Nissan launches two versions of the highly successful LEAF electric vehicle
NISSAN has confirmed the evolution of the highly successful LEAF electric vehicle (EV) by launching two versions of the LEAF 3.ZERO. This new offer will broaden the appeal of EVs to more customers, and both models are ready to order from this month.
Following a record-breaking year for Nissan electric vehicles, LEAF 3.ZERO brings to Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle a new 8-inch infotainment screen enabling additional connectivity services such as door-to-door navigation. An all-new and improved NissanConnect EV app will also be available when the LEAF 3.ZERO goes on sale in Europe.
The LEAF 3.ZERO features the 40 kWh battery. New body colours and two-tone colour combinations will complete the choices. Customers can place their orders for LEAF 3.ZERO from now.
Only 5,000 units will be produced for Europe of the Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition which features a higher output capable of delivering 160 kW (217 PS) of power; 340Nm of torque; and a longer driving range expected to be up to 384 km from a single charge of the 62 kWh capacity battery.
Both 3.ZERO launch versions are flagship models for the 2019 Nissan LEAF, sitting at the top of their respective ranges.
At the centre of the LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition is an Intelligent Power-enhanced high-capacity battery and more powerful motor.
On the road, the LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition will deliver a 40% range increase over the LEAF 3.ZERO which is equipped with a 40 kWh battery. This represents more than 100 km 62 additional range for a comparable usage, a clear evolution of the LEAF.
Through innovative design and clever engineering, the new higher-power battery contains 288 cells compared to the 192 found in the 40 kWh equivalent. Even with a 25% increase in energy density and 55% increase in energy storage capacity, the Nissan LEAF e+ battery pack is almost the same size and configuration as the pack in the Nissan LEAF 40kWh. Other than a 5-millimetre increase in the car’s overall height (based on 16-inch wheels), the car’s exterior and interior dimensions are unchanged.
With the more powerful motor, acceleration from 50mph to 75mph is nearly 13% quicker. This allows the LEAF e+ to confidently pass slower-moving vehicles, exit corners faster and merge seamlessly with fast-moving traffic. The top speed (97mph) has also increased from the 40kWh version by approximately 10%.
The LEAF 3.ZERO models will feature both e-Pedal and ProPILOT. These critically acclaimed Intelligent Driving technologies are transforming the driving experience.
The LEAF 3.ZERO and LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition batteries come with the same eight-year/160,000 km Nissan warranty enjoyed by all other versions of the LEAF.
The launch of the Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO follows a historically strong year for Nissan electric vehicles, with the new LEAF performing particularly well. The new LEAF has been the highest selling EV in Europe for 2018, with over 40,000 cars delivered across the continent. The LEAF remains the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, with more than 380,000 units sold globally since the original car launched in 2010.
Gareth Dunsmore, director, electric vehicles and connected services, Nissan Europe, commented: ‘ The Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition broadens the appeal of the LEAF family even further, adding more range to an award-winning package that remains great to drive and live with.
‘Since we launched the new Nissan LEAF last year, the customer response has been outstanding. In an EV market that is constantly growing, sustaining the LEAF’s status as the most popular EV in Europe in 2018 is a testament to the strength of the product. We hope the LEAF 3.ZERO models will help continuing this extraordinary growth in 2019.’
First deliveries of the LEAF 3.ZERO are expected to start from this May, while initial customer deliveries of the LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition will commence from the summer.