The 2019 Nissan LEAF SV and SL trims, equipped with the 62 kWh battery pack, get 104 MPG combined. This number reflects that it’s an electric vehicle. The point is to eliminate gasoline completely. The buyers attracted to these LEAF models aren’t just seeking fuel efficiency, they’re embracing electric mobility as a core principle driven by lower running costs, reduced emissions, and a fundamentally different driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the LEAF’s efficiency further, showing 114 MPG in the city and 94 MPG on the highway. This difference highlights the inherent strengths of electric powertrains in urban environments. Stop-and-go traffic, usually bad for gas mileage, becomes an opportunity for regenerative braking to recapture energy and extend range. The highway figure is still impressive, but because there is no regenerative braking during consistent high-speed cruising, it is lower compared to city driving. These figures represent the upper end of what’s possible; aggressive driving or consistently high speeds can reduce these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Nissan LEAF SV/SL (62 kW-hr) at $750. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average electricity cost at the time of testing. This is an estimate. Your actual electricity cost will depend on your local utility rates, charging habits (time of day pricing), and driving style. Charging at home during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your costs, potentially dropping them far below the $750 figure. Public charging, on the other hand, can be considerably more expensive, sometimes approaching or even exceeding the cost of gasoline for a comparable gasoline car. For many LEAF owners, especially those with access to home charging, the annual energy cost is much lower than what they would spend on gasoline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world range and efficiency depend heavily on driving conditions, temperature, and usage patterns. Extremely cold weather can significantly reduce battery performance, decreasing range and MPG equivalent. Mild temperatures are ideal for maximizing range. Things like aggressive acceleration, frequent use of air conditioning or heating, and carrying heavy loads will also impact efficiency. Even with some reduction in real-world conditions, most LEAF owners find the efficiency satisfactory, especially when factoring in the convenience of home charging and the reduced maintenance requirements of an electric vehicle.

How it compares

The 2019 LEAF SV/SL competes directly with other electric vehicles. The Hyundai Kona Electric, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 120 MPGe combined. The Kia Niro EV achieves 112 MPGe combined. Chevrolet Bolt achieves 118 MPGe combined. These differences in MPGe can be a deciding factor for some buyers, though things like price, features, and overall driving experience also matter. These differences can be seen for shoppers browsing LEAF MPG across all years. Potential buyers should carefully compare the specifications and reviews of each model to determine which best suits their individual needs and priorities. For those interested in Nissan’s other offerings, you can find all Nissan fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Charge during off-peak electricity rates. Many utility companies offer significantly lower prices for electricity used during nighttime hours, so schedule your charging accordingly. A Level 2 charger can fully replenish the LEAF’s battery overnight, ensuring you start each day with a full charge at the lowest possible cost.

Use the LEAF’s regenerative braking system to recapture energy and extend your range. Driving in “B” mode increases the level of regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator pedal, effectively turning the motor into a generator and sending energy back to the battery. This technique is effective in city driving, where frequent stops and starts are common.

Pre-condition the cabin while the LEAF is plugged in. Heating or cooling the interior of the car consumes significant energy from the battery. By pre-conditioning while the car is plugged in, you can draw power from the grid instead, preserving your battery range for driving. This can be done through the NissanConnect app.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Removing unnecessary roof racks or cargo carriers can improve airflow and reduce energy consumption, particularly at highway speeds. Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease efficiency.

Plan your routes and avoid unnecessary trips. Combine errands into a single journey and choose routes that minimize stop-and-go traffic. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and be aware of charging station locations along your route, especially on longer trips.