2011 Nissan LEAF Reviews, Pricing & Specs

At the risk of hyperbole, the all-new 2011 Nissan Leaf has a chance to affect history, and not just automotive history, with an impact...

At the risk of hyperbole, the all-new 2011 Nissan Leaf has a chance to affect history, and not just automotive history, with an impact similar to the Model T’s. The Leaf is 100% electric powered, unlike the hybrid Toyota Prius or Chevrolet Volt, and it is affordable, unlike the Tesla Rodster. Just think, a car for the masses that doesn’t require gas. Sounds revolutionary, yes?

Before we wander too far into a future fantasy without car pollution or oil wars, there are a few sobering points to discuss. The Leaf will have a range of just 100 miles, which should be fine for millions of urban drivers, but not so much for heavy commuters or those in rural areas. And even Nissan itself estimates that 40 years from now at least half the cars on the road will still have internal combustion engines, so Americans will remain hungry for petroleum.

The Leaf may not rocket us toward some utopian “World of Tomorrow,” but it sure feels like a piece of that world come to life. Nissan is currently taking reservations for the Leaf (a $99 refundable deposit is required), which will come in two trim levels, the base SV and the SL. Nissan is expected to start confirming orders in August and deliveries figure to start in December.

The Leaf will arrive as a four-door, five-seat hatchback with ample cargo room. Curvaceous edges in the front and rear and the sleek shapes of the windows and headlamps give the Leaf a sporty, futuristic look. Clearly this electric car will not be held back by space or style. Or cost, for that matter.

The Leaf's pricetag reads $32,780, but a $7,500 federal tax credit knocks that down to $25,280, and some states offer credits to knock it down further. Plus, Nissan claims the only regular maintenance the Leaf needs is replacing brake pads, and since its regenerative braking system is extra easy on the pads, maintenance costs should be minimal.

The Leaf’s power comes from a pack of 48 lithium-ion battery modules. That feeds an 80-kilowatt electric motor, which drives the front wheels and produces 106 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Leaf is one of the first vehicles to use lithium-ion batteries, which provide better range and acceleration than the more common nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The Leaf can be recharged by a 220-volt home outlet or a quick-charging station you can have installed in your home for about $2,200, although there are tax credits available here as well. It will take four to eight hours to charge the Leaf with an outlet, but just 30 minutes with the charging station.

If you have a preconceived notion that electric vehicles will ride like some kind of oversize golf cart, the Leaf will take care of that. It’s whisper silent, since no combustion goes on under the hood. All 207 lb-ft of torque are always available in an instant, so it has shockingly quick acceleration. It can reach a top speed of 90 mph (though driving at that rate will lower its 100-mile range). The massive battery pack is located in the center of the car, giving the Leaf sound weight distribution and cornering ability. All in all, the Leaf delivers a refined ride that easily surpasses that of most cars in this price range.

Not only is the Leaf driven by impressive technology, its cabin is loaded with it as well. The base SV will come with a navigation system to constantly monitor your location and remaining power and help ease “range anxiety,” the fear your Leaf will run out of juice and leave you stranded. The SV will also come standard with smart phone integration, allowing you to start the vehicle and control the climate and charging systems through your phone.

Other standard features on the SV include Bluetooth, cruise control, automatic temperature control, power accessories, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack and USB port, six-way manual driver’s seat, LED headlamps, and three years of roadside assistance. The SL is about $1,000 more expensive and adds a rear-view camera, automatic headlamps, and a rear spoiler solar panel for extra charging. Safety features for both trims include six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.