2016 Nissan Leaf Gets Range Boost to 107 Miles on Some Models

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The 2016 Nissan Leaf electric car will come with a larger battery pack on some versions, boosting range between charges to 107 miles, Nissan said on Thursday. Customers will pay up to $2,100 more for the larger battery.

Pricing on the base 2016 Leaf S remains unchanged at $29,860, including an $850 destination charge. The Leaf S continues to use a 24 kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles.

The midlevel 2016 Leaf SV and top-of-the-line Leaf SL get the new 30 kWh battery pack with the longer 107-mile range.

The 2016 Leaf SV is priced from $35,050, up $2,100 from the 2015 model, while the 2016 Leaf SL is priced from $37,640, up $1,670 from the 2015 model. Prices include the $850 destination charge.

Pricing excludes the $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs.

The enhancements to the Leaf are designed to make it even more competitive against rivals including the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, Ford Focus Electric and Toyota Prius.

Audio and connectivity upgrades are also on tap for the 2016 Leaf.

NissanConnect with Mobile Apps and a 5.0-inch color display is added as standard for Leaf S. Leaf SV and SL get standard NissanConnect with navigation and mobile apps.

This system includes Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging assistant and a USB connection port.

The 2016 Leaf will arrive soon at Nissan dealerships.

Edmunds says: Nissan aims to take the edge off of range anxiety with the Leaf’s larger battery pack, a move that should boost consideration for the EV among car shoppers.