Nissan: Leaf News
04-11-2011, 09:58 AM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Nissan: Leaf News
I cannot find the Nissan Leaf thread - but I am almost positive it exists so here it is for now ...
Nissan Says Restart Problems Reports in Leaf Electric Cars
Nissan Says Restart Problems Reports in Leaf Electric Cars
TOKYO (Reuters) -- Nissan Motor Co. has received complaints from owners that its Leaf electric car on occasion fails to start, posing a potential setback for the automaker's goal of promoting 0-emission vehicles.
Nissan said today it was looking into the exact cause, which it traced back to the Leaf's air-conditioning unit. Nissan is investigating whether the glitch was in a certain component or the programming, spokesman Toshitake Inoshita said.
Nissan plans no recall for now since the issue does not affect safety, but will decide how to proceed after identifying the source of the problem, he said.
"When we know the exact cause, we will decide whether to issue a service bulletin, or take other steps," Inoshita said.
He added that the phenomenon was reported in both the United States and Japan, although he did not have an exact figure for the number of complaints.
Nissan and its French partner Renault SA are aiming to become leaders in the nascent field of electric vehicles, which plug into an electric outlet to power the car's batteries and have no tailpipe emissions.
Nissan launched the 5-seated Leaf in Japan and the United States in December, as well as in Portugal, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands earlier this year.
It sold more than 3,300 units in Japan as of February and delivered another 452 in the United States through March.
Production at Nissan's Oppama plant south of Tokyo, where the Leaf is made, resumed today on a normal basis -- from supplier-delivered parts -- for the 1st time in a month, after it was halted by a devastating earthquake that rocked northeast Japan on March 11.
05-28-2011, 10:44 AM
#2
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Commercial
05-28-2011, 11:29 AM
#3
Race Director
^ that is stupid - someone should make a counter commercial showing the other end of that electric recharging cord connected to a polluting coal fired power plant.
05-31-2011, 05:56 PM
#4
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Response
Nissan's latest Leaf-related ad asks: "What would the world be like if gas powered everything?"
Well, according to the spot, a middle-aged man would wake up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock, and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker's rip cord, he'd manage to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, would walk up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.
Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, would watch in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off.
Well, as you may have guessed, some General Motors execs aren't too thrilled that Nissan has taken a public shot at the Volt. Autoevolution says that in a "rare, but delicious unofficial reply on Twitter," GM's Executive Director of Product and Technology Communications, Jason Laird, tweeted:
"A carmaker poking gentle fun at our product ignores tow trucks they need and rental cars they recommend as backup to their product."
On the other hand, GM spokesman Rob Peterson, called the commercial "cute," but says that it's "misleading and damaging to the electric vehicle movement," according to Autoevolution.
07-19-2011, 10:19 AM
#6
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...rs-ev-hybrid/1
Nissan is raising the base price of the 2012 Leaf electric vehicle $2,420, to $36,200, including shipping, and says it will begin taking orders July 25 for the 2012 model -- but only from people who already have reservations -- in Southeastern states and in Illinois, where Leaf hasn't been sold until now.
The top model, SL, goes up $3,530, to $38,100.
Lease payment for the SV goes up $20 to $369 per month for 36 months. SL lease, up $30 to $409. Lease down payments rise, too, to $2,599 from $1,995.
Both SV and SL have additional standard features for 2012, Nissan says.
Leaf is newly available, starting with the 2012 model, in Washington, D.C., and these states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia.
The car has been on sale in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Some buyers qualify for $7,500 federal tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs), effectively reducing the price that much. But buyers have to wait until they file their income taxes to claim the credit. Some states also offer thousands of dollars of credits to EV buyers, reducing the net price even more.
New standard features, and how to get in line for a Leaf if you aren't in the July 25 group:
Aug. 4, Nissan says, it will begin taking new reservations and orders from people who have signed up at NissanUSA.com.
Nissan says it will begin delivering 2012 Leaf EVs this fall.
The new standard features mainly are cold-weather oriented: Battery warmer (cold batteries lose power), heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, defrosting outside mirrors, rear climate control ducts.
