2021 Nissan Leaf gets updates and low(ish) price of entry

Some may forget that Nissan was one of the first US automakers to enter the EV market with the first Leaf. That first Nissan EV had unique styling that was attractive, but also said "I'm a little bit different." No grille, and an airy interior were hallmarks of the first Leaf. Range was small, but the technology was in its infancy. Nissan sold quite a few Leafs (Leaves?) and the little EV was updated a few years ago to look less "Leafy" and more like other Nissans. You can debate the wisdom of that choice, but the new 2021 Leaf is an attractive alternative to "regular" compact sedans like Nissan's various Sentra models. The newest Leaf starts with a relatively low prices (for an EV) of under $32k with a 149-mile range and 147 hp and 236 lb./ft. of torque in either S or SV trim. Upgrade to the Leaf PLUS and get up to 226-miles of range and 214 hp and 250 lb./ft. of torque in either the S PLUS, SV PLUS, or SL PLUS trim levels. The top-of-the-line Leaf SL PLUS gets most of the good stuff and tech and pricing starts at just under $44K. Interestingly, it's the Leaf S PLUS that has the greatest range (226 miles). I guess the added equipment in the top trim levels decreases range (215 miles). For more information, check out the media release and pics after the "read more" jump. The newest Leaf could be an inexpensive alternative to other EVs...that is until the tech becomes less expensive in the next few years and there are more options available like Nissan's upcoming Ariya.

Source: Nissan - Media release and pics

Media Release:
2021 Nissan LEAF goes on sale with two powertrains and a starting price of $31,620

QUICK TAKE:

• Available in two versions, LEAF and the extended-range LEAF PLUS, to meet the driving needs of a wide range of customers
• LEAF comes standard with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW motor, delivering an EPA range of up to 149 miles1
• LEAF PLUS has a standard 62-kWh lithium-ion battery and 160 kW electric motor, delivering an EPA range of up to 226 miles2
• LEAF offers a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including available ProPILOT Assist, standard Safety Shield® 360 and NissanConnect® services
• Every 2021 Nissan LEAF features standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The all-electric 2021 Nissan LEAF is on sale now with a starting MSRP3 of $31,620. With more than 500,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles sold worldwide4, LEAF has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles for the past 10 years, delivering exciting EV performance and cutting-edge technology.

The 2021 Nissan LEAF is available in two versions, LEAF and the extended-range LEAF PLUS. LEAF is equipped with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW electric motor that delivers 147 horsepower, 236 lb-ft of torque and up to 149 miles1 of range. It’s available in two trim levels, S and SV.

Nissan LEAF PLUS features a larger-capacity 62-kWh lithium-ion battery – increasing the range to up to 226 miles2. LEAF PLUS also features a more powerful 160 kW motor that produces 214 horsepower – an increase of 45 percent – and 250 lb-ft of torque. LEAF PLUS is offered in three trim levels – S PLUS, SV PLUS and SL PLUS.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices4 for the 2021 Nissan LEAF and LEAF PLUS are:

Model	Powertrain/range2,3	MSRP1
LEAF S	40 kWh / up to 149-mile est. range	$31,620 USD
LEAF SV	40 kWh / up to 149-mile est. range	$34,910 USD
LEAF S PLUS	62 kWh / up to 226-mile est. range	$38,220 USD
LEAF SV PLUS	62 kWh / up to 215-mile est. range	$40,470 USD
LEAF SL PLUS	62 kWh / up to 215-mile est. range	$43,920 USD

Destination and Handling $925 USD

Every 2021 LEAF boasts a spacious, highly functional interior with a quality, high-tech feel. The roomy cabin comfortably accommodates five people and includes a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat for added flexibility. The rear cargo area is designed to provide ample luggage space, offering 30 cubic feet of available storage with the second row folded down.

Standard on LEAF SL PLUS and optional on LEAF and LEAF SV PLUS is ProPILOT Assist5, a hands-on driver assist system that combines Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist technologies and a stop and hold function that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place and can bring the vehicle back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.

Further enhancing the Nissan LEAF driving experience is the standard e-Pedal6, which allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and come to a full stop and hold using only the accelerator pedal.

Advanced technologies include standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, with available NissanConnect® with Nissan Door to Door Navigation, and NissanConnect EV and services (telematics), which allows a remote connection to the vehicle to start a charge, monitor the state of a charge and turn on the heat or A/C before ever getting into the vehicle.

Both the LEAF and LEAF PLUS can be charged7 up to 80 percent in 40-45 minutes using the quick charge port. Also available is a portable charging cable that can be plugged into either a 120-volt outlet or any 240-volt outlet, such as those used for electric clothes driers, eliminating the need to have a level 2 charger installed in your home.

Every 2021 Nissan LEAF is offered with a limited lithium-ion battery warranty8 covering defects in materials or workmanship for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the battery pack. Nissan also provides a limited warranty against battery capacity loss below nine bars of capacity as shown on the vehicle’s battery capacity level gauge for the first eight years or 100,000 miles for all models.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

1. EPA range for MY21 Nissan LEAF S and LEAF SV (40 kW) up to 149 miles. Actual range may vary based on driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
2. EPA range up to 226 miles for MY21 Nissan LEAF S PLUS only. EPA range of up to 215 miles for MY21 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS or Nissan LEAF SL PLUS. Actual range will vary with trim levels, options and driving conditions; see Customer Disclosure Form for details.
3. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and handling $925.
4. Based on cumulative sales of all LEAF models data from December 2010 - November 2020.
5. ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver’s responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
6. Monitor traffic conditions and use conventional brake as needed to prevent collisions. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
7. Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age.
8. For complete information concerning coverage, conditions and exclusions, read the actual New Vehicle Limited Warranty booklet at a Nissan dealership or at www.nissanusa.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals-guides.html.