Top 10: Facts about the 2018 Nissan Leaf
Nissan's second-generation Leaf is undoubtedly one of this year's most important new car launches. This all-electric five-door hatchback might look fairly ordinary, but it could persuade a significant number of buyers to ditch petrol and diesel engines.
Here are ten things worth knowing about the 2018 Leaf:
1. The design is much more appealing
Whereas Nissan probably tried too hard to give the old Leaf a distinctive appearance, the 2018 model's neat yet inoffensive styling is unlikely to alienate many people. Among the key elements are a floating roof and a 'V-motion' grille that's flanked by LED headlights.
2. Battery capacity has been improved
A 40 kWh lithium-ion battery array replaces the previous Leaf's 24 kWh or 30 kWh packs. Packaging isn't affected much though, because its physical size has hardly grown.
Recharging from empty to full takes sixteen hours via a 3 kW supply, or eight hours using 6 kW. Alternatively, a Quick Charging facility can do the job to 80% in just 40 minutes.
3. Range is better
According to the official New European Driving Cycle measure, 235 miles (378 kilometres) can be travelled on a single charge. The real-world distance arguably has to be around 200 miles (321 kilometres) in order to convince sceptics.
By comparison, the equivalent NEDC figures for the superseded Leaf are 124 miles (200 kilometres) with a 24 kWh battery and 155 miles (250 kilometres) if the 30 kWh option is fitted.
4. Two versions will be offered
Initially, the Leaf is going to have a 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) electric motor that delivers 320 Nm (236 lb/ft) of peak torque from zero rpm.
However, a more powerful variant with greater range is promised for the end of 2018, so prospective customers might want to consider waiting before placing an order.
5. It's semi-autonomous
The new Leaf features a suite of Intelligent Driving technologies. They include ProPILOT, which controls speed, following distance and positioning within a single lane. Additionally, the system is able to cope with traffic coming to a halt without any human intervention.
6. It's self-parking
Assisted by four cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors, ProPILOT Park can identify a suitable spot, then perform a nose-in, reverse-in or parallel parking manoeuvre as required.
7. One-pedal driving is a genuine innovation
A standard-equipment device called e-Pedal means the accelerator pedal alone can be used to build up speed, slow down and bring the car to a complete stop. While there's a separate brake pedal too, Nissan reckons that it'll seldom be needed.
8. Home and grid integration are possible
Nissan's Intelligent Integration philosophy is intended to exploit the Leaf's energy storage capability.
In the vehicle-to-home role, for example, the car's battery pack could be charged using either 'free' daytime solar generation or cheap night-time electricity from the grid. Any surplus not needed for driving would then power the house at peak-cost times.
Taking things one step further, vehicle-to-grid would allow Leaf owners to sell electricity back to the national network. Essentially, such an arrangement lets electric cars absorb demand fluctuation, a crucial function that can help to make the most of 'always on' renewable sources such as wind.
9. There are three manufacturing locations
Production has already started in Oppama, Japan. By the end of 2017, the Sunderland, UK and Smyrna, USA plants will be building the Leaf too. European deliveries are due to begin next January.
10. Pricing has yet to be announced
Even with the UK government's generous Plug-in Car Grant, purchase cost is bound to be a significant factor for anybody thinking of getting a Leaf. Depreciation, fuel spend and servicing are important financial issues too, but an attractive initial outlay remains key to inciting showroom visits.
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Here are ten things worth knowing about the 2018 Leaf:
1. The design is much more appealing
Whereas Nissan probably tried too hard to give the old Leaf a distinctive appearance, the 2018 model's neat yet inoffensive styling is unlikely to alienate many people. Among the key elements are a floating roof and a 'V-motion' grille that's flanked by LED headlights.
2. Battery capacity has been improved
A 40 kWh lithium-ion battery array replaces the previous Leaf's 24 kWh or 30 kWh packs. Packaging isn't affected much though, because its physical size has hardly grown.
Recharging from empty to full takes sixteen hours via a 3 kW supply, or eight hours using 6 kW. Alternatively, a Quick Charging facility can do the job to 80% in just 40 minutes.
3. Range is better
According to the official New European Driving Cycle measure, 235 miles (378 kilometres) can be travelled on a single charge. The real-world distance arguably has to be around 200 miles (321 kilometres) in order to convince sceptics.
By comparison, the equivalent NEDC figures for the superseded Leaf are 124 miles (200 kilometres) with a 24 kWh battery and 155 miles (250 kilometres) if the 30 kWh option is fitted.
4. Two versions will be offered
Initially, the Leaf is going to have a 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) electric motor that delivers 320 Nm (236 lb/ft) of peak torque from zero rpm.
However, a more powerful variant with greater range is promised for the end of 2018, so prospective customers might want to consider waiting before placing an order.
5. It's semi-autonomous
The new Leaf features a suite of Intelligent Driving technologies. They include ProPILOT, which controls speed, following distance and positioning within a single lane. Additionally, the system is able to cope with traffic coming to a halt without any human intervention.
6. It's self-parking
Assisted by four cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors, ProPILOT Park can identify a suitable spot, then perform a nose-in, reverse-in or parallel parking manoeuvre as required.
7. One-pedal driving is a genuine innovation
A standard-equipment device called e-Pedal means the accelerator pedal alone can be used to build up speed, slow down and bring the car to a complete stop. While there's a separate brake pedal too, Nissan reckons that it'll seldom be needed.
8. Home and grid integration are possible
Nissan's Intelligent Integration philosophy is intended to exploit the Leaf's energy storage capability.
In the vehicle-to-home role, for example, the car's battery pack could be charged using either 'free' daytime solar generation or cheap night-time electricity from the grid. Any surplus not needed for driving would then power the house at peak-cost times.
Taking things one step further, vehicle-to-grid would allow Leaf owners to sell electricity back to the national network. Essentially, such an arrangement lets electric cars absorb demand fluctuation, a crucial function that can help to make the most of 'always on' renewable sources such as wind.
9. There are three manufacturing locations
Production has already started in Oppama, Japan. By the end of 2017, the Sunderland, UK and Smyrna, USA plants will be building the Leaf too. European deliveries are due to begin next January.
10. Pricing has yet to be announced
Even with the UK government's generous Plug-in Car Grant, purchase cost is bound to be a significant factor for anybody thinking of getting a Leaf. Depreciation, fuel spend and servicing are important financial issues too, but an attractive initial outlay remains key to inciting showroom visits.
Related posts:
Nissan's new Pulsar N-Connecta Style Edition
Nissan has updated its X-Trail crossover
A third engine option for the Nissan Micra
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