In addition the SL model will have a standard fast-charge connection, which was a $700 option on the 2011, Nissan says, and 93% of buyers chose it.
It allows a 30-minute recharge using 480 volts. Fast-charge stations are expected to become more popular for the obvious reason -- half an hour to refuel, instead of several hours on 220 - 240 volts or overnight on 110 - 120 volts.
Leaf is the only purely battery-power family car sold by a mainstream automaker in the U.S. It was introduced last December, when 19 were sold. The first half this year, another 3,875 have been sold, according to Autodata.
The top model, SL, goes up $3,530, to $38,100.
Lease payment for the SV goes up $20 to $369 per month for 36 months. SL lease, up $30 to $409. Lease down payments rise, too, to $2,599 from $1,995.
Both SV and SL have additional standard features for 2012, Nissan says.
Leaf is newly available, starting with the 2012 model, in Washington, D.C., and these states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia.
The car has been on sale in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Some buyers qualify for $7,500 federal tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs), effectively reducing the price that much. But buyers have to wait until they file their income taxes to claim the credit. Some states also offer thousands of dollars of credits to EV buyers, reducing the net price even more.
New standard features, and how to get in line for a Leaf if you aren't in the July 25 group:
Aug. 4, Nissan says, it will begin taking new reservations and orders from people who have signed up at NissanUSA.com.
Nissan says it will begin delivering 2012 Leaf EVs this fall.
The new standard features mainly are cold-weather oriented: Battery warmer (cold batteries lose power), heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, defrosting outside mirrors, rear climate control ducts.
In addition the SL model will have a standard fast-charge connection, which was a $700 option on the 2011, Nissan says, and 93% of buyers chose it.
It allows a 30-minute recharge using 480 volts. Fast-charge stations are expected to become more popular for the obvious reason -- half an hour to refuel, instead of several hours on 220 - 240 volts or overnight on 110 - 120 volts.
Leaf is the only purely battery-power family car sold by a mainstream automaker in the U.S. It was introduced last December, when 19 were sold. The first half this year, another 3,875 have been sold, according to Autodata.
Last edited by biker; 07-19-2011 at 10:21 AM.
Trending Topics
10-11-2011, 11:10 AM
#8
Senior Moderator
Booked to test drive one on Thursday...should be interesting.
10-11-2011, 11:28 AM
#10
Senior Moderator
10-11-2011, 11:49 AM
#11
The sizzle in the Steak
10-25-2011, 09:34 AM
#12
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...f-poor-sales/1
Nissan, which has so far seen paltry sales of its electric Leaf, is sounding downright bullish about its prospects for its electric cars.
Nissan, with its French sister Renault, expects expects to sell 1.5 million zero-emission models n five years, Bloomberg News reports.
In the U.S., Nissan has sold 7,199 Leafs for the year through September, according to Autodata. They only went on sale in December, so it's easy to see how slow the model is taking to catch on. Worldwide, Bloomberg says Nissan has sold about 15,000, including those in the U.S.
Yet Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn sees electric cars as a key advantage for Nissan. He points out that Nissan got beat by its Japanese competitors when it came to hybrids, but "that's completely fine, as long as we are the leading company in developing all-electric cars."
Nissan plans to add three all-electric models to the Leaf by 2016 and a plug-in hybrid by 2015.
Nissan, with its French sister Renault, expects expects to sell 1.5 million zero-emission models n five years, Bloomberg News reports.
In the U.S., Nissan has sold 7,199 Leafs for the year through September, according to Autodata. They only went on sale in December, so it's easy to see how slow the model is taking to catch on. Worldwide, Bloomberg says Nissan has sold about 15,000, including those in the U.S.
Yet Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn sees electric cars as a key advantage for Nissan. He points out that Nissan got beat by its Japanese competitors when it came to hybrids, but "that's completely fine, as long as we are the leading company in developing all-electric cars."
Nissan plans to add three all-electric models to the Leaf by 2016 and a plug-in hybrid by 2015.
too much of the EV koolaid.
