THE latest version of the full-electric Nissan Leaf, called Leaf e+, gets a battery that can store more energy, as well as an electric motor that produces more power. The improvements, according to a Nissan Motor statement released on Jan. 9, allows the car a range approximately 40% longer than that which the previous Leaf was capable of.
Nissan said the Leaf could travel around 322 kilometers on a full charge. The 2019 Leaf e+ has a range of up to 458 kilometers because of a battery that can store 55% more energy. A new 70kW (100kW peak) quick charging system allows the Leaf e+’s battery to be around 80% charged in 40 minutes.
Nissan noted the Leaf e+’s battery retains the size and configuration as those of the previous Leaf’s battery. The battery is covered by a warranty for eight years (or 160,000 kilometers).
Nissan said the high-capacity battery and more powerful motor in the Leaf e+ combine to produce 160kW and 340Nm, resulting in better response at high speeds — accelerating from 80kph to 120kph is nearly 13% quicker. Top speed has also increased by approximately 10%.
“By offering customers a choice of power trains to suit their needs, the award-winning Nissan Leaf is now more convenient and appealing,” said Daniele Schillaci, executive vice-president of Nissan Motor.
More than 380,000 Leafs have been sold globally since 2010. The car is equipped with semi-autonomous driving and a one-pedal driving system, as well as safety technologies like intelligent lane intervention, lane departure warning, intelligent emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and intelligent around view monitor.
The Leaf e+ is scheduled to be sold in Japan beginning this month, in the US in the second quarter, and in select European markets in mid-2019.
