Nissan dedicated all-electric car gets more power yet double the driving range of its pioneering predecessor.
It look less gawky than before…
That was probably one of the missions of Nissan designers when developing the second-generation Leaf, seen here in official pictures handed out by the brand this week.
As Nissan is trying to inject some sporty cues in the new Leaf -- the predecessor somehow failed to attract the young -- the car has been made longer, wider yet lower by margins of 15mm, 20mm and 10mm accordingly. The exterior design has been inspired by the ID Concept.
The wheelbase length of 2,700mm is the same as before due to a carried-over platform. However, the floorplan has been rejigged to accommodate various electrical bits in more ideal positions for better packaging and driving dynamics.
The cabin features the usual hatchback seating layout and versatility and sees a new 7-inch TFT screen to operate various functions. The steering wheel design is familiar with those in Nissan’s other B-segment hatchbacks like the Note.
How has the Leaf evolved technically?
While the basic formula remains the same -- drawing energy from the socket, storing it in a battery and using it to power an electric motor to drive the car -- the Leaf has gained a new high-density lithium-ion battery pack to allow for more performance and driving range at the same time.
Maximum power has been raised to 150hp, some 20-40hp more than before depending on battery size of its predecessor. And with 320Nm of torque available from standstill, the Leaf can hit 100kph from standstill in around 8sec, more than 3sec faster than before.
Nissan says the Leaf now has a touring range of 400km under Japan’s JC08 driving mode. Of course, other countries have less optimistic driving cycles. But after some calculations here and there, it’s safe to assume that the driving range has practically doubled that of the first-gen model. This is one of the key messages Nissan has been trying to convey in a market that is starting to see many new players going EV.
A new quick recharging system allows the Leaf to get 80% of juice within 40min, according to Nissan, while the minimum time with conventional method is 8hr.
New features to enhance driving include e-Pedal which aims to promote one-pedal driving. Capable of being switched off the driver, the system applies mild braking when the driver lifts off the throttle --something that can already be found in other EVs like the BMW i3.
There’s also ProPilot driver-assist technologies to not only make parking a doddle but allow the car to accelerate, brake and change lanes on highways by itself.
When does it go on sale?
It’s quite difficult to say for Thailand. Although an attractive tax rate and some industrial privileges have already been put into place by the Thai government, the charging infrastructure for EV motorists is barely existent.
Makers of small-selling luxury EVs may not actually be bothered by that fact, but it surely does concern mass-market brands which needs to make EVs in large numbers to justify their Thai investments. Expect Nissan to make some imports initially to help familiarise Thais with EV technology.
In the meantime, Nissan will eventually be widening its EV selection based on the Leaf in the coming months and years for global markets. After going on sale in hatchback form later this year, an SUV body is set to join the range and is said to be previewed in a concept car due at October’s Tokyo motor show.
Volkswagen is another brand that has hinted at a multi-body strategy for its new EV family. Hatchback, MPV and SUV body styles have already been previewed with the ID banner. A saloon version is set to appear in Frankfurt next week.
And now that BMW is offering a go-faster model of the i3 called i3s, Nissan is preparing an E-Plus version of the new Leaf next year. Kitted body parts from NISMO are also in the pipeline because it helps grab the attention of younger buyers.
