2019 Nissan Leaf pricing and features

Nissan Australia has confirmed that the second generation of its all-electric Leaf hatchback will arrive in local showrooms in August in a single high-specification grade, with a price that sneaks in under the $50K barrier – but only just.

Retailing for $49,990 before on-road costs the new Nissan Leaf costs $1000 more than its closest competitor, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium, but boasts a significant hardware advantage in its bigger battery and more powerful motor.

While the Hyundai offers a 28kWh battery capacity (think of that number as being equivalent to the volume of a fuel tank), the second-generation Nissan Leaf can store a more useful 40kWh in its lithium-ion battery pack.

The Nissan Leaf’s power output also outguns its Korean rival, with 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque eclipsing the Ioniq EV’s 88kW/295Nm figures.

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As for range, Nissan claims a real-world single-charge travel distance of 270km – 40km more than the electric Ioniq. While Nissan has recently announced an even longer-ranged Leaf variant (which has yet to be confirmed for an Australian release), the base Leaf’s 270km figure should allow the average Australian motorist to comfortably drive for around three or four days before a recharge is required.

WANT TO KNOW HOW THE NEW NISSAN LEAF DRIVES? READ OUR REVIEW

Charge times vary depending on what method is used, with a standard household wall outlet able to recharge a battery from near-empty to full within 24 hours and a CHAdeMO rapid charger able to bring a battery from 20 percent capacity to 80 percent in around an hour. For the best convenience though, owners will likely install a 7kW wall charger in their garages or carports to achieve a full-charge time of 7.5 hours.

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But the Leaf won’t just be able to take power from the outlet – it’ll be able to feed some of its stored energy back into the power grid, something which could earn owners extra income merely for plugging their car in while parked.

Known as 'vehicle to grid' technology, it allows energy infrastructure companies to draw on the power stored in electric vehicles to help smooth out the electricity supply. It’s only momentary – and will not greatly impact on vehicle charge times – but vehicle owners are compensated each time it occurs.

Nissan Australia is still working with energy companies to bring Vehicle-To-Grid services to our shores (it’s already been proven in Europe), but all Leafs sold here will be compatible with the technology.

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Other standard equipment in the Leaf includes highlights like active cruise control, a 360-degree camera view that can detect moving objects, auto high beam, front and rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, sat-nav, a heated steering wheel, climate control and leather upholstery.

Android Auto/Apple Carplay smartphone mirroring will also be standard, while safety equipment includes Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian protection, lane keep assist, frontal collision detection and rear cross traffic alert.

PRICING

Deliveries of the 2019 Nissan Leaf officially begin in August this year, though prospective owners can pre-order a Leaf from today. All pricing does not include on-road costs.

• Nissan Leaf 40kWh - $49,990

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