Is the Base Nissan Leaf Plus the Stripper That Goes Farther?

First off, we could debate whether a true “stripper” vehicle even exists in this era of generous standard content; arguably, my Chevrolet Cruze L doesn’t even make the cut — though one peek at the headliner material suggests otherwise. But I digress…

Certainly, the upcoming Nissan Leaf Plus is not the starting point of the Leaf line, but the new 62 kWh variant, with its larger battery and additional grunt, does include a modest “S” trim. And it seems the cheaper version of the long-range electric hatch packs a range advantage over its pricier siblings.

The suggestion comes via Automotive News, which secured California Air Resources Board documentation showing a range discrepancy between the Leaf S Plus and the SL and SV versions. In the certification doc, the two higher-trim models fall behind the base S by what could amount to 25 miles.

From AN:

The Leaf’s base S Plus trim earned a 364-mile rating under the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule testing cycle, according to calculations on the CARB certificate. The SV and SL models scored a 330-mile rating under the UDDS testing cycle, which simulates mostly city driving.

Generally, the EPA-advertised range is rated at about 70 percent of the UDDS range, according to Inside EVs. That calculation would peg the S Plus range at about 255 miles and the SV and SL at about 230 miles.

In introducing the new Leaf Plus at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Nissan stated the model’s range at up to 226 miles. As there’s no EPA rating yet, Nissan’s sticking with that number as a high water mark, meaning the higher-trimmed Leaf Pluses could fall below that of the base S.

Speaking to AN, Nissan estimated the S Plus’ range at up to 226 miles, with the other two trims expected to deliver up to 215 miles. Devoid of certain content, the S PLus tips the scales at 73 pounds lighter than the other two.

With the Leaf Plus, slated to hit dealers this spring, Nissan has its EV bases covered. The basic Leaf starts at $29,990 before destination and an MSRP-reducing federal tax credit. Range is a 151 miles — suitable, in many cases, for family car duty. Energized by the appearance of a second-generation model, Leaf sales rose 31 percent in the U.S. last year.

[Image: Nissan]