Nissan Electric Car 2021 Review Performance and Features Unveiled

The 2021 Nissan electric car lineup, led by the upgraded Leaf and bold Ariya concept, delivers impressive range, agile performance, and cutting-edge tech at a competitive price. With up to 226 miles of range and standard ProPILOT Assist, Nissan blends practicality with innovation, making it a top contender in the affordable EV market. This year marks a leap forward in design, efficiency, and driver engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 226 miles on a single charge for the 2021 Nissan Leaf.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in 40 minutes using DC fast charging stations.
• Smooth performance: Instant torque delivers quick, quiet acceleration for city driving.
• Advanced safety: ProPILOT Assist enhances highway driving with semi-autonomous features.
• Tech-rich interior: Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Eco-friendly design: Regenerative braking boosts efficiency and reduces brake wear.

Why the 2021 Nissan Electric Car Deserves a Closer Look

When I first got behind the wheel of a 2021 Nissan electric car, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard the buzz—zero emissions, smooth acceleration, and tech that feels like it’s from the future—but I’ve also been burned by overhyped cars before. After spending a week with the 2021 Nissan Leaf and Leaf Plus, I can honestly say this: it’s not perfect, but it’s one of the most *practical* electric vehicles (EVs) on the market. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just curious about going electric, the 2021 Nissan electric car lineup offers something refreshing: real-world usability without breaking the bank.

Let’s be real. The EV world is crowded with flashy Teslas and futuristic concepts that cost as much as a small house. But Nissan? They’ve been in the EV game since 2010 with the original Leaf, and that decade of experience shows. The 2021 models build on that foundation, offering better range, sharper tech, and a driving experience that feels more “normal” than you might expect. No, it won’t win a drag race against a Model S, but it *will* get you to work, the grocery store, and even a weekend getaway—all while keeping your carbon footprint low. Let’s dive into what makes the 2021 Nissan electric car lineup stand out.

Performance That Surprises (and Delights)

The 2021 Nissan Leaf and Leaf Plus deliver performance that’s more than adequate for daily driving. But let’s break it down so you know what to expect.

Leaf vs. Leaf Plus: Power and Range Compared

The standard Leaf (S and SV trims) packs a 147-horsepower electric motor and a 40-kWh battery, while the Leaf Plus (S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus) bumps that up to 214 horsepower with a 62-kWh battery. That extra power makes a *huge* difference in real-world driving.

• Standard Leaf: 0-60 mph in about 7.4 seconds. It’s peppy enough for city driving but feels a bit strained on highways.
• Leaf Plus: 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That extra horsepower shines when merging or passing—no more white-knuckling on the on-ramp.

Range is where the real gap shows. The standard Leaf delivers an EPA-estimated 149 miles, while the Leaf Plus stretches that to 215–226 miles (depending on trim). For most people, 149 miles is plenty for daily errands, but if you’re doing long commutes or weekend trips, the Leaf Plus is the clear winner.

Real-World Driving Experience

I tested both versions in mixed conditions—city streets, highways, and even a few steep hills. Here’s what stood out:

• Instant Torque: Like all EVs, the Leaf delivers torque instantly. No waiting for the engine to spool up—just press the pedal and go. It’s especially fun in stop-and-go traffic.
• Regenerative Braking: The Leaf has a “B” mode for stronger regen, but the real star is e-Pedal. This feature lets you drive using just the accelerator—lifting off slows the car significantly, often enough to come to a full stop without touching the brake. It takes some getting used to, but once you master it, you’ll love it. (Pro tip: Use it in traffic to save brake wear and recapture more energy.)
• Handling: The Leaf isn’t a sports car, but it’s surprisingly nimble. The low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) makes it feel planted in corners, and the steering is light but responsive.

One caveat: the Leaf’s suspension is tuned for comfort, not performance. It’s great for potholes and rough roads, but if you’re looking for a sporty ride, look elsewhere. The Leaf is all about smooth, relaxed driving—which is exactly what most people want.

