2019 Nissan Leaf e+ Electric Vehicle: Comprehensive Analysis

The automotive landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with electric vehicles becoming increasingly mainstream and accessible to everyday consumers. The 2019 Nissan Leaf e+ represents a notable evolution in this segment, building upon the success of its predecessor with meaningful enhancements to range, performance, and overall capability. This extended-range variant introduces a larger battery capacity that fundamentally changes how the vehicle performs both in everyday driving scenarios and on longer journeys.

Battery Technology and Range Capabilities

The most compelling feature distinguishing the Leaf e+ from its standard counterpart is the upgraded battery system. The e+ model incorporates a 62kWh battery capacity, which translates into a substantial advantage over the 40kWh variant found in the base model. This increased energy storage delivers an impressive 382km of driving range under WLTP testing conditions, providing drivers with a genuine 112km additional capability compared to the standard Leaf.

The efficiency metrics demonstrate impressive performance for a vehicle in this class. Energy consumption figures stand at 18.0kWh per 100km, positioning the e+ as a competent long-distance electric conveyance. This means owners can approach journey planning with greater flexibility, reducing the anxiety associated with charging infrastructure availability that plagued earlier electric vehicles.

Powertrain Architecture and Performance Characteristics

The e+ features an electric motor delivering 160kW of power, available between 4600 and 5800rpm. More impressively, the motor produces 340Nm of torque from just 500rpm onwards, maintaining this output up to 4000rpm. This characteristic of electric motors—delivering maximum torque instantaneously—fundamentally alters the driving experience compared to conventional internal combustion engines.

Acceleration performance reflects these specifications meaningfully. The e+ achieves 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, placing it in the territory of entry-level hot hatchbacks in terms of raw acceleration capability. The single-speed transmission means there are no gear changes to interrupt the power delivery, creating a seamless and refined acceleration experience that drivers find intuitive and responsive.

The e+ provides multiple driving modes to suit different situations and preferences. The standard driving mode offers unrestricted performance for those times when spirited acceleration is desired. Eco mode restricts torque delivery, prioritizing range preservation over outright performance. The distinctive e-Pedal mode implements aggressive regenerative braking when the accelerator is released, enabling single-pedal operation where most deceleration comes from regeneration rather than friction brakes.

One practical consideration emerges during spirited acceleration: the energy-saving compound tyres fitted to the e+ occasionally struggle to transmit the full motor torque to the road surface. This results in periodic traction control intervention, a limitation of the rubber rather than the powertrain itself.

Suspension, Steering, and Handling Dynamics

The e+ benefits from revised suspension geometry compared to the standard Leaf, incorporating stiffer springs designed to better manage the additional weight of the larger battery pack. This tuning approach prioritises ride comfort and body control over pure handling agility, reflecting the vehicle’s intended purpose as a practical daily driver rather than a performance machine.

Steering feel lacks the immediacy and road feedback that enthusiasts might expect, though the system proves accurate and predictable in everyday driving. The steering column does not feature reach adjustment, which represents a notable ergonomic limitation. Drivers must compensate by adjusting backrest angle to find a comfortable driving position, a constraint that won’t suit everyone.

The low centre of gravity resulting from floor-mounted battery placement provides inherent advantages for handling balance and stability. The compact 11.0m turning circle demonstrates how practical dimensions contribute to everyday usability, particularly in congested urban environments where parking and manoeuvring through tight spaces present common challenges.

Interior Design and Passenger Accommodation

The interior presentation mirrors the top-specification standard Leaf, establishing visual and material consistency across the range. Design language draws inspiration from Nissan’s Qashqai SUV models, translating some of the plusher aesthetic elements into the more compact platform. This approach elevates perceived quality beyond what the price point might suggest.

Seating capacity accommodates five passengers, with particular emphasis on front occupant comfort. The seat cushioning employs thick padding throughout, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for extended driving sessions. Rear seat accommodation proves spacious for a compact electric vehicle, though rear passengers should note that seat cushions do not adjust for height.

Cargo capability extends to 23.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, providing practical space for shopping trips and small household items. The kerb weight of 1665kg reflects the mass of the battery system, a consideration for understanding fuel economy implications and handling characteristics.

