The Nissan Leaf, made up the road in Smyrna, Tenn., keeps humming right along.
For those with Tesla tastes but a modest budget, the Leaf all-electric vehicle is a good compromise. Although prices for Leafs (or is it Leaves?) can easily top $30,000, generous federal tax credits ($7,500) and the promise of never having to buy a drop of gas mitigate the cost considerably.
Our tester this week is a Gun Metallic Leaf in top SL trim provided by Kevin Pierce, new car manager at Nissan of Chattanooga East. It’s a smart-looking little car with wide-eyed head-lamps and sharp, machine-cut alloy wheels. The dark gray exterior and black leather upholstery also add a spritz of testosterone.
Driving the Leaf can never be compared to the other-worldly acceleration of the Tesla Model S, but as a commute-mobile it’s actually kind of fun to drive. Off the mark acceleration is spirited, and Edmunds.com reports a 0-60 mph time of 9.9 seconds, fast enough to keep you from white-knuckling when merging onto an expressway.
The Nissan Leaf will never need a drop of gasolineFast facts
Model: 2015 Nissan Leaf SLExterior color: Gun Metallic Interior color: BlackEngine: 80 kW AC Synchronous Motor Horsepower: 107 Transmission: Single Speed Constant Ratio Fuel economy: 114 mpg-e Dealer: Nissan of Chattanooga East Price (as tested): $36,340 (before tax credits)