Electric Vehicles News
Moving the Future Green
Top News Archives Research
Press Releases Classified Ads Coming Attractions

Your source for 
news and information
about all types of 
 electric vehicles.

Nissan Leaf BEV

About the Nissan Leaf

2020 Nissan LEAF sings a new tune with new sounds, new tech and standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360

As the technology flagship for the entire Nissan lineup, the Nissan LEAF has been the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility since the debut of the original LEAF in 2010. Since launch, Nissan LEAF has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world1. Now, entering its second decade, LEAF receives a number of significant enhancements for 2020 – starting with the addition of Nissan Safety Shield® 360 across all grade levels.

For 2020, five models are available with LEAF – the 40 kWh S and SV, along with the 62 kWh S PLUS, SV PLUS and top-of-the-lineup SL PLUS. Key additions for 2020 include:

Nissan Safety Shield 360 now standard on all models: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist

Additional standard features on all models include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention

Standard 8-inch color touchscreen display on all 40 kWh LEAF grades

LEAF S features standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags, rear seat-mounted outboard side-impact supplemental air bags added to all models

Intelligent Around View® Monitor and Intelligent Driver Alertness added to SV Technology Package

New Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® premium color (late availability)

The 2020 LEAF also comes with a new sound – the car’s two pedestrian safety sounds receive updates in tone and volume. For the U.S. market, LEAF uses a new tone known as "Canto" (derived from the Latin verb for "I sing") for forward movement under 18.6 mph and a pulsing chime when reversing. The vehicle volume was updated to meet updated U.S. electric vehicle regulations that go into effect Sept. 1, 2020. To make the sounds more apparent, an additional speaker was added inside the engine compartment.

Nissan Intelligent Power: Choice of two powertrains

LEAF offers two battery options, 40 kWh (LEAF) and 62 kWh (LEAF PLUS), ensuring that there’s a Nissan LEAF to meet the driving needs of a wide range of customers. Both versions of the Nissan’s revolutionary electric powertrain deliver excellent energy efficiency, robust torque and power output.

Nissan LEAF PLUS joined the lineup in 2019 with an EPA range up to 226 miles2, and the standard Nissan LEAF has a range up to 149 miles3. This allows customers to choose which LEAF best suits their needs.

The 62 kWh LEAF PLUS powertrain also allows faster acceleration when driving at high speeds. Acceleration from 50 mph to 75 mph is nearly 13 percent quicker than the standard LEAF. This allows LEAF PLUS to confidently pass slower-moving vehicles, exit corners faster and more seamlessly, and merge easily with fast-moving traffic. The top speed is approximately 10 percent higher for comfortable cruising. In addition, thanks to a standard 100kW capacity quick charging system, LEAF PLUS can charge faster and more efficiently.

With a 25 percent increase in energy density and the increase in energy storage capacity (versus the 40 kWh LEAF), the 62 kWh LEAF PLUS battery pack is almost the same size and configuration as the 40 kWh pack in the standard LEAF. Other than a 0.2-inch increase in overall height (16-inch wheels), the car’s exterior and interior dimensions are unchanged.

For 2020, the 40 kWh Nissan LEAF delivers an estimated range of 149 miles3 at an affordable price – with strong performance, striking design and cutting-edge technologies which should satisfy the daily driving needs of many of Nissan LEAF owners.

When it comes to performance and agility, the 2020 Nissan LEAF and Nissan LEAF PLUS excel. Heavy components, including the battery, are placed in the center of the body, helping achieve smaller yaw moments of inertia compared with front-engine vehicles and thereby improving directional stability, enabling smoother cornering. The electric power steering system has a linear feel that enhances confidence, especially on highways, with enhanced feedback from the road surface.

Because ownership satisfaction and peace of mind are pivotal for all Nissan LEAF owners, the battery limited warranty of 8 years/100,000 mile4 (whichever occurs first) is standard for all versions.

