After introducing an updated Nissan LEAF model (pictured) in its native Japan last November, Nissan has now revealed a new LEAF for the North American market too.
The vehicle, which has already begun assembly at the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, is said to offer improved range thanks to a series of efficiency improvements. It is expected that it will offer a range in the same region as the updated version in Japan, although official EPA figures have not yet been released. In Japan, the model offers a range of 141miles – a 14 per cent improvement.
At the heart of the enhancements is refined aerodynamics, along with a boost to regenerative braking and energy management. There is also a newly available 6.6kW on-board charger that can reduce the charging time almost in half: to around four hours for a full charge.
In addition, Nissan will be adding a lower priced entry level LEAF S.
There are several other model year additions too. They include a hybrid heater system that is said to provide superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy; and a B drive mode that can increase the level of regenerative braking during deceleration.
The rear cargo space has also been enhanced to 24cubic feet with the second row of seats upright: there is 30 cubic feet of space when the second row is folded down.
Furthermore, the new Nissan LEAF boasts an Eco Route feature that suggests the power saving routes on the vehicle’s navigation system.
Paul is a freelance writer with a background in everything from motoring to finance; and holidays to women's undergarments he just writes about them, honestly! He has now sadly crept into his early 30s and seems to have forgotten everything learned at school Still, he's a green car fanatic and isn't that what counts?
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