10-25-2011, 10:53 AM
#14
Senior Moderator
Quite the gamble, IMO...I test drove one recently and while, it was a neat car, the mileage you can go on one charge is a concern and may turn many buyers away.
Simply put, it is approximately 60ish miles on one full charge and as the rep said to us, the car should be seen as "strictly a city commuter." At the cost of $40,000CDN, that's not exactly a bargain although, you could factor in the maintenance costs to being quite low.
One quirky thing about the Leaf: depending on how you drive (accelerate, brake, etc.), a small tree icon will slowly fill up in the dash and the more of these you get, the better you are in conserving energy and thus, the environment. It goes into some global ranking system...like a video game.
Simply put, it is approximately 60ish miles on one full charge and as the rep said to us, the car should be seen as "strictly a city commuter." At the cost of $40,000CDN, that's not exactly a bargain although, you could factor in the maintenance costs to being quite low.
One quirky thing about the Leaf: depending on how you drive (accelerate, brake, etc.), a small tree icon will slowly fill up in the dash and the more of these you get, the better you are in conserving energy and thus, the environment. It goes into some global ranking system...like a video game.
10-25-2011, 11:31 AM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
Even in the land of the environmental crazies.....rarely see a Leaf or Volt on the road.
Prius-a-plenty however.
Prius-a-plenty however.
10-25-2011, 11:39 AM
#16
Senior Moderator
If I had to pick between Leaf or Volt, I'd go with the latter...simply because the range on the Leaf is too limited. I can totally imagine running out of battery power and being stranded.
11-20-2012, 11:30 AM
#17
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Update
Nissan Motor Co., hoping to boost disappointing sales for the Leaf electric car, today said it has improved the driving range of its alternative-fuel vehicle by 14 percent and lowered its price tag.
Nissan officials said changes to the remodeled Leaf, shown earlier today in Tokyo, were based on comments from customers who voiced fears of their vehicle running out of its electric charge and stranding them.
The automaker's plans for the new Leaf emerged last month in Automotive News.
Electric vehicles, including the Leaf, have not caught on as fast as some expected due to concerns over driving range, as well as the lack of a charging infrastructure and customer resistance to paying too high a price premium over similar sized gas-powered cars.
"When technologies employed to cars are still in their first generation, it's not so easy for customers to try them out. We think that our new pricing and improvement in performance could be key to helping customers switch to electric vehicles," Nissan Leaf engineer Hidetoshi Kadota told reporters.
The remodeled Leaf can run 228 km (140 miles) when fully charged up from about 200 km before. Nissan officials said the car shed some 80 kg (180 pounds) through powertrain rearrangement and a lighter lithium-ion battery structure.
The driving range with use of air conditioner has also improved from the 120 km in the 1st-generation model, executives said, though they declined to give a specific figure.
In the new model, Nissan lowered the starting price of the Leaf in Japan to about 3.3 million yen ($40,700) from 3.8 million yen by introducing a lower grade. With subsidies, that starting price drops to around 2.6 million yen.
The remodeled Leaf went on sale in Japan today and is set to be released in the United States in the 1st quarter of 2013. The sales timing for Europe has yet to be set.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has acknowledged that achieving the goal to double global Leaf sales this fiscal year to about 40,000 vehicles would be difficult. Nissan sold 11,720 Leaf cars in the 6 months to September.
The Leaf is not the only EV to struggle. In the United States, sales of General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car have come up short of expectations, while Fisker Automotive's Karma plug-in hybrid has experienced numerous problems.
The new Leaf has more room in the trunk than the previous model after the charger was moved to the front of the car. It also has a more efficient heating system, executives said.
11-21-2012, 09:10 AM
#19
Niner Faithful
What would be the minimum miles that an electric car can get on an Electric Charge for some of you guys?