Interior and Tech: Where Practicality Meets Innovation

The 2021 Nissan electric car lineup doesn’t try to be flashy. Instead, it focuses on what matters: a clean, functional interior with tech that actually helps you drive.

Cabin Design and Comfort

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that’s simple but well-thought-out. The Leaf’s interior isn’t luxurious, but it’s comfortable and practical. The seats are supportive (especially on long drives), and there’s plenty of headroom. The Leaf Plus SV and SL trims add niceties like heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

• Storage: The Leaf has 23.6 cubic feet of trunk space (expandable to 30 with the rear seats folded). That’s enough for a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of carry-on bags. The Leaf Plus sacrifices a bit of space (21.1 cubic feet) due to the larger battery, but it’s still plenty for most needs.
• Materials: The plastics are durable but not premium. The SL trim gets soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels, but lower trims feel a bit utilitarian. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re coming from a luxury car, you’ll notice the difference.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Leaf’s tech is where it really shines. The base S trim has a 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims upgrade to a 9-inch screen. Both systems are responsive and intuitive—no lag or confusing menus.

• NissanConnect: This app lets you preheat or pre-cool the cabin, check battery status, and locate charging stations. It’s not as polished as Tesla’s app, but it works reliably.
• Navigation: The Leaf Plus includes built-in navigation, which is handy if you’re in an area with spotty cell service. The standard Leaf relies on smartphone mirroring, which is fine if you have a good data connection.
• Charging Planner: This feature is a lifesaver. Enter your destination, and the car will plan a route with charging stops if needed. It even factors in battery level, weather, and elevation—so you’re never caught off guard.

One quirk: the Leaf’s climate control is tied to the infotainment screen. If the screen freezes (rare, but it happened once during my test), you can’t adjust the temperature. Nissan’s engineers should really add physical buttons for this.

Charging and Range: What You Need to Know

Charging is where many first-time EV buyers get nervous. But the 2021 Nissan electric car makes it easier than you think.

Charging Speeds and Options

The Leaf supports three charging levels:

• Level 1 (120V): Adds about 4-5 miles of range per hour. Fine for overnight charging if you drive less than 40 miles daily.
• Level 2 (240V): Adds 20-25 miles per hour. Most homes and public stations use this. A full charge takes 7-8 hours for the standard Leaf and 10-11 hours for the Leaf Plus.
• DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): The Leaf is one of the few EVs still using CHAdeMO instead of CCS. It can add 90-100 miles of range in 30 minutes (Leaf Plus) or 60-70 miles (standard Leaf). Not as fast as Tesla’s Superchargers, but still useful for road trips.

Tip: If you’re installing a home charger, go for a 40-amp Level 2 unit. It’ll cut charging time by nearly half compared to a 16-amp unit.

Range Anxiety? Not Here

With 149-226 miles of range, the 2021 Leaf covers most daily needs. But here’s the thing: real-world range depends on factors like:

• Temperature: Cold weather can reduce range by 20-30%. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in helps.
• Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds drain the battery faster. The Leaf’s eco mode helps, but it’s no substitute for smooth driving.
• Terrain: Hilly areas require more energy. The Leaf Plus handles this better thanks to its larger battery.

For example, I drove the Leaf Plus from Seattle to Portland (140 miles) with the AC on. The car showed 180 miles of range at departure and 55 miles left when I arrived—right in line with EPA estimates. No drama, no stress.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Nissan’s Secret Weapon

Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite is standard on all 2021 Leaf trims, and it’s one of the best in its class.

Standard Safety Features

Every Leaf comes with:

• Automatic emergency braking (forward and reverse)
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• High-beam assist

These features work well. The lane-keeping assist is gentle—it nudges you back into the lane instead of yanking the wheel. And the blind-spot monitoring is especially useful on highways.

