From the LEAF to the ARIYA: Growing With Nissan
There are plenty of EVs for sale in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, but you already know you want to update your ride with a new Nissan model. The only question is, do you want to stay with the familiar Nissan LEAF, or are you looking for something different? When it comes to Nissan, drivers always have plenty of options to fit their lifestyles and budgets, so you never have to worry about compromising.
The new Nissan ARIYA has been creating a buzz in the green car market, and you might be wondering if it’s worth upgrading. After all, an EV is an EV, and a Nissan is a Nissan, right? Not always. While the LEAF and the ARIYA are both EVs designed by Nissan, they are different models with different things to offer drivers.
Maybe you bought a LEAF when you were on a tighter budget, and now you’re ready to treat yourself to the upscale ARIYA. Perhaps you simply want a slightly larger cabin with a more futuristic feel? The ARIYA might be the perfect upgrade you’re looking for.
If you’re on the fence about upgrading from the LEAF and switching to something like the ARIYA, we’re here to help. Drivers trust Nissan, so no matter your choice, you know you’ll be in good hands. But if you want to ensure you get the perfect model for your lifestyle, it’s always worth it to do a little homework and know your options. It's time to check out the LEAF and ARIYA side by side so that when you’re ready to get behind the wheel, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting with no surprises.
Charging Basics
When you are shopping for an electric vehicle, one of your top priorities is probably going to be charging time and convenience. If you’ve had experience with a LEAF or other EVs, then you are likely aware that charging times aren’t the same from vehicle to vehicle.
The biggest change is that the LEAF uses a separate J1772 Level 2 charging port and a CHAdeMO DC fast charging port. While this is a perfectly fine way to charge up your vehicle and was ground-breaking when the LEAF was introduced over a decade ago, it is a bit clunky and doesn’t offer the higher Level 3 DC fast charging rates that a vehicle like the ARIYA can.
The ARIYA is the EV from Nissan to replace CHAdeMO with a CCS charging port. "CCS" stands for "Combined Charging System" because it combines the Level 2 and Level 3 charging ports into a single design. You can still use your J1772 Level 2 home charging station, but Level 3 charging requires a CCS public charging station. This isn't a bad thing because CCS offers drivers quicker charge times than CHAdeMO.
If your life is in constant motion and you don’t have time to wait, the ARIYA delivers a faster charging time than the LEAF because of the upgrade in charging port technology. Level 1 and Level 2 charging rates are more or less the same between the two models. But it's the ARIYA's Level 3 fast charging option that sets it apart from the LEAF in a big way.
When the battery is at its optimum temperature, the ARIYA is capable of charging at a rate of 130 kW, which can bring the battery to 80% capacity in as little as 35 minutes! As for the LEAF, while it offers a competitive charging time, it does lag a bit behind its EV sibling. Compared to the ARIYA, the LEAF offers a charging max of around 100 kW, which equals slower charging times and less range for drivers.
As for charging in the rain, snow, and every kind of weather in between, Nissan is prepared. It’s safe and easy for drivers to use public charging stations or charge their EVs at home all season long, cold, hot, and otherwise.
Battery Life
An EV’s charging speed isn’t the only thing that can vary. Drivers want to keep in mind that different batteries can offer different ranges. If you’re a casual driver and find yourself mostly roaming around Edmonton, you might find the LEAF is perfectly fine. But if you’ve found your lifestyle has recently changed and you’re going out of town more, or changed jobs and you are now commuting, the range can really matter. Getting an EV that keeps up with you and can handle the flux of hot and cold temperatures is important to ensure you get what you want out of your vehicle.
You can easily find a Nissan LEAF for sale that offers an estimated 342 km of range when equipped with the available 60 kWh battery. That’s a long distance! It’s easy to see why the LEAF has become a go-to EV for drivers. As for the ARIYA, you can bet it’s been designed to offer drivers even more. Get behind the wheel of the 2023 ARIYA, and you can enjoy an estimated 490 km of range from the available 91 kWh battery!
In Edmonton, there is no escaping the cold weather, so getting an EV that is capable of handling whatever extremes Mother Nature throws at drivers is essential. Luckily, Nissan has kept Canadian drivers in mind when designing its EVs with batteries that are ready to go when you are, no matter the temperature outside.
The latest Nissan ARIYAs for sale are decked out with the latest technology that helps keep the battery at an ideal temperature. Thanks to its new liquid-cooled active thermal management system, the battery is able to quickly cool down in summer or warm up in the winter. The ARIYA’s battery system is an improvement on the LEAF’s air-cooled battery and offers overall better long-term health and reliability when it comes to range and function.
To add to the ARIYA’s already impressive mechanics, drivers can opt for the available e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system, which delivers equal amounts of torque to all four wheels to provide more control and traction during slippery Canadian winters. The Nissan LEAF is only available in front-wheel drive, which is fine for driving on ploughed streets in Edmonton but may not be enough if you venture outside the city in winter.
Little Things Make A Big Difference
Battery life and range make a big difference when shopping for your next EV. Many drivers on the road have become loyal Nissan owners because of the ease and convenience of models like the LEAF. But if you feel it's time to upgrade, Nissan has options for you, including the impressive ARIYA.
The Nissan LEAF was the first mass-market EV, so it definitely has a loyal following. The LEAF was designed to be a compact, four-door hatchback. It sports a traditional look combined with noteworthy green technology. This winning combination makes it appealing to Edmonton drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without hurting their wallets. The LEAF is known to offer great performance and is able to withstand harsh Canadian winters, all at an affordable price.
The ARIYA is a newer entry in the Nissan EV family and offers the perfect solution for those looking to take their next EV to a new level. The ARIYA’s updated charging technology makes it capable of charging faster than previous Nissan EVs like the LEAF. It also offers increased battery range. The modern, sleek look of the ARIYA can be appealing to families and solo drivers alike, making it a great car for a variety of lifestyles. The airy cabin with plenty of cargo space combined with its high battery range makes it perfect for weekend road trips as well as trips around Edmonton.
Drivers looking to get the most for their money know Nissan is a smart choice when it comes to EVs. While we love the LEAF, sometimes your lifestyle needs might change. When that happens, it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself to a vehicle like the ARIYA that can help you meet the challenges of the road head-on.