It varies as everyone has different needs. I have a short commute to my office but I might need to go see 1-2 clients per day so that 60 miles doensn't cut it for me. I am thinking at least 150 miles per charge
It varies as everyone has different needs. I have a short commute to my office but I might need to go see 1-2 clients per day so that 60 miles doensn't cut it for me. I am thinking at least 150 miles per charge
11-21-2012, 09:29 AM
#21
Niner Faithful
01-14-2013, 04:23 PM
#22
Nissan Leaf Gets Another Price Drop
Nissan Leaf Gets Another Price Drop
Minus $7,500 income tax credit for New Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicles and a $2,500 CA Electric Vehicle Purchase Rebate.... that puts it under $20K.
Then there's the addition state incentives (http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electr.../ev-incentives) of:
Not bad for some people.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced a $6,400 price drop for the base-model 2013 Nissan Leaf. Last year's base model was $35,200, while the new base-level 2013 Leaf S starts at $28,800. Ghosn says the new prices make the Leaf the least expensive five-seater electric for sale in the US.
Then there's the addition state incentives (http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electr.../ev-incentives) of:
- Electric Vehicle Car Insurance Discount -- Insurance discounts of zero to 10% to be claimed by the owner of an electric vehicle.
- Single Occupancy HOV Lane -- Unlimited use of HOV lanes by vehicles with White or Green Clean Air Vehicle sticker. The program is scheduled to expire December 31, 2014.
- Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Rate Reduction -- A discount rate is offered for electricity used to charge Electric Vehicles during off-peak times.
- LADWP Electric Vehicle Home Charger Rebate Program -- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) provides rebates of up to $2,000 to residential customers who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle and install Level II EVSE with a separate time-of-use meter at their home.
- Free Metered Parking: Santa Monica
Not bad for some people.
08-11-2017, 03:04 PM
#23
Race Director
Nissan has released several teaser shots of the all-new Leaf, which will be revealed early next month. The car has been seen pretty much undisguised in a number of recent spy photos, sporting a look that is quite different from the outgoing model with a more pronounced wedge shape, slabbier sides and a sharper beak. And as the teaser image shows, Nissan has revamped the exterior with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, even lowering the car for better stability at highway speeds.
The most talked-about aspect of the upcoming Leaf has been the range, and recent leaked documents (which first appeared on Autobytel before being hastily taken down, but not before being seen by
PushEVs) may have revealed some official specs.
The leaked specs show that the new Leaf will offer 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, up from 107 hp and 187 lb-ft in the current model, with a previously-reported battery capacity of 40 kWh. If true, this will represent a solid improvement over the current model which has a 30 kWh battery, and also allows us to calculate an estimated range for the new car: Approximately 143 miles based on the 107-mile range of the current model with its 30 kWh battery, or as high as 165 miles based on an earlier leak of its instrument cluster.
Needless to say, a range of 143 miles may not be the dramatic jump that will make the outgoing Leaf seem obsolete; this expected range is also quite far from the 215-mile range of the Tesla Model 3 and the 238-mile range of the Chevrolet Bolt, only one of which the Leaf will compete with directly.
Industry observers had predicted a 200+ mile range for the new Leaf given battery improvements and competition, but it's important to reiterate that this is not an official figure; we don't know if Nissan will also offer a longer-range model with a bigger battery. A 60 kWh battery had been mentioned in past rumors about the new Leaf, and it may still be revealed as an additional model.
Leaked documents may have also revealed the pricing ladder for the S, SV and SL trim levels of the Leaf starting at $29,990, $32,490, and $36,200, respectively, before any state or federal incentives and before destination costs. This suggests that the Leaf may not take on the Bolt or the Model 3 directly, and may get away with a much lower range.
The 2018 Leaf is also expected to offer a semi-autonomous driver assist system called ProPilot, which is expected to offer autonomous steering, acceleration and braking within a single lane on the interstate, driving conditions permitting. This system's details have not been specified at this time, but it is expected to be upgradeable via updates that will unlock new capabilities when they're ready, as with Tesla's Autopilot.
The official debut of the Leaf on Sept. 6 of this year -- less than a month away -- will answer the question of an EPA-rated range definitively in addition to revealing other important features of the all-new model.
