Nissan unveils new LEAF complete with e-Pedal and improved range
Nissan has revealed the latest iteration of its mass market EV (Electric Vehicle), the LEAF. New features include much greater driving range on a single charge and an e-Pedal (see more details here) which allows you to drive and brake using just one pedal.
On sale in Europe from January 2018, the new Nissan LEAF will offer a range of 378 km/235miles (New European Driving Cycle) from a single charge.
For those who want to drive their new LEAF further, Nissan will introduce a high-power version with increased motor power and battery capacity at a higher price at the end of 2018.
The focal point of Nissan Intelligent Power in the new Nissan LEAF is its e-powertrain, which offers improved energy efficiency and increased torque and power output for an enhanced dynamic performance.
Complementing this new drivetrain is the high-tech lithium-ion battery pack, which delivers increased power and energy storage capacity.
Along with improved energy efficiency, the new e-powertrain delivers offers a power output of 110 kW. Torque has been increased to 320 Nm, resulting in improved acceleration.
The new Nissan LEAF also boasts three main new intelligent driving technologies. The first is ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system which has been designed to make single lane driving on the road less stressful and more relaxing.
The second, ProPILOT Park will take control of all steering, acceleration, braking and gear selection to automatically guide the car into a parking spot.
The third, e-Pedal, allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop simply by adjusting their input upon the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, gradually bringing the car to a complete stop.
The car holds its position, even on steep uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again.
Redesigned both inside and outside, the new Nissan LEAF also incorporates NissanConnect which enables the driver to search for continuously updated information such as the location and operating hours of free charging stations and charging station availability.
Owners can also access their smartphone to check the car’s battery status.
Apple CarPlay has also been added to the infotainment system in cars equipped with the navigation system. The audio functions can be modified with a steering switch, without the driver taking their hands off the steering wheel.
The new Nissan LEAF’s palette of colours offers a wide range of options, including white, yellow, red and light blue body colours combined with a black roof.
In addition to these basic colours, a new colour, Spring Light Green, will be available. The new Nissan LEAF will also be available in two-tone colours. There isn’t a recommended retail price for the UK yet, but in Japan the price of the new LEAF will start at 3,150,360 yen which is equivalent to around £22,000.
Says Hiroto Saikawa, president and chief executive of Nissan:
“The new Nissan LEAF, with its improved autonomy range, combined with the evolution of autonomous drive technology, such as ProPILOT Park and the simple operation of the e-Pedal, strengthens Nissan’s EV leadership, as well as the expansion of EVs globally. It also has the core strengths that will be embodied by future Nissan models.”
2017 Nissan LEAF specifications (European model)
|
Exterior |
(mm) |
|
Overall length |
4,480 |
|
Overall width |
1,790 |
|
Overall height |
1,535/1545 |
|
Wheelbase |
2,700 |
|
Track width front/rear |
1,540/1,555 |
|
Minimum ground clearance |
150 |
|
Coefficient of drag (Cd) |
0.28 |
|
Tires |
205/55R16 or 215/50R17 |
|
Weights/capacity |
(kg) |
|
Curb weight (min) |
1,535 |
|
Capacity |
5 passenger |
|
Gross vehicle weight |
1,765-1,795 |
|
Battery |
|
|
Type |
Li-ion battery |
|
Capacity |
40kWh |
|
Electric motor |
|
|
Name |
EM57 |
|
Maximum output |
110kw(150ps)/3283~9795rpm |
|
Maximum torque |
320N･m(32.6kgf･m)/0~3283rpm |
|
Performance |
|
|
Cruising range |
378km/235miles NEDC) |
|
Charging time (normal charging) |
16 hours(3kW) |
|
Charging time up to 80% (Quick Charging) |
40 minutes |
|
Maximum speed |
144km/h / 90mph |
.
