Nissan Leaf

The standard Nissan Leaf electric car has a 40-kWh battery which delivered a range of 140 miles in our tests. The Plus version gets a 62-kWh battery which gives the Leaf an estimated EPA range of 215 miles. It also gets a stronger motor for quicker acceleration. The 40-kWh version takes eight hours to charge on a 240-volt connector and 10.5 hours to charge the 62-kWh model from near empty. The Leaf's ride is a bit tender which makes it feel soft until it hits a bump hard. Handling is mundane but secure. The driving position is uncomfortable because the steering wheel doesn't telescope for reach. The optional ProPilot Assist can keep the car in its lane and adjust its speed according to traffic. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard.

The second generation Leaf electric car has a 40-kWh battery. We measured its driving range at 140 miles which is shorter than the Chevy Bolt's 250-mile range, but the Leaf is less expensive. An optional 60-kWh battery will arrive later for 2019, giving the car a claimed 200-mile range. It takes eight hours to charge it on a 240-volt connector. The E-Pedal feature decelerates the Leaf quite significantly when the driver eases off the accelerator, sending energy to go back to the battery. The Leaf accelerates decisively but the ride is stiff. Its handling is mundane but secure. The driving position can be uncomfortable for some drivers because the steering wheel doesn't telescope for reach. The optional ProPilot Assist can help keep the car in its lane and adjust its speed to keep track with surrounding traffic. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard.

Holding the distinction of being the first widely available and affordable all-electric car, the five-seat Nissan LEAF hatchback has typical range of approximately 75-miles. In our 2011 tests, a full charge took six hours using a 240-volt power source or 16 hours using 120 volts. Since our test, charge times have been shortened through updates to the car. At low speeds the extraordinarily quiet LEAF feels quick and rides comfortably. Cabin access is easy and the rear seat is fairly roomy. We measured 3.16 miles per kWh, the equivalent of 106 mpg. Running costs are extremely low: 3.5 cents per mile at the national average of 11 cents per kWh. Standard features include a heated steering wheel and seats. Model year 2013 brought a faster onboard charger and a cheaper S version. However, 2013 and later LEAF models scored Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.