Read more: 2018 Nissan Leaf leaked specs: 40kwh battery, mid $30K pricing
The most talked-about aspect of the upcoming Leaf has been the range, and recent leaked documents (which first appeared on Autobytel before being hastily taken down, but not before being seen by
PushEVs) may have revealed some official specs.
The leaked specs show that the new Leaf will offer 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, up from 107 hp and 187 lb-ft in the current model, with a previously-reported battery capacity of 40 kWh. If true, this will represent a solid improvement over the current model which has a 30 kWh battery, and also allows us to calculate an estimated range for the new car: Approximately 143 miles based on the 107-mile range of the current model with its 30 kWh battery, or as high as 165 miles based on an earlier leak of its instrument cluster.
Needless to say, a range of 143 miles may not be the dramatic jump that will make the outgoing Leaf seem obsolete; this expected range is also quite far from the 215-mile range of the Tesla Model 3 and the 238-mile range of the Chevrolet Bolt, only one of which the Leaf will compete with directly.
Industry observers had predicted a 200+ mile range for the new Leaf given battery improvements and competition, but it's important to reiterate that this is not an official figure; we don't know if Nissan will also offer a longer-range model with a bigger battery. A 60 kWh battery had been mentioned in past rumors about the new Leaf, and it may still be revealed as an additional model.
Leaked documents may have also revealed the pricing ladder for the S, SV and SL trim levels of the Leaf starting at $29,990, $32,490, and $36,200, respectively, before any state or federal incentives and before destination costs. This suggests that the Leaf may not take on the Bolt or the Model 3 directly, and may get away with a much lower range.
The 2018 Leaf is also expected to offer a semi-autonomous driver assist system called ProPilot, which is expected to offer autonomous steering, acceleration and braking within a single lane on the interstate, driving conditions permitting. This system's details have not been specified at this time, but it is expected to be upgradeable via updates that will unlock new capabilities when they're ready, as with Tesla's Autopilot.
The official debut of the Leaf on Sept. 6 of this year -- less than a month away -- will answer the question of an EPA-rated range definitively in addition to revealing other important features of the all-new model.
Read more: 2018 Nissan Leaf leaked specs: 40kwh battery, mid $30K pricing
08-14-2017, 08:28 AM
#25
Moderator
My former boss just turned in a leased Leaf, he had charging ability at his office in Atlanta, and the tax incentive practically made it free to drive. Said he liked it, but they had a kid so he got into a Pacifica.
09-06-2017, 09:12 AM
#26
Moderator
https://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2018-leaf/
Nissan revealed its new Nissan LEAF - the world's most advanced mass-market electric vehicle (EV) and icon of the company's Intelligent Mobility vision.
All electric, and packed with ingenious technology, the new Nissan LEAF is the company's first car in Europe that will embrace the early steps of advanced driver assistance, and is packed with cutting-edge innovations such as e-Pedal, allowing you to drive and brake in a totally new and seamless way.
It can also go further, with a range of 378 km/235miles on a single charge, and has been redesigned for a new generation, with a sleeker look inside and out.
The new Nissan LEAF will be on sale in Europe from January 2018.
"The new Nissan LEAF drives Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is the core brand strategy for Nissan's future," said Hiroto Saikawa, president and chief executive officer of Nissan. "The new Nissan LEAF, with its improved autonomy range, combined with the evolution of autonomous drive technology, such as ProPILOT Park and the simple operation of the e-Pedal, strengthens Nissan's EV leadership, as well as the expansion of EVs globally. It also has the core strengths that will be embodied by future Nissan models."
Nissan Intelligent Mobility is the company's blueprint to redefine the future of driving and looks to progress the role of the car to be more than simply a mode of transport. Nissan Intelligent Mobility is defined by how the car is driven, how it is powered and how it integrates into society.
The new Nissan LEAF is the company's on-road embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, with its early-stage of ProPILOT technologies, advanced all-electric powertrain and unique ability to connect to and power the buildings it plugs in to.
