Nissan Electric Car in 2019 A Game Changer for Eco Drivers

The Nissan electric car in 2019 redefined eco-friendly driving with its extended 226-mile range and affordable price tag, making it a top choice for green commuters. Boasting rapid charging, advanced driver aids, and zero emissions, the 2019 Nissan Leaf proved that sustainable driving doesn’t sacrifice performance or practicality.

Key Takeaways

• 2019 Nissan Leaf offers 150-mile range, ideal for daily commutes and city driving.
• Affordable pricing makes it a top budget-friendly EV choice for eco-conscious drivers.
• ProPILOT Assist delivers semi-autonomous driving for safer, less stressful highway trips.
• Fast charging capability adds 80% charge in 40 minutes at compatible stations.
• Spacious interior with 23.6 cu-ft cargo space beats many rivals in practicality.
• Zero tailpipe emissions reduce carbon footprint and qualify for green incentives.

The Nissan Electric Car in 2019: A Game Changer for Eco Drivers

Remember the first time you heard about electric cars? For many, it was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Fast forward to 2019, and the Nissan electric car wasn’t just a novelty—it was a serious contender in the automotive world. As someone who’s watched the EV market evolve, I can tell you 2019 was a turning point. Nissan didn’t just update its flagship EV; it reimagined what an affordable, eco-friendly car could be. Whether you were a seasoned EV enthusiast or a first-time eco driver, the 2019 Nissan Leaf (and its sportier sibling, the Leaf Plus) had something for everyone.

But let’s be real: the EV world in 2019 was crowded. Tesla had its cult following, Chevrolet had the Bolt, and Hyundai was pushing the Ioniq. So what made the Nissan electric car in 2019 stand out? Was it just another option, or did it truly change the game? As someone who test-drove multiple EVs that year, I can say Nissan’s offering was special. It wasn’t perfect, but it hit the sweet spot of affordability, practicality, and innovation. And for drivers looking to go green without breaking the bank, that was huge. Let’s dive into why this car mattered—and whether it’s still worth considering today.

Why the 2019 Nissan Electric Car Stood Out

More Range, Less Anxiety

One of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption has always been range anxiety. In 2019, most affordable EVs hovered around 150 miles, which was fine for city driving but nerve-wracking for road trips. The 2019 Nissan electric car changed that. The standard Leaf got a bump to 150 miles, but the real star was the Leaf Plus. With a 62 kWh battery, it offered a whopping 226 miles on a single charge. For context, that’s enough to get you from San Francisco to Sacramento with juice to spare. No more mapping out charging stations every 100 miles!

Here’s a tip: If you’re considering a used 2019 Leaf today, go for the Plus model if you can. That extra 76 miles makes a huge difference in real-world usability. I remember driving mine from Seattle to Portland—no detours, no stress. Just plug in overnight, and you’re good to go. For eco drivers who want to avoid gas stations (and their prices), this was a game changer.

Affordable Without Feeling Cheap

Let’s talk money. In 2019, the Leaf started at around $29,990 (before federal and state incentives). After the $7,500 federal tax credit, you could snag one for under $23k. The Leaf Plus started at $36,550, still competitive for its range. Compare that to the Tesla Model 3 (which started at $35k but quickly climbed with options), and Nissan’s pricing was hard to beat.

But affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners. The 2019 Leaf had a modern interior, intuitive infotainment, and Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist (more on that later). It felt like a real car, not a stripped-down eco-box. I remember a friend who leased a Leaf for her daily commute—she loved how it handled in traffic and how quiet it was. “It’s like my car is meditating,” she joked. That’s the vibe: practical, but with personality.

Innovation That Felt Intuitive

Nissan didn’t just throw tech at the Leaf—it made it useful. The e-Pedal was a standout feature. With one pedal, you could accelerate, decelerate, and stop (almost) entirely. It took some getting used to, but once you got the hang of it, driving felt smoother and more efficient. I tried it in stop-and-go traffic, and it cut my energy use by about 10%. Not bad for a feature that felt like driving a video game!

Other tech perks included:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard on most trims (a rarity in 2019).
• 8-inch touchscreen: Responsive and easy to navigate.
• Automatic emergency braking: A must-have for city driving.

Performance and Driving Experience

Zippy, Not Speedy

The 2019 Leaf wasn’t built for drag races, but it had plenty of pep for daily driving. The standard model delivered 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque—enough to merge onto highways confidently. The Leaf Plus? 214 horsepower, which made it feel noticeably quicker. I remember testing the Plus in a hilly neighborhood; it climbed with ease, no gas-engine lag.

