The current-generation Nissan Leaf will be getting a larger 30 kWh battery for the higher trim levels of the car this Spring, and it was done surprisingly quietly by the manufacturer. Nissan had changed the battery in the base Leaf S model to 30 kWh, resulting in 27 percent improved range.

2016 Nissan Leaf 30-kwh Battery Gives 107-Mile Range

"We have made a running change to the 2016 Leaf S model to equip it with 30-kwh battery packs as standard equipment, offering best-in-class range across all trim levels for Leaf," Nissan stated, according to Motor Trend.

"Additionally, all 2016 Leaf S vehicles equipped with the 30-kwh battery pack will also come with the Quick Charge Package as a standard feature."

While the Leaf S now has better range as a result of a larger battery, however, one very important thing was sacrificed - the price. While the previous Leaf S was offered on the sub $30,000 range, updated new Leaf S is well into the $30,000's.  

2016 Nissan Leaf Now More Expensive

The Nissan Leaf's price now starts at $32,860 from the original price of $29,010. With the new 30 kW-hr battery resulting in a 27 percent improved range, Nissan has the technology today to bring the Leaf with 214 miles of range on a single charge.

According to a Nissan spokesperson, the S-24 model, while no longer being produced, should still be available at select dealers. Interested buyers can locate one using Nissan's website, reported Insider Car News.

Nissan To Release A New Leaf Soon?

However, Nissan will release a new design and 200-plus-mile range in leaf in 2018, A longer-range EV that could compete with the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, which rated at 238 miles, as well as the Tesla Model 3, arguably the most popular EV that is set to hit the market. 

While the price of the 2016 Nissan Leaf was raised, it does, at the end of the day, result in a better-performing EV. The upgraded 2016 Nissan Leaf S with a 30-kwh battery will started to hit dealerships late last September.