All electric, and packed with ingenious technology, the new Nissan LEAF is the company's first car in Europe that will embrace the early steps of advanced driver assistance, and is packed with cutting-edge innovations such as e-Pedal, allowing you to drive and brake in a totally new and seamless way.
It can also go further, with a range of 378 km/235miles on a single charge, and has been redesigned for a new generation, with a sleeker look inside and out.
The new Nissan LEAF will be on sale in Europe from January 2018.
"The new Nissan LEAF drives Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is the core brand strategy for Nissan's future," said Hiroto Saikawa, president and chief executive officer of Nissan. "The new Nissan LEAF, with its improved autonomy range, combined with the evolution of autonomous drive technology, such as ProPILOT Park and the simple operation of the e-Pedal, strengthens Nissan's EV leadership, as well as the expansion of EVs globally. It also has the core strengths that will be embodied by future Nissan models."
Nissan Intelligent Mobility is the company's blueprint to redefine the future of driving and looks to progress the role of the car to be more than simply a mode of transport. Nissan Intelligent Mobility is defined by how the car is driven, how it is powered and how it integrates into society.
The new Nissan LEAF is the company's on-road embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, with its early-stage of ProPILOT technologies, advanced all-electric powertrain and unique ability to connect to and power the buildings it plugs in to.
09-06-2017, 09:12 AM
#27
Moderator
09-06-2017, 09:34 AM
#29
Team Owner
I don't overly love Nissan's new design language (beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?), but I do really like this thing, inside and out. It looks like a very nice step up from the previous gen Leaf.
09-06-2017, 10:43 AM
#31
Team Owner
I agree. I don't like how it looks on the maxima, but I love it on this thing.
09-06-2017, 11:31 AM
#32
Moderator
I don't necessarily mind the faux window/floating c-pillar, just don't care for Nissan's execution of it. On a darker colored Maxima it's not bad, but otherwise, not much of a fan.
09-06-2017, 01:10 PM
#34
Moderator
I just don't know that I'd go for one. I think I'd be more apt for a Volt than a Leaf or Prius.
09-08-2017, 08:43 AM
#35
Moderator
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/ele...ssan-leaf-here
More power, more miles per charge and all-new, less blobby styling. Like it?
This, internet, is the new Nissan Leaf. You’ll immediately note it looks different to the car it replaces: blobby design features are replaced by chiselled ones, while a two-tone colour scheme takes a bit of weight out of the design, too.
There’s a hint of the latest Micra and Qashqai about it – whether that’s a compliment or not depends on if you like those cars – but we can’t imagine many people would prefer the outgoing Leaf aesthetically. Correct us if we’re wrong in the comments box, mind.
Beneath the sharper styling is sharper tech. There’s more power – 147bhp and 236lb ft are up from the old Leaf’s 108bhp and 187lb ft – while more battery capacity means the range is much improved too, with a 235-mile official, EU cycle figure. That means sub-200 miles in real life, most likely.
The top speed has climbed by a solitary mile-per-hour, to 90mph, while new steering and stiffer suspension should make it more fun to drive. But of course these aren’t the big issues for a lot of EV buyers, and the plethora of tech on offer with Leaf mk2 ought to please them more.
There’s lots of automated stuff – the car will keep itself in lane and do your braking and acceleration in traffic - and there’s a fully automatic parking system, one which doesn’t need you to use the pedal. By the time Leaf mk3 comes along this one may be very close to being allowed to drive itself, without its ProPilot tech being sold as ‘driver assistance’.
The Leaf also comes with something called ‘e-pedal’, which is Nissan speak for one-pedal operation. The BMW i3 already does this, but it essentially means you can forget the brake pedal and only use the throttle; the car will slow right to a stop when you lift off, and the car will even hold you on a hill until you touch the throttle again. Nissan reckons you’ll be able to do 90 per cent of your driving with one pedal alone.
There’s a new smartphone app to keep an eye on your charge and find EV charging stations, TFT instruments and even the ability to power your home with excess charge in the Leaf, or even sell it back to the grid. Chances are you’ll want to keep it, though, as a full charge will still take all night. You can do an 80 per cent quick charge in 40 minutes, mind.
