New Nissan Electric Car 2021 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2021 Nissan electric car delivers an impressive blend of range, affordability, and cutting-edge tech, making it a standout in the competitive EV market. With a refined design, responsive handling, and fast-charging capabilities, it’s a practical yet thrilling choice for eco-conscious drivers. Packed with advanced safety features and intuitive infotainment, this EV proves Nissan’s commitment to innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 300 miles on a single charge for confident daily driving.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in 40 minutes with DC fast charging support.
• Smooth performance: Instant torque delivers responsive, quiet acceleration and handling.
• Advanced tech: ProPILOT Assist enhances safety and reduces highway driving fatigue.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space rival top EV competitors.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive MSRP with available federal and state incentives.

Why the New Nissan Electric Car 2021 Is Turning Heads

Picture this: you’re driving down a quiet suburban street, the sun is setting, and the only sound is the gentle hum of your car’s electric motor. No engine roar. No exhaust fumes. Just smooth, silent progress. That’s the reality with the new Nissan electric car 2021 — a vehicle that’s not just keeping up with the electric revolution, it’s leading the charge in affordability, style, and everyday usability. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or someone tired of gas station runs, this car might just surprise you.

Nissan has been a pioneer in electric mobility since the original Leaf debuted in 2010. Now, over a decade later, the 2021 lineup builds on that legacy with smarter tech, better range, and a more refined driving experience. The 2021 models — including the Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Leaf Plus — aren’t just updated versions of an old idea. They represent a thoughtful evolution of what an electric car can be for real people with real lives. From city commuters to weekend road-trippers, the 2021 Nissan electric car lineup aims to fit into your world, not the other way around.

Design and Styling: Modern, Clean, and Surprisingly Bold

A Fresh Look That Stands Out

The 2021 Nissan electric car lineup gets a significant visual upgrade over previous models. Gone are the quirky, almost toy-like proportions of early Leafs. Instead, the new design is sleeker, more aerodynamic, and undeniably modern. The front fascia features Nissan’s signature “V-Motion” grille (though it’s mostly decorative since EVs don’t need air intakes), LED headlights, and a sculpted hood that gives it a sportier stance.

One thing I noticed right away: the new Nissan electric car 2021 doesn’t scream “look at me, I’m electric.” It blends in with regular traffic, which is a good thing for drivers who want eco-friendly tech without standing out like a science project. The rear end gets a full-width light bar — a trendy touch — and the overall profile is more hatchback than futuristic pod.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Inside, the cabin is where the 2021 Leaf really shines. The materials feel higher quality than before — soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a clean, minimalist dashboard. The centerpiece is a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen (12.3-inch on higher trims) that’s responsive and intuitive. No lag, no confusing menus. Just tap and go.

Space is generous for a compact car. I’m 6 feet tall, and I had plenty of legroom and headroom in the front. The back seat is a bit tighter, but two adults can sit comfortably on short to medium trips. The cargo area is 23.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up — more than enough for groceries, strollers, or weekend luggage. Fold the seats, and you get 30 cubic feet. That’s on par with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

One small but thoughtful detail: the gear selector is a round knob, not a lever. It’s easy to use and feels more futuristic than traditional shifters. Also, the seats are supportive and heated on higher trims — a godsend during winter commutes.

Color and Trim Options

The 2021 lineup comes in several trims: S, SV, SL, and the Leaf Plus variants (S Plus, SV Plus, SL Plus). The Plus models get the larger battery and more range. Color options include classic shades like Super Black and Glacier White, plus bold choices like Deep Blue Pearl and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair (a pearlescent orange that shifts in sunlight — it’s stunning in person).

Pro tip: If you live in a hot climate, go for lighter colors. They help keep the cabin cooler and reduce AC load, which can save battery life on long drives.

Performance and Range: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Two Battery Options, Two Different Realities

The new Nissan electric car 2021 comes with two battery packs: a 40 kWh standard battery and a 62 kWh “Plus” battery. This split is crucial because it changes everything — range, power, and price.

The standard Leaf (40 kWh) produces 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The Leaf Plus (62 kWh) bumps that to 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft. That might not sound like much compared to a Tesla Model 3, but remember: electric motors deliver instant torque. From a stoplight, the Leaf Plus feels quick and responsive — like a hot hatch. The standard Leaf is more modest, but still zippy enough for city driving.

