The 2016 Nissan Leaf electric car will offer a choice of two different battery sizes, with a new larger 30-kilowatt-hour pack giving an EPA-rated range of 107 miles on the mid-level SV model and the top SL trim level.
The new 107-mile Leaf models will cost $35,050 for the Leaf SV (up from $32,950 last year) and $37,640 for the Leaf SL (up from $35,970).
The base Leaf S model will stick with the current 24-kWh pack, rated at 84 miles of range; its price remains unchanged at $28,060. (All prices include a mandatory $850 delivery charge.)
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The higher-capacity battery gives the 2016 Leaf the longest range of any electric car on the market except for those from Tesla, which start at $70,000 and can total as much as $130,000 for the highest-end versions.
The new 30-kWh battery pack occupies the same size and footprint as the existing 24-kWh pack, and weighs 46 pounds more.
The efficiency rating of the longer-range Leaf falls only slightly, from 114 MPGe combined for the 24-kWh pack to 112 MPGe combined for the new 30-kWh pack. (MPGe is a measure of how far a car can travel electrically on the same amount of energy as contained in 1 gallon of gasoline.)
![2016 Nissan Leaf 2016 Nissan Leaf](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2016-nissan-leaf_100526982_l.jpg)
2016 Nissan Leaf
The 2016 Leaf uses newer cells with revised chemistry for the electrode material that increases power density. Each pack still holds 192 cells, but newly-designed modules contain eight cells each, rather than four as in the existing battery.
The drivetrain is otherwise unchanged, with an 80-kilowatt (107-horsepower) electric motor producing 187 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels.
Other changes for the 2016 model year include enhancements to the Leaf's infotainment system, intended to improve connectivity and make the system more user-friendly for drivers, as well as three new paint colors.
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All models in the 2016 Leaf lineup get improvements to their infotainment systems that include Nissan Connect with mobile apps on the Leaf S, which now features a 5.0-inch color display as standard.
That system includes hands-free commands and phone pairing via Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging, and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices.
The higher-level Leaf SV and SL versions get Navigation added to that, and a 7.0-inch color touchscreen.
![2016 Nissan Leaf 2016 Nissan Leaf](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2016-nissan-leaf_100526980_l.jpg)
2016 Nissan Leaf
Also included are not only mobile apps but also Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, HD radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link for real-time data on weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info, and sports (Note that a subscription to SiriusXM is required, sold separately).
Nissan says that the graphics on the menu screens, and the process of customizing user settings, have been improved--and that charging information is now auto-updated whenever the Leaf is switched on, and after every 12 miles of driving.
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A subscription to the Nissan Connect EV system carries no extra charge for SV and SL buyers, and provides remote connection to the vehicle.
That data includes monitoring of battery state-of-charge, start charging event control, and turning on the heating and air conditioning system before entering the vehicle.
![2016 Nissan Leaf 2016 Nissan Leaf](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2016-nissan-leaf_100526977_l.jpg)
2016 Nissan Leaf
In addition, the new graphic interface on the center screen has been redesigned better readability, and an improved system for voice recognition that includes a beam-forming microphone.
While the new 2016 Leaf rises to the top of the range ratings for electric cars under $40,000, you can view it as a trial balloon for the second-generation Leaf, which will have a much longer range yet.
That car could approach 200 miles when it's launched in 2017 or 2018.
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The three new paint colors are Forged Bronze, Coulis Red and Deep Blue Pearl.
The 2016 Nissan Leaf will be available at dealerships starting in October.
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