In Silicon Valley, electric vehicles may not be big news anymore, but we still enjoyed our week with the 2016 Nissan Leaf SL. The car is actually in its second generation of design and development after six years on the road.
The news is that a practical vehicle capable of carrying four adults and a week’s worth of groceries, which can be leased for a price starting at $199 per month, can now provide more than 100 miles of validated cruising range on an overnight charge. That’s more than enough for a commute in and out of the city and a few errands at the end of the day.
What we drove: 2016 Nissan Leaf SL model, with 30kWh lithium-ion battery, 6.6kW onboard charger, 4.5-hour charge-time on 240 and 80 kW motor, with Environmental Protection Agency-rated range of 107 miles.
What it cost: The mid-range SL model with a complete range of convenience accessories lists for $39,390, but even with the $7,500 federal tax incentive, most people take advantage of the manufacturer’s lease package starting at $199 per month, which means no worries of resale or battery replacement and disposal.
What we liked: The long cruising range takes most of the distance concerns out of the equation, provided the vehicle is used for in-town transportation. The design upgrades make the car equal to any regular compact car in terms of space and comfort. Performance is quiet and efficient, and the car is capable of highway speeds when needed; overall, it is pleasant and relaxing to drive.
What needs more work: The sitting position is a bit awkward; why can’t Nissan engineers adapt better seats out of one of their other cars? Rear seats could use a bit more contour; now they seem like an afterthought – people do take colleagues out to lunch or on sales calls. Controls for simple functions like audio and climate control are unnecessarily complicated – those too could use the touch of engineers from other Nissan car lines.
Overall: For anyone with a typical Peninsula commute, especially with space to install a garage charger and solar panels, this car would make a great replacement for one of the family’s cars.
