissan director of EV marketing and sales strategy, speaking at the 2018 Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C. Through the current 2017 model, Nissan has sold about 114,000 Leaf EVs since its rollout in 2010, he said.
The 2018 Leaf also gets a 38 percent bump in horsepower with a new 147-hp motor that also puts out 236 pounds-feet of torque, up 26 percent. Charging time is eight hours on 6- kilowatt charging and 16 hours on 3 kilowatts. DC fast charging can provide an 80 percent charge in 50 minutes.
The new Leaf also includes new advanced driving assistance with a single-pedal driving feature for traffic (no need to move your foot to the brake), ProPilot Assist for single-lane highway driving (handles steering, brakes and accelerator in a marked lane) and a coming self-parking feature.
The 2018 Leaf is offered in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. ProPilot Assist is offered on the top two. The base S starts at $30,875, the SV at $33,375 and the SL at $37,085. All prices include an $885 destination charge but exclude an applicable federal, state or local tax subsidies.
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