New Nissan LEAF QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions, and thoughts from real LEAF owners
![Nissan Leaf driving on a highway overpass](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios701.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
leaf Q&A
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE THE NISSAN LEAF?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Simply amazing. 100% off-the-line torque thrills, while a suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features give you a sense of awareness and confidence behind the wheel.
GLENN C, IL
Fun, fun, fun. I knew it would be quiet but the smoothness of the ride is what really blew me away. I drive in ECO mode 95% of the time but it is nice to have the option of more power when I want it.
JOHN M, OH
Smooth, fast, a pleasure. Quiet enough I can talk to all my passengers using my "inside voice".
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What kind of advanced safety features does Nissan LEAF have?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The new Nissan LEAF offers some of the most advanced technologies available. These are features that help you see better, alert you to what's happening around you, and, in come cases, even step in and take action. Includes available Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Lane Intevention, and much more.
![Nissan LEAF family (mother, father, two boys) posing with their LEAF in the driveway](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios709.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.jpg)
WHAT IS THE DAILY ROUTINE WITH YOUR NISSAN LEAF?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
PETER B, CA
Daily routine is super easy. Just drive to work. I charge up every few days. Now when we need to go across town I do need to check the distance and make sure we have enough charge, or that we can charge while we are out.
JOHN M, FL
My daily routine is extremely varied. I do home visits for clients in the county I work in and no two days are the same. Some days I drive 25 miles, and other days I can drive 80 miles. I am able to create my own schedule, and I usually schedule an hour or two between home visits. This way, I can find a charging station, top off, complete paperwork, and then drive to the next visit.
JOHN B, MN
Drive to work, drive home, drive around wherever. I might need to for errands, plug-in car, leave overnight, repeat.
WHAT IS THE LONGEST TRIP YOU’VE EVER TAKEN IN YOUR NISSAN LEAF?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
BRYCE N, OR
Just this month we went camping with our LEAF with friends instead of taking their Subaru wagon. 350 miles round trip to visit Detroit Lake, OR using (currently free) a fast charger along the way. Got to share the EV grin with two more potential converts. Driving an EV in the wilderness is awesome, by the way.
DAVID L, WA
Farthest on multi-day trip would be 220 miles, but that was over 5 days and 2 different camp sites and the 220 miles does include cruising around town, various runs to store, etc.. Longest one day trip was 160 miles, and had 2 quick charges and a 5 hour stint on a 240 volt charge.
MATT M, WA
676 miles round trip from Everett, Washington to Eugene, Oregon using the West Coast Green Highway network of fast chargers.
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IS THE NISSAN LEAF A FAST CAR?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
JARED S, FL
I drive um…fast. Sorta. But the point is – you can DRIVE this car. It's got pep. It accelerates. It corners. It's responsive. It's FUN to drive!
BIEKE P, TN
Yes! I didn’t realize it’d have better pick-up than many other cars. It makes merging onto the highway a breeze. I definitely like to show off the LEAF’s zippiness when we have someone new in the car!
VARUN B, NY
It is very quick 0-40. I really push this car very hard at times, and I am used to driving a car to its limit. The LEAF is so safe that I can push it and toss it however I want and never get understeer (due to the low center of gravity). The brakes are great as well.
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Does the LEAF have one-pedal driving?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Yes. The new Nissan LEAF features the e-Pedal. You can accelerate and brake in one smooth motion. It's lots of fun, and enhances regenerative braking, too. At the flip of a switch, you can go back to driving with two pedals.
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WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF OWNING A NISSAN LEAF?
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
JOEL E, NC
Wow. One thing? I have lots of reasons to like it. It's fun to drive with all that torque. It's quiet. It's free to drive when I charge at work. But overall, my favorite thing has to be its raison d'être. It simply doesn't use a drop of gas.
DAVID M, FL
Not paying for gas.
ALEX W
My favorite thing about the Nissan LEAF is the complete peace I have about my purchase. That's funny, because so much EV talk these days is around 'anxiety', when in fact my experience can be summed up as relieving anxiety.
![Nissan Leaf charging at a parking structure](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios702.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
charging
leaf Q&A
HOW FAR DO YOU GO IN A DAY?
Charging
With a new extended range of up to 150 miles, you can go further and stay out longer than ever before.
TOM W, TN
My work commute is typically 45-55 miles, depending on how many errands I add on. My LEAF has never come remotely close to running out of power on my daily commute. My route covers some interstate miles and several hilly climbs of 2-3 miles each.