Technology and Driver Assistance Features

The e+ arrives equipped with an extensive suite of driver assistance and convenience technologies that enhance both safety and usability. ProPilot Assist represents Nissan’s interpretation of semi-autonomous highway driving, using cameras and sensors to maintain lane position and manage speed automatically on motorways. The system can be configured to provide steering intervention alongside speed management, or alternatively operated in intelligent cruise control mode without steering input if drivers prefer greater manual involvement.

Intelligent cruise control adapts following distance and maintains preset speeds automatically, reducing driver workload during monotonous highway stretches. The system integrates with traffic awareness functions that provide warnings for imminent collisions and can deploy automatic emergency braking if necessary to mitigate impact severity.

Additional convenience features include remote climate control via smartphone application, allowing occupants to pre-condition the cabin temperature before departure. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel provide particular comfort advantages during cold weather operation. Android Auto integration enables smartphone connectivity for navigation and entertainment functions.

Safety Performance and Crash Protection

The 2019 Leaf achieved a strong five-star rating from Euro NCAP, validating Nissan’s approach to structural design and occupant protection. The rating encompasses numerous crash test scenarios and evaluates protection across different impact angles and speeds.

The advanced airbag system employs variable inflation rates for front bags based on crash severity, while side curtain airbags adjust deployment patterns according to seat position data. This adaptive approach aims to minimise injury across the widest possible range of accident scenarios. Automatic emergency braking capabilities provide an additional layer of protection by warning drivers of imminent frontal collisions and applying brakes autonomously if necessary.

Operating Costs and Practicality Considerations

The financial appeal of electric vehicles extends beyond purchase price to encompass running costs. Charging costs depend on local electricity rates, but estimates suggest approximately 2p per mile in typical UK markets, representing substantial savings compared to petrol or diesel equivalent vehicles. A full charge from empty using a 240V home charging point requires approximately eight hours, making overnight charging a practical routine for commuters with regular access to home charging infrastructure.

The battery warranty extends to eight years with unlimited mileage, providing substantial protection for the most expensive component. The general vehicle warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, with the battery receiving extended coverage as noted above.

Key Specifications Comparison Table

Driving Impressions and Real-World Experience

The overall driving experience prioritises refinement and ease of use over performance thrills. The electric motor operates with characteristic silence, creating an almost serene cabin environment regardless of speed or load. Wind and road noise remain well-controlled for the vehicle class, contributing to a composed and comfortable driving atmosphere.

The single-speed transmission eliminates gear change delays and produces a notably smooth acceleration profile from parking lot speeds to motorway cruising velocities. For buyers transitioning from conventional vehicles, the learning curve proves minimal, with intuitive controls and familiar operational patterns.

One practical advantage of electric propulsion becomes apparent during stop-and-start urban driving: the regenerative braking mode allows drivers to recover energy during deceleration, extending range whilst reducing heat load on friction brake components. This contributes to lower maintenance requirements compared to conventionally-powered vehicles.

Strengths and Considerations

Advantages of the e+ model include:

• Extended driving range enabling genuine long-distance capability
• Responsive acceleration comparable to conventional hot hatchbacks
• Comprehensive driver assistance and safety features
• Quiet, refined driving experience suitable for daily commuting
• Low operating costs when charged at home using off-peak electricity
• Practical interior dimensions and cargo space
• Advanced regenerative braking technology

Areas requiring consideration:

• Steering column lacks reach adjustment, necessitating position compromises
• Steering feel lacks the directness some drivers prefer
• Seat cushion height adjustment unavailable
• Traction control frequently intervenes during aggressive acceleration
• Purchase price reflects premium positioning versus standard Leaf variant
• Dependency on charging infrastructure for longer journeys

Conclusion and Suitability Assessment

The 2019 Nissan Leaf e+ represents a practical and capable electric vehicle suitable for buyers prioritising real-world range, responsive performance, and comprehensive technology integration. The extended battery capacity fundamentally changes the ownership proposition compared to earlier electric vehicles, eliminating much of the range anxiety that deterred mainstream adoption. The e+ strikes a compelling balance between performance capability, range practicality, and everyday usability, establishing itself as a credible option within the affordable electric vehicle segment.