Nissan LEAF Range & Specs: A Closer Look

While newer, more technologically advanced electric vehicles have arrived since the introduction of the second-generation model in 2018, the Nissan LEAF remains a stalwart of affordability, reliability, and efficiency. These qualities have allowed it to rank among one of the best-selling electric vehicles of all time.

The 2023 model year brought a facelift, adding more standard features, revising some styling elements and, perhaps more importantly, overhauling its pricing strategy to make it more competitive than ever. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the 2023 Nissan LEAF. 

2023 Nissan LEAF | Photo: Nissan 

What kind of range and charging times can you expect from the LEAF?

Range and charging times for the Nissan LEAF will vary according to the model you choose, but also how you decide to charge the car. For the 2023 model year, the lineup includes three grade levels: LEAF SV, LEAF SV Plus and LEAF SL Plus. 

BOX – The entry level LEAF SV is powered by a 40-kWh battery offering up to 240 km of driving range, as per EPA ratings. The Nissan LEAF SV and SL Plus models, on the other hand, get a larger 60 kWh battery. That one is good for 342 km of range, again, based on EPA testing.

No matter which LEAF you choose, it’ll be equipped with a 6.6 kW onboard charger for level 2 compatibility. This means while charging on a home 240-volt charger, it takes the LEAF anywhere between 10 and 12 hours to be fully replenished.

2023 Nissan LEAF | Photo: Nissan 

Fast charging in the LEAF is compatible with up to 100 kW of charging power. This translates to two different charging times depending on which battery you choose. The 40-kWh battery takes approximately 40 minutes to charge to 80%, while the 60-kWh battery takes a bit longer due to its larger size: 60 minutes for an 80% charge. 

2023 LEAF mechanical specs & range:

	LEAF SV	LEAF SV Plus	LEAF SL Plus
Motor	110 kW AC synchronous electric motor (EM-57)	160 kW AC synchronous electric motor (EM-57	160 kW AC synchronous electric motor (EM-57
Range	Range: Blended EPA range – up to 240 kilometres (SV only)	Range: Blended EPA range – up to 342 kilometres (SV PLUS & SL PLUS)	Range: Blended EPA range – up to 342 kilometres (SV PLUS & SL PLUS)
Battery	40 kWh lithium-ion battery, 192 cells	60 kWh lithium-ion battery, 288 cells	60 kWh lithium-ion battery, 288 cells
Horsepower	147-hp	214-hp	214-hp
Torque	236 lb-ft of torque @ 0~3,283 rpm	250 lb-ft of torque @ 800~4,000 rpm	250 lb-ft of torque @ 800~4,000 rpm

One of the most affordable EVs currently on sale

On paper, the LEAF’s specifications aren’t all that impressive when comparing it with newer electric vehicles, but its best assets are a low price point and a stellar reliability record. Some may argue that the lack of a liquid-cooled battery handicaps its range during cold weather – and it’s true – but the LEAF’s simple and straight forward air-cooled technology serves as the basis for its excellent reliability. These batteries also cost less to replace than liquid-cooled units.

LEAF pricing in Canada

• 2023 LEAF SV: $40,248

• 2023 LEAF SV Plus: $45,998

• 2023 LEAF SL Plus: $48,848

Pricing for the 2023 Nissan LEAF SV kicks off at a very aggressive $40,248 before government EV rebates. That means that if you live in a highly subsidized province like Quebec, you get a $12,000 reduction on the final price. Even in its most equipped SL Plus version, the Nissan LEAF is priced at $48,848. All Nissan LEAF trim levels are eligible for the federal government EV rebate. Additional rebates will vary depending on which province you live. 

New Nissan LEAF interior and styling changes

2023 Nissan LEAF | Photo: Nissan 

The 2023 Nissan LEAF styling revisions are subtle, but noticeable. It now wears a new set of 17-inch wheels. The entire front fascia was massaged to look newer, with sportier blacked out elements in the headlights and front bumper. Nissan’s new logo was also installed up front, and it now lights up at night.

Out the rear, there’s a new diffuser down below and a redesigned spoiler over the hatch. Nissan says this should significantly improve the car’s drag coefficient and increase real world range. 

Exterior features standard across all LEAF models:

• Manual folding & power adjusted outside mirrors
• Heated outside mirrors Chrome outside door handles
• Aerodynamic underbody cover and rear diffuser
• Aerodynamic LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic on/off headlights High Beam Assist
• Fog lights
• LED taillights
• Centre high-mounted stop light 
• Energy-absorbing body-colour front and rear bumpers
• Rear spoiler
• Fixed roof antenna
• Charge port light and lock
• High output quick charge port 

An updated LEAF interior

Inside, it’s just as subtle, with an all-new steering wheel housing Nissan’s new logo, some new colour combinations and cabin materials are also noted. Nissan also tweaked some of the switchgear and added a new welcome animation in the infotainment system.

2023 Nissan LEAF | Photo: Nissan 

Below, some of key LEAF interior specs:

• 5-passenger seating capacity
• 8-way power driver’s seat (with 2-way lumbar)
• 4-way manual front passenger seat
• Bio Suede PET material 
• Front heated seats
• 60/40 folding rear seats 
• Passenger seat pockets 
• Remote charge door release 

Additional specs for the 2023 Nissan LEAF

Here are some of the other key specs for the new LEAF, across all three trim levels (SV, SV Plus, and SL Plus):

• Transmission: front-wheel drive
• Brakes: Electrically-driven intelligent brake (Front: 11.14” x 1.1” vented disc; Rear: 11.5” x 0.63” vented disc)
• Steering: Vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-steering
• Suspension, front: Independent MacPherson strut w/ coil springs and stabilizer bar
• Suspension, rear: Torsion beam with integrated stabilizer bar
• Primary materials: Corrosion-resistant high strength steel
• Wheels: 17-inch aluminum-alloy, machine finish
• Tires: All-season 215/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver