HERE'S WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ROAD TRIP A NISSAN LEAF

EV Channels Review

The 2020 Nissan Leaf SL Plus 62kWh is presented as a capable commuter vehicle with a comfortable and quiet ride, offering good range for daily errands. The reviewer highlights its compliant suspension and refined driving experience, making it a strong contender for those needing a reliable daily driver. However, the Leaf's suitability for road-tripping is questioned due to its lack of liquid thermal management, which leads to "Rapidgate" or thermal throttling during DC fast charging, significantly reducing charging speeds, especially on hot days. The reviewer notes that while the car performed flawlessly across three charging sessions on Electrify America stations, the charging speeds were limited, particularly on the final charge where the battery temperature neared the red zone, resulting in a consistent 29-30 kW charge. The reviewer concludes that while the Leaf is a fantastic car for its intended purpose of commuting and errands, its limitations in charging speed and battery thermal management make it less ideal for extensive road trips, especially when compared to EVs with more advanced thermal systems. The interior quality is also noted as not quite matching the $45,000 sticker price, though incentives can make it a more compelling purchase.