ADAM P, CA
58 miles a day for work, 24 or more days out of the month. And there are no plugs or chargers at my work.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CHARGE YOUR NISSAN LEAF?
Charging
Save time. Save money. Using the on-board timer or compatible smartphone you can set LEAF to charge whenever you'd like, including during non-peak hours when electricity rates are their lowest.
BILL A, NY
I charge at home and at work. When at home I charge after 10 PM, at work (trickle charge only) I charge most of the day.
CRAIG B, CA
It's easy to set the car's timer to charge in the middle of the night when our electricity is cheapest.
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HOW DO YOU FIND CHARGING STATIONS ON THE GO?
Charging
Use LEAF’s Zero Emission menu on your navigation screen to find the closest public charging station to you. The system is smarter than ever on the new Nissan LEAF, with additional filters that let you search by type of charger and method of payment.
DAVID M, FL
iPhone apps, ChargePoint, PlugShare. Also, the LEAF navigation system knew about some stations not listed on PlugShare. I've been actively updating PlugShare in my area with new sites as I find them.
MICHELE W.L, TX
I use the navi system to see where they are when driving. When I am at work or home I get on to ChargePoint or use PlugShare on my phone.
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ARE THERE ANY WAYS TO EXTEND YOUR RANGE?
Charging
Get recharged and discover a new way to drive using the new Nissan LEAF's e-Pedal, which allows you to get around and extend your range with a single pedal.
JOHN M, OH
I put the car in ECO and use the B Mode if I know I'm going to be pushing the range on the car. Just those built-in tools work well enough for me, so long as I'm mindful to actually use the regenerative braking as much as possible.
THIEN L, WA
Mostly coasting to stops and driving the speed limit everywhere. The instant torque is too fun for me to start slowly though.
MATT M, WA
Pre-warm the car to reduce heater usage during the winter. Use the heated seats and the heated wheel instead of the heater. Use E to regenerate more or B mode when slowing down.
WHAT IS YOUR CHARGING ROUTINE?
Charging
Charge at home, at work, or out around town. Now, you can plug directly into a 240-volt home outlet, without installing a home charging dock. Coupled with a growing number of public charging stations, a faster charge is within reach.
DAVID N, IL
I charge to 100% every day. I commute 52 miles round-trip to work. I will usually plug-in when I get home for an hour or two just in case I need to run some errands. We use the LEAF to run kids to practice, games, or do grocery shopping.
TOM W, TN
Pretty simple. When I pull into our garage either my 10-year-old daughter or I plug in the LEAF right away. Our charging station has an 18-foot cord, and it never takes more than 30 seconds to activate. I always do it first thing upon returning home, because there's no reason to put it off. If you live in an area where the cost of electricity drops after a certain time at night, the LEAF has a timing device. Also, there are no worries about over-charging or wasting electricity, because as soon as the batteries are at capacity the LEAF automatically shuts down the charging process.
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WHERE ARE ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS LOCATED?
Charging
BIEKE P, TN
Home is the most important one. We use it 99% of the time. When I charge on the go, it’s usually at shopping areas. Middle TN is set with chargers. We see them more than we ever need them.
WARREN R, WA
All over the place. Drug stores. Supermarkets. Malls.
BRYCE N, OR
I've plugged into Level 1 (wall plugs!) At lots of places. That's the beauty of an EV, even if a L2 or better isn't available, you're never far from fuel...just need a normal wall outlet. Convenient!
![Nissan Leaf showing person driving](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios703.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
SAVINGS
LEAF Q&A
WHAT IS THE ACTUAL COST OF OWNERSHIP?
SAVINGS
No gas engine means no gas. But it also means that you'll never have to worry about oil changes, tune-ups, spark plugs, or dreaded emission tests.
SANDY D, TX
Aside from my lease payment nothing so far. I have had my LEAF for a year and have had no other costs for maintenance. I know that my electric bill probably has gone up, but I don't even notice it, so it must not be by much.
MICAH P, TN
By far less than a gas car. We pay $236 total a month. Before, we paid $180 for JUST gas. We also had repairs left and right which we don’t have with the LEAF. There aren't oil changes either. And no emissions test! I love getting the tag in the mail without doing a thing. It all adds up!
NOW THAT YOU'VE GONE ELECTRIC, WOULD YOU EVER GO BACK?
SAVINGS
ANNE P, VA
I don't ever want to go back to gas.
JOHN B
LEAF is my first ev and it's been wonderful, far better than I was expecting when I first thought about looking into getting an all-electric.
