Nissan has announced that its new Leaf 30 kWh, an updated Leaf electric vehicle, gives drivers 250km of motoring range, thanks to the introduction of a new 30kWh battery.
14 Sep 2015 | 4365 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Nissan has announced that its new Leaf 30 kWh, an updated Leaf electric vehicle, gives drivers 250km of motoring range.
This extended range is made possible thanks to the introduction of a new 30kWh battery. The new battery is the highlight of an update package that will see the ...
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Nissan has announced that its new Leaf 30 kWh, an updated Leaf electric vehicle, gives drivers 250km of motoring range.
This extended range is made possible thanks to the introduction of a new 30kWh battery. The new battery is the highlight of an update package that will see the 2016 model year Leaf 30 kWh reinforce its position as the most capable and practical electric vehicle in the world, and with the best value. Introduced alongside a raft of design, technology and engineering updates, the longer range significantly broadens the Leaf's appeal, and according to Nissan makes it a true alternative to an internal combustion engine vehicle for millions of motorists and reinforcing its position as the world's best electric car.
New battery, new technology, same simple usability
The Leaf's new 30kWh battery delivers a longer range with no compromise on internal packaging. It has exactly the same exterior dimensions as the existing 24kWh unit and a 21kg increase in weight. Key to the new battery's higher performance is an update to its internal design and chemistry. The introduction of a high capacity cathode improves performance, while the change to the cell layout also contributes to the gain. Indeed, Nissan is so confident about the performance and reliability of the new battery that the capacity of the new 30kWh battery will be covered by an eight year, 160,000km warranty in the UK.
Recharging the Leaf's new 30kWh battery is as easy and stress-free as it is with the current 24kWh unit. Just as with the current Leaf, customers will be able to recharge from their homes, from public chargers, or from the network of Quick Chargers (3 phase, 400V) rapidly expanding across European networks. Quick charging time remains at just 30 minutes to charge the Leaf from 0-80%, the same period of time it takes the 24 kWh battery to achieve the same level of charge.
New tech gives owners even greater control
One of the Leaf's most useful features is its ability to interact with and be controlled remotely by its owner via NissanConnect EV. From being able to check charge status to pre-heating the cabin on a cold winter days in Europe, owners across the world have used this advanced smartphone-enabled telematics facility to make life even easier. NissanConnect EV not only brings greater comfort but also improves driving range, thanks to the ability to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin without using battery energy.
One of the many advances of the new NissanConnect EV system is the new charging map that is capable of showing which charging points are available and which are being used. Designed to offer seamless integration with the new-generation NissanConnect EV infotainment system, it also features a completely revised navigation system, maintenance alerts and a car-finder facility.
Production of the Leaf 30 kWh will continue at Nissan's Sunderland UK factory, with European sales starting in January 2016.