The first Nissan Leaf was launched in 2010. Now, the Japanese manufacturer has unveiled the third generation of its battery-powered electric model.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan
The new Nissan Leaf is based on the CMF-EV platform and measures 4,350 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,550 mm in height. The BEV, which weighs between 1,789 and 1,937 kg, was designed at the Global Design Studio in Atsugi, Japan. A rounded fastback silhouette stretches over the wheels, which are up to 19 inches in size, with crescent-shaped daytime running lights at the front and striking light graphics at the rear, inspired by the Nissan Z sports car, which is not available in Europe. The Leaf's aerodynamics are optimized with flush door handles, an active grille shutter, a flat underbody, and an integrated rear wing. With a wheel and exterior mirror design optimized for other markets, the Nissan Leaf achieves a drag coefficient of 0.25 in Europe. Behind the electrically operated tailgate, the trunk offers a volume of 437 liters (VDA).
The interior is available in black or white with purple accents. The wheelbase is 2,790 mm. In the cockpit, the screens for the driver and infotainment system each measure 14.3 inches. A Bose audio system and a dimmable panoramic glass roof are also available as options.
Nissan Leaf with Two Power Levels and Battery Sizes
The Leaf is the first Nissan model to use the new 3-in-1 electric powertrain system, which integrates the electric motor, inverter, and reduction gear in a single component and requires 10 % less space than the previous generation. Two power levels linked to the battery size are available: the 130 kW (177 hp) version offers 345 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. The more powerful version with up to 160 kW (214 hp) and a maximum torque of 355 Nm is one second faster. Both versions are limited to 160 km/h. With the 52 kWh battery, the weaker version is expected to offer a range of up to 436 km, while the extended version with 75 kWh will take the Leaf up to 604 km.
The liquid-cooled batteries feature a new thermal energy recovery system: The heat generated by the on-board charger (OBC) increases the temperature of the high-voltage battery, which increases the regeneration potential in cold weather. This improves battery performance and saves energy. In addition, battery cooling is linked to the navigation system and regulates the temperature based on the route. The permissible temperature of the high-voltage battery can also be temporarily adjusted during fast charging. With up to 150 kW, the Leaf can ideally recharge for a range of around 417 km in 30 minutes. The electric car also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) connections for powering external electrical devices. In selected markets such as Japan, the Leaf also has a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) function.
The Leaf comes standard with intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, distance control, lane departure warning, and driver monitoring. The ProPilot system with Navi-Link for predictive driving and the 3D 8-point Around View Monitor are also available. The new Leaf is manufactured at the Nissan plant in Sunderland, UK.
This is a partly automated translation of this German article.
