2019 Nissan Leaf

The Leaf Plus is based on the Leaf, with a few differences. On the exterior, the new variant gets subtle "Plus" badging beneath the trim level badge on the rear of the vehicle, along with blue trim on the lower front bumper. Inside, an 8-in touchscreen display replaces the standard Leaf's 7-in screen, but other than that, it's the same. The big difference is a new lithium-ion battery pack that is rated at 62 kWh -- over 50 percent greater than the standard Leaf's 40 kWh rating. Charge time at 240 volts is estimated at 11.5 hours from "empty" (versus 7.5 hours for the 40 kWh Leaf). On a 50 kWh DC fast charger, you can get to an 80-percent charge in 60 minutes (versus 40 minutes for the 40 kWh Leaf). If you can find a 100 kWh DC fast charger, an 80-percent charge takes 45 minutes. Nissan hasn't quoted charge times for 120 volts (standard household current or Level 1) for the Leaf Plus, but the standard Leaf takes approximately 35 hours -- so access to a 240-volt outlet would be essential for convenient charging times. See the 2019 Nissan Leaf models for sale near you

The 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus takes the already good Leaf formula and boosts it to a new level -- especially the psychologically significant 200-mile-plus range level, already occupied by the Chevrolet Bolt, the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona EV. Since Leaf Plus prices start under $37,000, the step up from the standard Leaf is tempting for committed EV adopters. Sharpen your pencil carefully before leaping to a Leaf Plus or any BEV, as it will take many years to recoup the price difference from a comparable gasoline-only hatchback in fuel costs alone. The good feeling you get from driving an all-electric vehicle will have to be worth the price. Find a Nissan Leaf for sale 

The Leaf Plus will be hitting dealerships in three trim levels: S Plus, SV Plus and SL Plus, matching the standard Leaf's steps. But Leaf Plus will come with more standard content at each trim level than Leaf.

All Leaf Plus models come with the same 62 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack with a Quick Charge Port and a 120-volt/240-volt portable trickle-charge cable included. The S trim level gets 16-in alloy wheels, Automatic Emergency Braking, automatic on/off headlights, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push-Button Start, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, a hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, Automatic Temperature Control with HVAC timer and charging timer, an 8.0-in information display, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and more.

Choosing the SV Plus trim level upgrades to 17-in aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Cruise Control and two additional speakers. The SV plus also gets a new icon-based version of Nissan's infotainment system, Nissan Connect. The system is intuitive, always updated via Wi-Fi, and offers seamless connectivity. Map updates are included with navigation for three years. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A new door-to-door feature is included with navigation, capable of guiding an owner on foot to their vehicle, then turn-by-turn to parking, and on foot to a final destination.

Select the top-of-the-line SL Plus, and you get LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-appointed seats, a heated steering wheel, a cargo cover, HomeLink, Bose premium audio with seven speakers, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Electric Parking Brake and High Beam Assist (HBA).