Increased Range and New Autonomous Driving Technology

The "Leaf," first released at the end of 2010, has undergone its first full model change. The new model features a refreshed design, extended range, and integrated autonomous driving technology.

While the previous model could travel 280 km on a single charge, the new model achieves a range of 400 km in JC08 mode. The onboard lithium-ion battery capacity has also increased from 30 kWh to 40 kWh.

The powertrain has also been revamped, adopting a new "e-powertrain" that generates a maximum output of 110 kW and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. It also features "e-Pedal," which controls acceleration, deceleration, and stopping solely through the accelerator pedal. By releasing the accelerator pedal, the system can automatically control both regenerative and conventional braking to bring the vehicle to a halt.

While the previous Leaf already came standard with automatic braking and lane departure warning systems, the new model further includes "ProPILOT Park," which automatically handles all aspects of parking, including steering, acceleration, braking, gear changes, and the parking brake. This allows for safer parking in garages and parallel parking situations. Other autonomous driving technologies include "ProPILOT," for automated driving on single-lane highways.

Exterior Also Redesigned

The design has also been refreshed. Nissan describes the new model's design as low-profile and smooth, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.28. Details such as the clear blue flush surface grille and the blue molding on the rear bumper express its EV identity.

Inside, blue stitching has been added to express the EV character, similar to the exterior. The meter features a 7-inch full-color display that shows key information such as the status of the Safety Shield systems, motor output, regenerative status, audio, and navigation system.

Despite the increased battery capacity, the luggage space has been expanded by 65 liters compared to the previous generation, now offering 435 liters. The effective floor width, crucial for practicality, has also increased by 309 mm to 1,009 mm, allowing for the storage of two 9.5-inch golf bags or two to three suitcases.

Sales in Japan will commence on Monday, October 2. Deliveries in the United States, Canada, and Europe are scheduled to begin in January of next year.

Pricing starts at ¥3,150,360 for the entry-level S grade, ¥3,513,240 for the X grade, and ¥3,990,600 for the top-tier G grade.

Nissan Leaf | NISSAN
Body Dimensions | Length 4,480 x Width 1,790 x Height 1,540 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,540 / 1,555 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,490-1,520 kg
Electric Motor | EM57
Maximum Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 3,283-9,795 rpm
Maximum Torque | 320 Nm (32.6 kgm) / 0-3,283 rpm
Drive System | FF
Aerodynamic Drag (Cd Value) | 0.28
Battery | Lithium-ion
Battery Capacity | 40 kWh
Range (JC08 Mode) | 400 km
Charging Time (Standard Charging) | 16 hours (3kW) / 8 hours (6kW)
Time to 80% Charge (Rapid Charging) | 40 minutes
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Minimum Ground Clearance | 150 mm
Luggage Capacity | 435 liters
Price | ¥3,150,360 - ¥3,990,600