Nissan Intelligent Driving: Innovative ProPILOT Assist and e-Pedal

Playing a leading role in Nissan Intelligent Driving is ProPILOT Assist5 with Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, a single lane highway driving assist technology that can automatically adjust the distance to the vehicle ahead, using a speed preset by the driver

ProPILOT Assist can also help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. If the car in front stops, ProPILOT Assist can automatically apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a full stop if necessary. After coming to a full stop, the vehicle can remain in place even if the driver's foot is off the brake. If traffic restarts, the car will resume driving when the driver touches the steering wheel-mounted ProPILOT Assist switch again or lightly presses the accelerator to activate the system. All these functions can help reduce stress when driving on the highway in both heavy traffic and long commutes.

Further enhancing the driving experience of the Nissan LEAF is e-Pedal6, which allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal. To match the Nissan LEAF PLUS additional power and increased mass, Nissan has reprogrammed the e-Pedal software for smoother operation and enhanced pedal feedback, especially for operation in reverse, and for smoother and more rapid deceleration, making it easier to stop the car using e-Pedal, even when backing up.

Along with ProPILOT Assist and e-Pedal, the 2020 LEAF and LEAF PLUS are equipped with a range of available advanced safety technologies, starting with the six technologies that comprise Nissan Safety Shield 360. Other technology includes standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention. Available features include Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent Around View® Monitor.

Nissan Intelligent Integration: updated interface, larger display

The 2020 Nissan LEAF links drivers, vehicles and communities. It allows the owner to use the NissanConnect®6 smartphone app to perform tasks such as monitoring the vehicle’s state of charge, scheduling charging to benefit from optimal energy tariffs, finding the nearest charging station, and heating or cooling the car before getting in.

The 2020 LEAF features a full-color 8-inch display, with an available navigation system that can be linked to a compatible smartphone. The display features smartphone-like operation including swiping, scrolling and tapping, applications, maps and firmware are updated over the air with the simple touch of a button, instead of having to manually update by USB.

The door-to-door navigation system is standard on SV and SL grades and syncs the vehicle’s navigation system with a compatible smartphone for seamless driving and walking directions. The connections feature allows any of the car’s passengers to quickly and easily connect to a device within the vehicle.

Sleek modern design

One of the most eye-catching exterior elements of the second-generation Nissan LEAF is the car’s sleek, streamlined silhouette, which maximizes aerodynamic efficiency. The car’s bold fascia features Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille with blue 3D mesh. The car’s sleek profile gives it a sporty look, while the rear features a distinctive tail light design. Thanks to the aerodynamic body styling, including a rear bumper with a clear-cut curve and aero-design wheels, the Nissan LEAF has a 0.28 coefficient of drag.

The angle of the charging port at the front is designed for convenience, letting the customer connect the charging cable without bending down. Ergonomic testing by Nissan shows that the 45-degree angle allows drivers of all heights to easily and comfortably connect the charger.

The Nissan LEAF PLUS carries over most of the standard Nissan LEAF’s design. Subtle clues to its PLUS designation include a revised front fascia with blue highlights and an e+ logo plate on the underside of the charge port lid. There are also rear trim level badges designating the grade levels as S PLUS, SV PLUS and SL PLUS.

The 2020 Nissan LEAF is available in eight body colors, including an all-new Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® (premium color, late availability), designed to highlight the vehicle’s sportiness and performance. The other colors are Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Pearl White Tricoat (premium color), Glacier White and Deep Blue Pearl. It is also offered in one two-tone exterior paint treatment, Pearl White/Super Black (premium color).

The 2020 Nissan LEAF boasts a spacious, highly functional interior with a quality, high-tech feel. The combination of premium materials throughout the cabin befits a luxury vehicle. Vibrant blue contrast stitching for the steering wheel, seats and instrument panel accentuate the car as a Nissan electric vehicle.

All Nissan LEAF models feature a roomy, open cabin highlighted by the brand’s “Gliding Wing” design language. The driver information display has a simple, light configuration without excessive decoration. It focuses on visibility, creating a tasteful, understated look and feel with both excellent spaciousness and functionality.

Through the thoughtful design of the center console and switchgear, the Nissan LEAF gives drivers the information they need where they need it. This helps them focus on what really matters the most – an enjoyable drive. When the car is activated, a start-up animation is displayed, giving the driver a sense of excitement about driving an electric car.

