Nissan USA has launched a revised 2016 Leaf with the option of a larger-capacity lithium-ion battery that boosts driving range to a claimed 107 miles, or about 172 km, confirming a Green Car Reports article published in August. The new battery becomes standard kit in SV and SL trims, while the current Leaf’s smaller battery (also lithium ion), with its 84-mile (135 km) range, remains in basic S trim.
Nissan Canada has yet to announce its version of the 2016 Leaf, but we expect that to come soon, and with the same enhanced range as its US counterpart. Keep in mind Nissan isn’t pulling a Tesla here: the upgrade doesn’t boost the car’s performance, and power is still rated at 107 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque.
More range will no doubt make the Leaf more appealing, but 170-ish km falls far short of the 300-plus km promised by the forthcoming Chevrolet Bolt, which General Motors appears to be positioning to steal Leaf sales.
Other Leaf updates for 2016 include a more user-friendly infotainment system with improved menu screen that makes for easier customization, and more frequent updates to the charging system display.
We’ll update this once we learn Canadian pricing for the 2016 Leaf, as well as any changes specific to cars bound for north of the border.
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About Chris Chase
As a child, Chris spent much of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement; when his mother would tell him to go play outside, he made car sounds while riding his bicycle or dug roads for his toys in the flower garden. Now he gets to indulge his obsession playing with real cars that make their own cool noises, and gets paid for it.