ANNE P, VA
Absolutely never going back to gas... even if our ICE finally dies, we are considering just renting cars for out of town travel and getting a second electric.
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HAVE YOU SAVED MONEY DRIVING YOUR NISSAN LEAF?
SAVINGS
GARY G, CA
I was paying $250 a month in gas, now it's $0.
STEVE L, CA
Costs me < $.02 per mile to drive the LEAF. I have absolutely no idea what a gallon of gas costs!
STEVE M, WA
I have saved over $9,000 driving my LEAF compared to my previous car that got 30 miles to the gallon. And I have not had to burn 3,000 gallons of gasoline.
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ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVES FOR DRIVING AN ELECTRIC CAR?
SAVINGS
ANYA C, CA
We received the federal $7,500 tax credit as well as $2,500 from the state of California.
BIEKE P, TN
Yes! The incentives and low lease rate made it possible for us to drive the LEAF. We are normal people with normal jobs who have never spent money on “fancy” cars. But, we really wanted to drive electric, and with about 12k in incentives, low lease rate (we pay $236/month which includes the scratch and dent warranty) and free charger install, we were able to do it. We’re so glad and are never going back!
JASON P, MI
$7,500 and $5,500 added to my tax return because of the EV! That was a nice surprise, because now we actually saved thousands. We are driving a free car!
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WHAT DOES IT COST TO CHARGE THE NISSAN LEAF?
SAVINGS
KEITH L, CA
I charge at work for free!
BIEKE P, TN
At home about $20-$30/month at home in electricity costs. We were spending $180 a month on gas before. If you need to charge while you’re out, it’s about $1/hr on Blink. That gets you 2-3 bars, and the max number of bars is 12.
WARREN R, WA
My bill went up a few dollars but nothing like I was spending on gasoline, plus I'm about to go 100 percent solar on my roof so $0.00 in electrical bills.
![Nissan LEAF owner posing in the driveway with his LEAF and his daughter, who's beside her toy electric vehicle](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios710.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.jpg)
![Nissan Leaf interior with luggage in trunk showing utility](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios705.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
UTILITY
LEAF Q&A
IS THE NISSAN LEAF A CITY-ONLY CAR?
UTILITY
JOHN M, OH
I live in a small rural town, meaning that the "fun" social activities and clubs are at least a 30 minute drive into a larger city. The LEAF lets me get there and not feel guilty for blowing money on just transporting myself to where the fun is.
JOHN B, MN
Minnesota is a bit... Spread out. You definitely need a car to get anywhere, and bus systems here are only really good for major downtown areas (if at all). The LEAF is great, because I can get anywhere I need to go, and I don't use a drop of gas.
NEAL W, HI
I thought it might be my short run car but it meets all my transportation needs.
![Nissan LEAF couple waving from their LEAF as they drive down a city street](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios707.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.jpg)
Does the Nissan LEAF have Apple CarPlay?
UTILITY
Yes. The new Nissan LEAF now offers available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the most seamless integration with your smartphone.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE NISSAN LEAF?
UTILITY
JOHN M, OH
The incredible performance off the line, while making almost no noise! I feel like I'm driving a sports car around town.
SANDY D, TX
The absolute best part of the LEAF is the fact that you can earn miles back by driving. The dashboard metrics are awesome! I can sit in bumper to bumper traffic for 30 mins and gain 10 miles rather than losing any. I can drive up a hill and gain all of the charge back by going down that hill. Love, love, love this about my LEAF!
MATT C
Having a car I can control with my iPhone.
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WHAT CAN YOU FIT IN THE CARGO SPACE?
UTILITY
BOB S
A full size 36-string celtic harp fits comfortably in the LEAF, along with a PA system (2 speakers, mic stands & a mixing board), 2 guitars, a violin, a driver and a passenger (the back seats both need to be folded down).
ANNE P, VA
2 road bikes fit in perfectly. Mostly my husband and I load it up with a dog and plein air painting supplies for two, which is a lot. But we still have never filled it to capacity. So, I guess the biggest thing is still in the future.
VENKAT K
4 adults + child car seat once. 2 canopies 10x12 in their boxes.
Are there situations where your Nissan Leaf has impressed you with its capability?
UTILITY
TOM W, TN
Hills, hills, hills. I live in a rural area with lots of climbs, and there's no question that my LEAF scoots up them with more ease and authority than does my 6-cylinder truck.
NEAL W, HI
I have no reticence to drive the LEAF anywhere, including on a dirt road, through mud, or through rain. We have beach environments here and front - wheel drive helps in the sand.
BIEKE P, TN
The LEAF’s acceleration impressed me. It’s great for merging onto highways. Definitely better than my gas car!
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IS THE NISSAN LEAF COMFORTABLE?
UTILITY
HEATHER G, GA
My favorite part of the Nissan LEAF is actually what a comfortable car it is! I love the plush seats and the seat warmers. I love that it drives so smoothly and quietly. I also love the hatchback – it is so nice to have a big, open trunk. I also love the mapping and Bluetooth® features and the different auxiliary audio features. [[77]] [[20]] [[49]] I feel like I am driving a luxury car!
NEAL W, HI
When people are new to my car they’re astonished about how roomy it is inside. I think they have a preconceptions of a very little car, it doesn’t feel that way at all.
JARED S, FL
Quiet. Really comfortable.
![Nissan Leaf interior showing redesigned dash](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios704.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
OTHER
LEAF Q&A
HOW HAVE PEOPLE REACTED TO YOUR DECISION TO DRIVE ELECTRIC?
OTHER
JOEL E, NC
My wife loves it and wants to steal it. Most people are like "That's cool, but it doesn't make sense for me." Sometimes after I explain how much money I'm saving they decide that maybe they should give it a closer look themselves.
KEITH L, CA
They think it's cool. Most who are interested are too apprehensive to take the plunge, but a few have learned enough to realize it's smarter both financially and environmentally.
JOHN B, MN
All of my family has pretty much said something like: "I have no idea why everyone doesn't switch to electric, at least for a family's second car". My friends all think its cool, were surprised by how far it can go.
![Nissan LEAF couple waving from their LEAF as they drive down a city street](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios708.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.jpg)
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF OWNING A NISSAN LEAF?
OTHER
JOEL E, NC
Wow. One thing? I have lots of reasons to like it. It's fun to drive with all that torque. It's quiet. It's free to drive when I charge at work. But overall, my favorite thing has to be it's raison d'être. It simply doesn't use a drop of gas
DAVID M, FL
Not paying for gas.
ALEX W
My favorite thing about the Nissan LEAF is the complete peace I have about my purchase. That's funny, because so much EV talk these days is around 'anxiety'
![gray line](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/ze0/1_carryover/q_and_a/17tdiuslhd-leafhelios082.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.jpg)
WHO DRIVES THE NISSAN LEAF IN YOUR FAMILY?
OTHER
DAMON G, HI
My wife wouldn't drive it for the first couple of months, but once she got a taste she hijacked it and now she is the primary driver.
DAVID N, IL
My wife and I split it about 50/50. She uses it days that she has a lot of errands to run and I use it all the other days as a commuter to work. This saves us from burning gas in our SUV.
MICAH P, TN
My wife is the primary driver, but i have custody on the weekends :) We prefer it to our gas car.
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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC CAR?
OTHER
GLENN C, IL
I always wanted an electric car but I would only buy one if it was a true alternative to one with a gas engine. The LEAF is exactly that.
JP W, TN
I wanted to get away from buying gas at ever increasing prices. Electric prices are more stable and I can install solar should electric go up significantly. I am an early adopter of most technologies so the LEAF is fascinating to own. I was impressed at the test drive event at Corporate HQ in Nashville—the LEAF is very responsive!
GARY G, CA
I hated going to the gas station, and with the savings on gas and oil changes etc. It was a great value.
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DO YOU GET NOTICED MORE WHILE DRIVING THE NISSAN LEAF?
OTHER
JARED S, FL
It's pretty cool. I get asked questions in parking lots, stop lights, etc. A group of highschoolers actually flagged my wife down the other day to tell her that her car was "really cool" and "awesome." Running across other LEAF owners is the coolest though.
DAVID L, WA
I used to love the looks I get from people in the drive-thrus or at stop lights, but to be quite honest, seeing a LEAF on the streets in my area has become fairly common. I was first in my area and the "club" was exclusive for a long time, but we have passed beyond that phase here.
MICHELE W.L, TX
I feel very proud and i know I am helping to support the wave of the future. I try to wave at fellow drivers though it doesn't seem like a trend. We should have a wave.
![Nissan Leaf driving in the city at night](http://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/leaf/b12p/eulhd/0_all_new/q_and_a/18tdieulhd-leafhelios706.jpg.ximg.l_full_m.smart.jpg)
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