Using NissanConnect7, a key part of Nissan Intelligent Integration, the driver can search for continuously updated information such as the location and operating hours of free charging stations and charging station availability. Owners can also access their smartphone to check the car’s battery status.

Energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating systems provide elevated comfort inside the cabin for all occupants. An available smartphone app provides convenience features such as remote pre-conditioning of the vehicle’s interior temperature.

The cabin’s interior dimensions comfortably accommodate five people, while the rear cargo area is designed to provide ample luggage space, offering 23.6 cubic feet of available storage. The rear cargo space can accommodate two large suitcases or three medium-sized, airline carry-on suitcases. It also allows for easily accessible storage for the charging cable.

Every 2020 Nissan LEAF also features standard Rear Door Alert 8, a system that can help remind customers of items that may be forgotten in the rear seat.

A range of well-equipped models

The 2020 Nissan LEAF is offered in two well-equipped grade levels, S and SV. LEAF PLUS is offered in three grade levels: S, SV and SL.

The 2020 Nissan LEAF S and LEAF SV come complete with 110 kW electric motor, 40 kWh lithium-ion battery with 149-mile range3, 6.6 kW onboard charger, regenerative braking system, e-Pedal with hill hold assist and portable trickle charge cable (120V EVSE).

The 2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS adds a 160 kW electric motor, 62 kWh Lithium-ion battery with up to 226-mile range2, quick charge port and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Standard S grade equipment includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology, automatic on/off headlights, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start, Bluetooth® ands-free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), hands-free text messaging assistant, automatic temperature control with HVAC timer (pre-heat/pre-cool cabin) and charging timer (set desired charge time), 7.0-inch driver information display, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and much more.

The Nissan LEAF SV grade – both LEAF and LEAF PLUS – adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM®, Intelligent Cruise Control and two additional speakers (six total).

The top-of-the-line Nissan LEAF SL PLUS features ProPILOT Assist with Steering Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, LED headlights and LED signature daytime running lights, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-appointed seats, 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, cargo cover, auto-dimming inside mirror, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Bose® Premium Audio with seven speakers, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, Intelligent Driver Alertness, hybrid heater, rear heater ducts and electric parking brake.

Available packages include S Charge Package, SV All Weather Package, SV Technology Package and SV PLUS Technology Package.

No gas, no emissions

No gas means no tailpipe. No tailpipe means no tailpipe emissions. So forget gas stations and put emissions testing behind you – in the 100% Nissan LEAF, they’re truly a thing of the past.

No oil changes

Nissan LEAF isn’t powered by an internal combustion engine, so there’s no oil needed for lubrication, and no oil changes required to keep it running smoothly. Ever.

No tune-ups

Spark plugs, timing belts, fluid top-ups – forget about them. Nissan LEAF is 100% electric, so get used to less maintenance, and less hassle.

62 kWh battery for 214 HP

Nissan LEAF S PLUS models take your power to the next level with a new 160 kW motor and 214 HP. Get up to speed, pass with great ease, and enjoy an exciting drive.

40 kWh battery for 147 HP

Just like the Nissan LEAF S PLUS, the Nissan LEAF punches it with 100% acceleration off the line for power that pushes you back into your seat.

How does the Nissan LEAF work?

The Nissan LEAF is an all-electric vehicle, and unlike a hybrid, no gas is required. It's not a hybrid but gets the energy it needs to drive the electric motor mounted between its front wheels from the large lithium-ion battery mounted along the floor of the car. Charging is a simple as charging your cell phone: plug it in, and let it go.

It’s never been easier to charge
How do I charge my Nissan LEAF?

Charging the 2020 Nissan LEAF is easy whether you’re at home or on the go. You can connect and charge your Nissan LEAF in four quick steps.

1.    Park and make sure the car is turned off.

2.    Open the charge port lid and cap.

3.    Plug the charge connector into the charge port. When done correctly, the Nissan LEAF lets you know with a quick beep.

4.    When the battery reaches full, the Nissan LEAF stops charging on its own. To end charging at any point, just unplug the charge connector.

Nissan Lear 2020 Brochure