Real-World Range: What You Can Actually Expect

Let’s talk range. Nissan claims:

• Leaf (40 kWh): Up to 149 miles
• Leaf Plus (62 kWh): Up to 226 miles

But real-world results vary. Based on my test drives and data from owners, here’s what you can realistically expect:

• City driving (mixed stop-and-go): 130–140 miles (Leaf), 200–215 miles (Leaf Plus)
• Highway driving (65–75 mph): 110–125 miles (Leaf), 180–200 miles (Leaf Plus)
• Mixed driving (50/50 city/highway): 120–135 miles (Leaf), 190–210 miles (Leaf Plus)

The drop in highway range is due to air resistance. At 70 mph, the car uses significantly more energy than at 50 mph. So if you’re planning long trips, the Leaf Plus is the better choice. The standard Leaf works great for urban commuters — especially if your daily drive is under 50 miles.

One thing I love: the regenerative braking. The Leaf has a “B” mode that increases regen, letting you drive with one pedal in stop-and-go traffic. It takes some getting used to, but once you master it, you rarely need the brake pedal. It’s not as aggressive as Tesla’s one-pedal driving, but it’s effective and reduces brake wear.

Charging Times and Options

Charging is where the Leaf shows its age compared to newer EVs. Here’s the breakdown:

• Level 1 (120V household outlet): 40 kWh – ~22 hours for full charge; 62 kWh – ~40 hours
• Level 2 (240V home charger): 40 kWh – ~8 hours; 62 kWh – ~11.5 hours
• DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): 40 kWh – 40–60 minutes to 80%; 62 kWh – 45–70 minutes to 80%

The Leaf uses the older CHAdeMO fast-charging standard, not the more common CCS (Combined Charging System). This is a drawback. CCS stations are more widespread, especially in North America. CHAdeMO is still available — Nissan even offers a free charging network for 2021 buyers — but it’s a niche standard. If you plan to use public fast chargers regularly, this could be a pain point.

Tip: If you’re buying a Leaf Plus, get a Level 2 charger installed at home. It’s a one-time cost (around $500–$800 with installation), but it cuts charging time dramatically and makes daily use much easier.

Tech and Safety: Smarter Than You Think

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2021 Nissan electric car comes with NissanConnect, the brand’s infotainment system. The base system includes:

• 8-inch touchscreen (12.3-inch on SL trims)
• Apple CarPlay (wired)
• Android Auto (wired)
• Bluetooth, USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio system

Higher trims add a Bose premium audio system with 7 speakers — it’s crisp and clear, even at highway speeds. The interface is clean and responsive. I didn’t experience any crashes or freezes during my week-long test. Voice commands work well for navigation and phone calls, though they’re not as advanced as Alexa or Google Assistant.

One missing feature: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You have to plug in your phone. Annoying, but not a dealbreaker. Also, the navigation system is basic. For road trips, I’d still use Google Maps on my phone.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

Safety is a strong suit. Every new Nissan electric car 2021 comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking

Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist — a semi-autonomous driving system. It combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to help you stay centered in your lane and maintain distance from the car ahead. It works well on highways, reducing fatigue on long drives. But it’s not self-driving. You must keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention.

In real-world use, ProPILOT is great for traffic jams. I used it on a 2-hour drive through rush-hour traffic, and it made the experience much less stressful. The car smoothly accelerated and braked with the flow of traffic. It even handled gentle curves without overcorrecting.

The 360-degree camera (available on SL trims) is a lifesaver in tight parking spots. The image is sharp, and the guidelines help you maneuver with confidence.

Smartphone App and Remote Features

The NissanConnect app lets you:

• Start/stop charging
• Precondition the cabin (heat or cool before you get in)
• Check battery status and range
• Lock/unlock doors
• Find the car (useful in big parking lots)

Preconditioning is a game-changer in winter. You can warm up the cabin while the car is still plugged in — no more scraping ice off the windshield. It also helps preserve battery range, since heating the cabin uses less energy from the battery when the car is charging.

Cost, Value, and Ownership Experience

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

The new Nissan electric car 2021 is one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Here’s the MSRP (before incentives):

Model	Battery	MSRP	Estimated Range
Leaf S	40 kWh	$31,670	149 miles
Leaf SV	40 kWh	$34,170	149 miles
Leaf SL	40 kWh	$38,170	149 miles
Leaf S Plus	62 kWh	$38,270	226 miles
Leaf SV Plus	62 kWh	$40,770	226 miles
Leaf SL Plus	62 kWh	$44,170	226 miles

Note: These prices don’t include the $7,500 federal tax credit (available if you qualify). Some states offer additional rebates — California, for example, gives $2,000 more. That brings the effective price of a Leaf S down to around $22,000, making it one of the cheapest new EVs in the U.S.

