Excerpts from the “Nissan LEAF CUSTOMER DISCLOSURE FORM”
The distance you can drive (range) varies considerably depending on, for example: state of charge, weather, temperature, usage, age, topography, and manner of driving.
Range Estimates:
The range is dependent on a number of factors. Some of the factors affecting range are ambient temperature, weight - number of passengers and payload, air conditioning/heater usage, high speed or stop-and-go driving, topography, battery capacity, etc. When the battery is new, it is estimated that vehicle range with a fully charged battery under normal operation and various driving conditions will vary between 138 and 62 miles for the majority of people. These are estimates based on analysis and testing. Your individual style and location will dictate your individual range, which will vary initially. Also as the battery ages, capacity and range decline. There are an infinite number of range scenarios*, based on many variables. Here are just a few. (*The following scenarios are based on new battery life. Estimated range is based on specific variables studied through computer simulations. Individual mileage outside of estimated range scenarios will occur).
Ideal driving conditions: 138 miles
Speed: Constant 38 mph
Temperature: 68 degrees
Climate control: Off
Driving on a flat road at a constant 38 mph means less air resistance, and therefore less energy use. And at 68 degrees, there’s no need for climate control, extending the range even further. The result: a range boost up to 138 miles.
Suburban driving on a nice day: 105 miles
Speed: Average 24 mph
Temperature: 72 degrees
Climate control: Off
The average speed in this scenario is 24 mph; common when commuting and running errands. The ambient temperature is 72 degrees and the climate control is off. Not using the air conditioner and driving at slower speeds mean less energy use and a little extra range.
Highway driving in the summer: 70 miles
Speed: Average 55 mph
Temperature: 95 degrees
Climate control: On
Averaging 55 mph on the highway, in 95 degree weather, with the air conditioning on high may produce range figures like this. Higher speeds require more energy to overcome air resistance. Running the air conditioner means energy that could be used to increase range instead goes to cooling the car.
Cross-town commute on a hot day: 68 miles
Speed: Average 49 mph
Temperature: 110 degrees
Climate control: On
Driving from a rural area into the city at an average 49 mph with the air conditioning on high may produce this range. Under these conditions, climate control combined with higher-speed driving produces increased energy consumption, hence the effect on range.
Winter, urban stop-and-go, traffic jam: 62 miles
Speed: Average 15 mph
Temperature: 14 degrees
Climate control: On
Though the average speed is only 15 mph with stop-and-go traffic, the 14-degree temperature means the heater is doing a lot of work so you spend considerable time and energy heating your car rather than moving forward. Despite these conditions, it would still take more than 4 hours to run out of charge!
Driving/Operating.
Driving the vehicle at constant speed and with smooth pedal modulation improves vehicle range. Nissan also recommends heating or cooling the cabin while charging just prior to driving. Vehicle range will be reduced by: (1) high speed driving (55+ mph), (2) aggressive driving (frequent or rapid acceleration) (3), severe conditions including heavy passenger/cargo load, uphill driving at a steep incline for extended periods of time, and (4) electrical use, especially heater or air conditioner use.