Nissan has revealed the new Leaf e+, a more powerful variant of the Leaf which offers a longer driving range.
The ‘e+’ from the name is in reference to the increased energy density of the battery pack as well as the higher outputs from the electric motor.
In the Leaf e+, the new battery and motor produce 160kW of power and 340Nm of torque, up 50kW and 10Nm over the base Leaf.
Accelerating is claimed to be nearly 13 per cent quicker with the top speed increased by roughly 10 per cent for comfortable cruising.
The additional capacity means it is now theoretically possible to achieve a driving range of 458km which represents an improvement of 40 per cent over the standard Leaf.
A new 70kW (100kW peak) quick charging system also allows the Leaf e+ to be charged more efficiently and quickly despite the larger battery storage capacity.
Dimensionally, the Leaf e+ is 5mm taller than the standard car due to 16-inch wheels, however, the rest of the vehicle’s measurements remain the same inside and out.
Featured on the Leaf e+ is the ProPILOT and e-Pedal technology with the latter being reprogrammed to accommodate the extra power and mass of the e+. Smoother operation with enhanced pedal feedback should make using the e-Pedal easier even when reversing.
An assortment of advanced safety features are also standard including intelligent lane intervention, lane departure warning, intelligent emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection.
Internally, North American and European models will feature a larger, full-colour 8.0-inch display with an updated navigation system. The system delivers smartphone-esque operation with applications, maps and firmware now updated over the air.
There is also Door-to-Door Navigation which syncs the vehicle navigation with a compatible smartphone and Connections feature which allows devices to be easily connected within the vehicle.
Vibrant blue contrast stitching for the steering wheel, seats and door trim add a pop of colour to the cabin and reference the electric nature of the vehicle.
In terms of exterior design not much has changed for the Leaf e+. The front still sports the signature V-Motion grille with blue 3D mesh while the rear features distinctive taillights. A forensic analysis reveals subtle clues to the e+ designation including blue highlights in the front fascia and an ‘e+’ logo plate on the underside of the charge port lid.
The New Nissan Leaf e+ is set to be available in Japanese dealerships from late January with the U.S. and Europe launches set for Spring 2019 and mid-2019 respectively.
Disappointingly, at this stage, there are currently no plans to launch the Leaf e+ in Australia.
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