Total Cost of Ownership

EVs are cheaper to maintain than gas cars. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No exhaust systems. Just tires, brakes (which last longer due to regen), and occasional cabin air filter replacements.

Nissan offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which is standard for EVs. The battery is expected to retain about 70–80% of its capacity after 10 years, depending on climate and charging habits.

Charging at home is also cheaper than gas. At the U.S. average of $0.14 per kWh, a full charge of the 62 kWh battery costs about $8.70. That’s roughly $4 per 100 miles — far less than gas at $3.50 per gallon.

Resale Value and Long-Term Outlook

The Leaf has historically had lower resale value than gas-powered Nissans, but that’s improving as EVs gain popularity. The 2021 models are holding up better than early Leafs. Still, expect a steeper depreciation curve than a Corolla or RAV4.

One concern: the CHAdeMO charging standard. As more automakers switch to CCS, the Leaf’s charging network could become a liability in 5–10 years. Nissan is aware of this and has hinted at future models using CCS. But for now, it’s a limitation of the 2021 model.

Who Should Buy the 2021 Nissan Electric Car?

Perfect For: Urban Commuters and Suburban Drivers

The new Nissan electric car 2021 is ideal if:

• Your daily commute is under 100 miles
• You have access to home or workplace charging
• You want a simple, no-nonsense EV without flashy tech
• You’re budget-conscious and want a reliable, low-cost EV

It’s not a Tesla. It’s not a luxury car. But it’s honest, practical, and fun to drive. I used it for a week in Seattle — rain, traffic, hills — and it handled everything with ease. The cabin stayed quiet, the ride was smooth, and I never worried about range.

Not the Best Fit For: Long-Distance Travelers or Tech Enthusiasts

If you frequently drive 200+ miles in one go, the Leaf Plus might work, but you’ll need to plan charging stops carefully. The CHAdeMO network isn’t as robust as Tesla’s Supercharger network or CCS stations.

Also, if you want cutting-edge tech — like over-the-air updates, a huge touchscreen, or advanced self-driving — you’ll find the Leaf a bit behind the curve. It’s not slow, but it’s not a tech showcase like a Polestar 2 or Ford Mustang Mach-E.

But for most people, that’s okay. Not everyone wants a computer on wheels. The Leaf is a car — a good one — that just happens to be electric.

Final Verdict: A Smart, Sensible Choice

The 2021 Nissan electric car isn’t the most powerful, the fastest, or the most futuristic EV on the market. But it’s one of the most realistic. It’s affordable, reliable, and designed for everyday life. It’s the EV for people who don’t want to think about being an EV owner — they just want to drive.

After spending time with it, I get why Nissan has sold over 500,000 Leafs worldwide. This isn’t a flashy statement. It’s a practical solution. And in a world of overhyped EVs, that’s refreshing.

If you’re ready to make the switch — or just curious about what electric driving feels like — the new Nissan electric car 2021 is a smart place to start. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest, dependable, and ready for the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the new Nissan electric car 2021?

The 2021 Nissan electric car lineup, including the updated Nissan LEAF, offers advanced features like ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving, a redesigned infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and increased battery efficiency. It also includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 for enhanced driver assistance.

How does the 2021 Nissan electric car compare in performance to rivals?

The 2021 Nissan LEAF delivers up to 214 horsepower (LEAF PLUS) and a range of 226 miles, making it competitive in the compact EV segment. Its instant torque and smooth acceleration outperform many gas-powered counterparts, though it trails Tesla models in raw range.

What is the driving range of the new Nissan electric car 2021 model?

The base 2021 Nissan LEAF offers 149 miles per charge, while the LEAF PLUS extends this to 226 miles, thanks to its 62 kWh battery. Real-world range may vary based on driving habits and climate conditions.

Does the 2021 Nissan electric car support fast charging?

Yes, the 2021 Nissan LEAF supports DC fast charging (CHAdeMO), allowing an 80% charge in about 40-60 minutes. Home charging with Level 2 (240V) takes approximately 8-11 hours for a full charge.

How affordable is the new Nissan electric car 2021 compared to other EVs?

The 2021 Nissan LEAF starts at a competitive price point (~$32,000 before incentives), making it one of the most affordable EVs with premium features. Federal/state tax credits can further reduce ownership costs.

What safety ratings does the 2021 Nissan electric car have?

The 2021 Nissan LEAF earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS. Its standard Safety Shield 360 suite includes automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.