NISSAN Australia has bolstered the efficiency of its Leaf all-electric small hatch with the arrival of the brand new flagship e+ variant, which checks into native showrooms $10,500 upstream of its common counterpart at $60,490 plus on-road prices.
With the specification of the e+ primarily the identical because the base-level Leaf, the primary distinction lies beneath the pores and skin with the powertrain – the Leaf e+ includes a lithium-ion battery that’s now 22kWh bigger, with a mixed capability of 62kWh.
That additional battery capability not solely boosts WLTP driving vary by 115km to 385km, but in addition energy from 110kW/320Nm to a extra punchy 160kW/340Nm – a rise of 50kW/20Nm.
Nissan expects patrons to barely favour the common $49,990 Leaf with a variant cut up of round 60:40, with Nissan Australia electrification and mobility nationwide supervisor Ben Warren explaining {that a} vary of things will resolve which variant will likely be finest for them, however on the finish of the day the choice of alternative was important.
“In the end, there’s a couple of completely different items to that, each purchaser is a bit of bit completely different,” he stated.
“However actually we predict that the vary is clearly a important piece, and the place e+ actually ties in is for these clients who do these extra-long drives or have these additional necessities, and that’s the place the e+ actually offers that resolution immediately.
“The explanation why we predict the Leaf would be the lion’s share of the gross sales will likely be that 270km vary that fits the wants for many clients immediately based mostly on their common driving – the common commute is 38km a day, one thing like that, and so what we see with Leaf and e+ is opening up the selection there and opening as much as shoppers whether or not it’s that actual want of ‘I’ve a ravishing house up right here within the nation that I have to get to’ or whether or not it’s the perceived distances, no matter it could be it’s offering a variety of alternative and choices for extra clients.”
Nissan anticipated there to be some gross sales cannibalisation with the arrival of the e+, however total the brand new variant will result in a rise in whole quantity.
Within the first quarter of the yr, the Japanese model has bought 118 examples of the Leaf, and in 2020 managed 370 whole models.
Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester stated the Leaf will appeal to the best stage of recognition from authorities patrons, however wish to see a larger uptick in personal gross sales.
“(Personal patrons are) nonetheless a reasonably small proportion so we’re seeing actually sturdy will increase particularly within the authorities area, shires not in contrast to this one (Hepburn shire) categorical curiosity to us on how they’re altering over their fleets, in order that’s going to proceed.”
He additionally known as on governments in any respect ranges to introduce new laws to assist enhance EV possession amongst personal clients.
As talked about, the Leaf e+ includes a bigger battery than the Leaf which together with the additional vary and energy additionally will increase its DC charging functionality with a peak 100kW capability (up from 50kW) which on a 100kW charger can cost from 20 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.
On a 50kW charger it takes 90 minutes (right down to 60m for the Leaf).
The Leaf is exclusive within the pure-EV phase by providing bi-directional charging functionality, which means power saved within the automotive’s battery might be returned again to the house permitting for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, or can in any other case be used as a distant energy supply.
Unsurprisingly, the additional energy of the e+ ends in improved straight-line efficiency, with zero to 100km/h accomplished in 6.9 seconds – full second faster than the Leaf regardless of a 142kg weight penalty – and a high pace pegged at 158km/h, up from 145km/h.
Just like the common Leaf, the e+ characteristic’s Nissan’s e-Pedal operate that enables for predominantly one-pedal driving, with the accelerator tuned to use regenerative braking when not depressed.
Measuring 4490mm lengthy, 1788mm large and 1540mm tall, the Leaf e+ has a 2700mm wheelbase and comes with 405 litres of baggage area.
Customary tools in any other case matches the common Leaf, and begins with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/50 tyres (with a space-saver spare), LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime working lights; automated lights and wipers, power-folding facet mirrors with heating, and rear privateness glass.
Shifting contained in the cabin, options lengthen to an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite tv for pc navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist, DAB+ digital radio, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, a 7.0-inch multi-function show, heated entrance and outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, local weather management, keyless entry and begin, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and black leather-accented upholstery with Ultrasuede inserts.
Nissan’s Clever Mobility energetic security suite can be included, and comes with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and steering help, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise management, surround-view cameras, entrance and rear parking sensors, visitors signal recognition, driver consideration alert, tyre strain monitoring, and high-beam help.
Competitors for the Leaf e+ comes from the likes of the Hyundai Kona EV ($60,740-$65,290) and MG ZS EV ($43,990), with no EVs presently provided within the small automotive phase.
2021 Nissan Leaf pricing*
| Leaf (a) | $49,990 |
| Leaf e+ (a) | $60,490 |
*Excludes on-road prices
