WHAT LIES BENEATH THE LEAF
The structure of the new Leaf is essentially an evolved version of the Mk1’s underpinnings. The changes that have been made are said to boost structural rigidity, enhance refinement and improve the weight distribution.
Despite these improvements, Nissan has managed to save an undisclosed amount of weight by using new materials and joining methods. The structure itself is also more adjustable, enabling it to offer a wider range set-ups for different regions. The UK, for example, will get its own settings in order to cater to our uniquely potholed roads.
Further changes will be made for the forthcoming E-plus model, which will use a further modified version of the regular Leaf’s structure. It will need to be more rigid so it can accommodate a heavier battery of a yet to be revealed capacity, and it’ll have to handle the additional torque provided by a larger motor. No power output has been revealed, but Nissan said the E-plus will be so much punchier that it will require a toughened-up inverter.