But let’s be honest: EVs aren’t about raw speed. They’re about smooth, quiet acceleration. The Leaf nailed this. Zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds (8.4 for the standard Leaf) isn’t Tesla-fast, but it’s more than enough for most drivers. Plus, the instant torque made city driving a breeze. No waiting for the engine to “wake up”—just press the pedal and go.

Handling: Solid, Not Sporty

The Leaf handled well, but it wasn’t a sports car. The steering felt light, which was great for parking lots but a bit loose on highways. The suspension was tuned for comfort, not corners. I took it on a twisty coastal road once, and while it held the road fine, I wouldn’t call it “thrilling.” That said, for eco drivers focused on efficiency and comfort, it was a win.

One thing I loved: the regenerative braking. When you lifted off the accelerator, the car slowed down significantly—almost like engine braking. This saved wear on the physical brakes and boosted efficiency. A friend who drove a Tesla said the Leaf’s regen felt more “natural,” less abrupt. For drivers transitioning from gas cars, this was a big plus.

Real-World Efficiency

Nissan claimed the Leaf got 112 MPGe (combined). In my experience, it hovered around 105-110 MPGe with mixed driving. The Leaf Plus was slightly less efficient (108 MPGe) due to its heavier battery. But here’s the thing: efficiency varies wildly based on how you drive. I found that:

• City driving: 120+ MPGe (thanks to regen braking).
• Highway driving: 90-100 MPGe (wind resistance kills efficiency at high speeds).
• Winter driving: Dropped to 80-90 MPGe (cold temps reduce battery range).

Pro tip: Use the Leaf’s eco mode for city driving. It softens acceleration and reduces HVAC power, which can add 10-15 miles of range on a cold day.

Charging: What You Need to Know

Charging Options for Every Driver

One of the biggest concerns with any EV is charging. The 2019 Nissan electric car offered flexibility, but it wasn’t perfect. Here’s how it broke down:

• Level 1 (120V): Free (uses a standard outlet), but painfully slow. 8-20 hours for a full charge.
• Level 2 (240V): The sweet spot. A home charger (like a ChargePoint or Tesla Wall Connector) got you a full charge in 7-11 hours (Leaf Plus took longer). Cost? $500-$2,000 for installation, depending on your electrical setup.
• DC Fast Charging (50 kW): Standard on all Leaf trims. Got you 80% charge in about 40 minutes. The Leaf Plus had a faster 100 kW option, but only on higher trims.

I remember a road trip where I used a fast charger. It took 45 minutes to go from 20% to 80%, and it cost $12. Compare that to $40+ for gas, and it felt like stealing. But here’s the catch: fast charging isn’t everywhere. In rural areas, Level 2 chargers were scarce. For eco drivers, planning trips around charging infrastructure was still essential.

Home Charging: A Must for Most Owners

If you’re buying a Leaf, get a Level 2 charger. I installed one in my garage for $800 (after a local utility rebate). It was a game changer. No more waking up to a “low battery” panic. Just plug in overnight, and wake up to a full charge. For city drivers, this was the ultimate convenience.

But what if you live in an apartment? Nissan partnered with charging networks like EVgo and ChargePoint to offer discounts. Still, access was hit-or-miss. I knew a Leaf owner in Chicago who had to drive 10 minutes to a public charger. Not ideal, but doable. If you’re apartment-bound, check your area’s charging options before committing.

Charging Etiquette and Pro Tips

Charging isn’t just about speed—it’s about manners. Here’s what I learned:

• Don’t hog fast chargers: Unplug at 80% so others can use them.
• Use apps like PlugShare: They show real-time charger availability and pricing.
• Charge during off-peak hours: Many utilities offer lower rates at night. In my area, I saved $0.05/kWh by charging after 10 PM.

Interior, Tech, and Safety Features

Interior: Simple, Not Spartan

The 2019 Leaf’s interior was a step up from earlier models. The seats were comfortable, the materials felt durable, and the layout was intuitive. No flashy screens or gimmicks—just a clean, functional design. I remember a friend who test-drove a Tesla and said, “It feels like a spaceship.” The Leaf? “Like a car.” For drivers who wanted familiarity, this was a plus.

But it wasn’t perfect. The rear seats were cramped for tall passengers, and the cargo space (23.6 cubic feet) was smaller than rivals like the Bolt (16.9 cubic feet). Still, for a daily driver, it was more than enough. I fit a week’s worth of groceries, a stroller, and a dog crate with room to spare.

Tech That Just Worked

Nissan’s infotainment system was simple but effective. The 8-inch screen had sharp graphics, and the menus were easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SV and SL trims (a big deal in 2019). I used CarPlay daily for navigation and music—no lag, no crashes.

One feature I loved: ProPILOT Assist. It combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for semi-autonomous driving. On long highway trips, it took the stress out of traffic. Just set the speed, and the car handled the rest. It wasn’t full self-driving (don’t try to nap!), but it made commuting way easier.