Leaf mk2 is a little bigger than before – somewhere between a Qashqai and X-Trail in length – and with all that extra tech, will probably cost a little more too. European sales start in January, so we’ll know for sure then. Either way, Nissan says a more powerful Leaf with a longer mileage range will follow it later in 2018.
Nissan has a tough task on its hands – the old Leaf is the biggest selling electric car ever, with 283,000 shifted since 2010. Reckon it’s done enough to make this one bigger selling still?
This, internet, is the new Nissan Leaf. You’ll immediately note it looks different to the car it replaces: blobby design features are replaced by chiselled ones, while a two-tone colour scheme takes a bit of weight out of the design, too.
There’s a hint of the latest Micra and Qashqai about it – whether that’s a compliment or not depends on if you like those cars – but we can’t imagine many people would prefer the outgoing Leaf aesthetically. Correct us if we’re wrong in the comments box, mind.
Beneath the sharper styling is sharper tech. There’s more power – 147bhp and 236lb ft are up from the old Leaf’s 108bhp and 187lb ft – while more battery capacity means the range is much improved too, with a 235-mile official, EU cycle figure. That means sub-200 miles in real life, most likely.
The top speed has climbed by a solitary mile-per-hour, to 90mph, while new steering and stiffer suspension should make it more fun to drive. But of course these aren’t the big issues for a lot of EV buyers, and the plethora of tech on offer with Leaf mk2 ought to please them more.
There’s lots of automated stuff – the car will keep itself in lane and do your braking and acceleration in traffic - and there’s a fully automatic parking system, one which doesn’t need you to use the pedal. By the time Leaf mk3 comes along this one may be very close to being allowed to drive itself, without its ProPilot tech being sold as ‘driver assistance’.
The Leaf also comes with something called ‘e-pedal’, which is Nissan speak for one-pedal operation. The BMW i3 already does this, but it essentially means you can forget the brake pedal and only use the throttle; the car will slow right to a stop when you lift off, and the car will even hold you on a hill until you touch the throttle again. Nissan reckons you’ll be able to do 90 per cent of your driving with one pedal alone.
There’s a new smartphone app to keep an eye on your charge and find EV charging stations, TFT instruments and even the ability to power your home with excess charge in the Leaf, or even sell it back to the grid. Chances are you’ll want to keep it, though, as a full charge will still take all night. You can do an 80 per cent quick charge in 40 minutes, mind.
Leaf mk2 is a little bigger than before – somewhere between a Qashqai and X-Trail in length – and with all that extra tech, will probably cost a little more too. European sales start in January, so we’ll know for sure then. Either way, Nissan says a more powerful Leaf with a longer mileage range will follow it later in 2018.
Nissan has a tough task on its hands – the old Leaf is the biggest selling electric car ever, with 283,000 shifted since 2010. Reckon it’s done enough to make this one bigger selling still?
09-08-2017, 08:46 AM
#36
Moderator
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/leaf/first-drive-0
What is this?
Don’t get too excited. It’s the second generation Nissan Leaf. You can read about the basics of it here. We went to Las Vegas to find out what it’s like to drive.
So?
Hang on, couple of things to get straight first. Like the range. The quoted figure of 235 miles in the first story was for the less-than-real-life EU test standard. The US EPA’s numbers, which are much more realistic, puts the new Leaf’s range at 150 miles. Which puts it firmly in the ‘will cause range anxiety’ category for anyone other than urban commuters.
What’s the other thing?
Nissan said repeatedly at the launch that this car was the result of listening to existing Leaf customer’s requests and demands. As much as that’s supposed to sound like a warm and fuzzy slam dunk, it’s the opposite. Customers generally have no idea what they could have, so only ask for what they know. That doesn’t push any boundaries.
Which means?
The new Leaf doesn’t contain anything unexpectedly cool or surprising. Which is a shame, especially for a new all-electric car. Like most other Nissans, it is functional and practical but also feels like all the fun has purposefully been drained from it to make it a rational rather than emotional choice.