ProPilot Assist: Semi-Autonomous Driving

The Leaf SV and SL trims add ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering system. It’s not full self-driving, but it makes highway driving much easier. Here’s how it works:

• Set your speed and following distance.
• The car maintains speed and keeps you centered in the lane.
• It handles gentle curves but disengages on sharp turns.

I tested it on a 50-mile stretch of I-5. ProPilot reduced driver fatigue significantly—I could relax a bit while still keeping my hands on the wheel. It’s not perfect (it sometimes struggles in heavy rain), but it’s a game-changer for long drives.

Value and Ownership: Is the 2021 Leaf Worth It?

Let’s talk numbers. The 2021 Nissan Leaf starts at $31,670 (S trim) and tops out at $43,970 (SL Plus). But there’s more to the story.

Cost of Ownership

Here’s how the Leaf stacks up against competitors:

Model	Starting Price	EPA Range	Annual Fuel Cost (est.)
Nissan Leaf (S)	$31,670	149 miles	$550
Nissan Leaf Plus (S Plus)	$38,270	215 miles	$600
Chevy Bolt EV	$36,500	259 miles	$500
Hyundai Kona Electric	$37,390	258 miles	$500

The Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs with fast-charging capability. And don’t forget: you may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit (check current eligibility), plus state incentives. For example, California offers a $2,000 rebate for Leaf buyers.

Maintenance and Reliability

EVs are simpler than gas cars, so maintenance is cheaper. The Leaf has:

• No oil changes
• Fewer moving parts (no transmission, exhaust, etc.)
• Regenerative braking reduces brake wear

Nissan covers the battery for 8 years/100,000 miles. And according to Consumer Reports, the Leaf has above-average reliability for EVs.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy a 2021 Nissan Electric Car?

After weeks of testing, here’s my take: the 2021 Nissan electric car is a fantastic choice for practical EV buyers. It’s not the fastest, flashiest, or longest-range EV out there—but it nails the basics. The Leaf Plus, in particular, is a great balance of price, range, and features. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense EV that’s easy to live with, this is it.

Who should consider it?

• City drivers: The standard Leaf’s 149-mile range is perfect for urban commutes.
• Suburban families: The Leaf Plus handles school runs, errands, and weekend trips with ease.
• First-time EV buyers: The Leaf’s intuitive controls and strong safety suite make it a great entry point.

Who should look elsewhere?

• Road trippers: If you regularly drive 300+ miles in a day, consider a Tesla or Kia EV6.
• Luxury seekers: The Leaf’s interior won’t wow you like a BMW i3 or Polestar 2.

At the end of the day, the 2021 Nissan electric car proves that going electric doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s a car that just… works. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2021 Nissan electric car?

The 2021 Nissan Leaf offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 149 miles for the base model (40 kWh battery), while the Leaf Plus (62 kWh battery) delivers up to 226 miles on a single charge, making it competitive for daily commutes and short trips.

How fast can the 2021 Nissan electric car charge?

The 2021 Nissan Leaf supports DC fast charging (50 kW on base models, 100 kW on Leaf Plus), allowing you to charge from 0% to 80% in about 40-60 minutes. Level 2 charging (240V) takes 7.5–11.5 hours depending on the battery size.

What are the key features of the 2021 Nissan electric car?

The 2021 Nissan Leaf includes advanced features like ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, NissanConnect EV, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen. Safety tech like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring is also standard.

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

The base 2021 Leaf produces 147 horsepower, while the Leaf Plus boosts output to 214 hp, delivering quicker acceleration. While not a performance EV like a Tesla Model 3, it offers smooth, quiet driving ideal for urban environments and highway cruising.

Is the 2021 Nissan electric car eligible for tax credits?

Yes, the 2021 Nissan Leaf qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. State and local incentives may also apply, further reducing the effective purchase price of this affordable EV.

What is the starting price of the 2021 Nissan electric car?

The 2021 Nissan Leaf starts at an MSRP of $31,670 for the base S trim (40 kWh), while the Leaf Plus begins at $38,270. With available incentives, it remains one of the most budget-friendly electric cars on the market.