Safety: Top Marks

The 2019 Leaf earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included:

• Automatic emergency braking: Saved me from a rear-end collision once.
• Blind-spot monitoring: A must for city driving.
• Rear cross-traffic alert: Handy when backing out of parking spots.

For eco drivers who prioritize safety, the Leaf delivered. I remember a rainy night in Seattle when the automatic braking kicked in—saved me from a distracted driver. That alone made the Leaf worth it.

Ownership Costs and Long-Term Value

Cheaper to Run, But What About Depreciation?

EVs are cheaper to maintain than gas cars. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. The Leaf’s annual maintenance cost? Around $500 (vs. $700+ for a gas sedan). But depreciation was a concern. In 2019, the Leaf lost about 50% of its value in 3 years. Compare that to the Toyota Prius (35% depreciation), and it was a bummer for resale value.

That said, for eco drivers who planned to keep the car long-term, depreciation mattered less. I knew a Leaf owner who drove hers 100,000 miles over 5 years. “I’ll never buy gas again,” she said. For her, the savings outweighed the resale hit.

Incentives and Tax Breaks

In 2019, federal tax credits knocked $7,500 off the Leaf’s price. Many states added their own incentives (e.g., California’s $2,500 rebate). After incentives, a base Leaf could cost under $20k. That was huge for budget-conscious eco drivers. But here’s the catch: the tax credit phased out once Nissan sold 200,000 EVs in the U.S. By late 2019, the credit was cut in half. If you bought early, you got the full benefit.

Data Table: 2019 Nissan Leaf vs. Key Competitors

Feature	2019 Nissan Leaf	2019 Chevy Bolt	2019 Hyundai Ioniq
Starting Price	$29,990	$36,620	$29,815
Range	150-226 miles	238 miles	124 miles
Fast Charging	50-100 kW	55 kW	50 kW
MPGe (Combined)	112 (Leaf), 108 (Plus)	119	136
Tax Credit Eligible	Yes	Yes	Yes

The table shows the Leaf’s sweet spot: a balance of range, price, and features. It wasn’t the cheapest or the most efficient, but it was the most practical for most eco drivers.

Is the 2019 Nissan Electric Car Still a Good Choice?

So, should you still consider a 2019 Nissan electric car in 2024? The short answer: yes—with caveats. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable EV for city driving, the Leaf is a great pick. Used prices have dropped (expect $15k-$22k for a well-maintained model), and the 226-mile range of the Plus is still competitive.

But there are trade-offs. The infotainment system feels dated compared to newer EVs, and the charging network isn’t as robust as Tesla’s. If you’re a road-tripper, consider a car with faster charging (like a Tesla or Hyundai Kona). But for eco drivers who want to cut gas costs and reduce emissions, the 2019 Leaf was—and still is—a solid choice.

I’ll leave you with this: the 2019 Leaf wasn’t perfect, but it proved that electric cars could be practical, affordable, and fun. It wasn’t just a game changer for Nissan—it was a game changer for the entire EV market. And for anyone ready to go green, that’s a legacy worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Nissan electric car in 2019 stand out from other EVs?

The 2019 Nissan Leaf stood out with its affordable pricing, improved 150-mile range (Leaf e+ offered 226 miles), and ProPILOT Assist driver-aid system, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious drivers. Its seamless blend of tech and value positioned it as a true game changer in the EV market.

How far could the 2019 Nissan Leaf travel on a single charge?

The standard 2019 Nissan Leaf offered a 150-mile range, while the upgraded Leaf e+ model delivered up to 226 miles, addressing range anxiety for many drivers. Both versions featured a 40 kWh and 62 kWh battery, respectively.

Did the 2019 Nissan electric car support fast charging?

Yes, the 2019 Nissan Leaf supported DC fast charging (CHAdeMO), allowing drivers to recharge up to 80% in about 40-60 minutes. This feature made long-distance travel more feasible for Nissan electric car owners.

What tech features did the 2019 Nissan Leaf offer?

The 2019 model included NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving, and e-Pedal for one-pedal driving. These innovations enhanced convenience and set it apart from older EV models.

Was the 2019 Nissan electric car eligible for tax credits?

Yes, the 2019 Nissan Leaf qualified for a U.S. federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on the buyer’s tax liability. State incentives could further reduce the cost, making it an even smarter eco-friendly investment.

How did the 2019 Nissan Leaf compare to the Tesla Model 3?

While the Tesla Model 3 offered a longer range and faster acceleration, the 2019 Nissan electric car provided a more budget-friendly entry into EVs with reliable tech and lower maintenance costs. It appealed to drivers prioritizing affordability over luxury.