But it drives OK, right?
Yeah. The chassis feels compliant, controlled and quiet. Steering is good. It accelerates swiftly – much faster than the current car – up to even motorway speeds and is quiet and calm while it does so. We only got to do a 14-mile loop a couple of times, so can’t tell you anything about the battery life other than it didn’t do anything odd. So it’s plenty functional and comfortable enough, with nothing standing out for real criticism or praise. Which is, apparently, just as Nissan wanted it.
Nothing at all?
Well, there are two things. One is the e-pedal, which allows you to mostly drive using just the right pedal. It accelerates when you press down and brakes when you lift off. Simple. It’s different from the system in the BMW i3 in that it blends in the regular service brakes with the energy recovery system. This allows you to do things like hill starts without having to balance the brake and throttle pedals. If that offends your driving sensibilities, you can turn it off.
And the second thing?
ProPilot. This optional package offers lane-keeping and active cruise control for the compulsive texters amongst us. But it should, as with most new tech, be used with an air of caution.
What happened?
The first (pre-production) car we drove steered – and remember the car is helping strongly with the steering, so we had to fight its actions – to the right when I released the wheel to see what it would do. So much so it would have hit a car if we hadn’t intervened. It was later diagnosed as a dodgy sensor and the second car we tried worked fine.
I’m sensing a but…
It demonstrated that systems like ProPilot, which will also have a crack at parking the car too should you be feeling lazy, should not be fully trusted to work at all times. Just as an occasional safety net.
How does this stack up against the Tesla Model 3?
Initially on price, quite well. With the base Leaf due to start where the current car is today, just a shade under $30k. But get into the better-equipped models – the SV and the range-topping SL and the price rises to over $37k. That’s the low end of Tesla territory. Admittedly low-spec territory, but that Tesla badge comes with a cachet the Nissan doesn’t have. Plus the Model 3 has over 85 miles more range per charge.
And the other all-electric cars?
The Chevy Bolt, despite its disappointing looks, outperforms the Leaf in almost every way. Faster, greater range, etc. It comes in a little more expensive at MSRP, but you can probably get a discount from your Chevy dealer to bring that down. However, this isn’t the Leaf’s main headache. Give it a year or so and the market is going to be filled with interesting electric cars from all over the world.
But surely Nissan knows that?
They do, which is why they are already preparing a higher powered, longer range version of the Leaf for next year. Unlike the Tesla - which can just be activated over the air when the owner pays the price - it’s a whole new battery system which cannot be retrofitted to this car. While you have to admire the company’s honesty, it does seem to have shot itself in the foot with this announcement. Why buy this one when there’s a better one coming next year?
Talking of which, should I buy one?
No, no and no again… lease it. The depreciation on Leafs – and other electrics like the Fiat 500e – is nothing short of staggering. So don’t get left holding the thing after three years. Lease it and give it back or get a new one in a few years, when the battery starts getting tired. It’s really an OK city car – and the UK ones will be built in Sunderland, so you can feel good about buying a British-built product if that matters to you – so it’s fine for that job.
Just don’t expect too much from it and it won’t – or shouldn’t – disappoint.
Don’t get too excited. It’s the second generation Nissan Leaf. You can read about the basics of it here. We went to Las Vegas to find out what it’s like to drive.
So?
Hang on, couple of things to get straight first. Like the range. The quoted figure of 235 miles in the first story was for the less-than-real-life EU test standard. The US EPA’s numbers, which are much more realistic, puts the new Leaf’s range at 150 miles. Which puts it firmly in the ‘will cause range anxiety’ category for anyone other than urban commuters.
What’s the other thing?
Nissan said repeatedly at the launch that this car was the result of listening to existing Leaf customer’s requests and demands. As much as that’s supposed to sound like a warm and fuzzy slam dunk, it’s the opposite. Customers generally have no idea what they could have, so only ask for what they know. That doesn’t push any boundaries.
Which means?
The new Leaf doesn’t contain anything unexpectedly cool or surprising. Which is a shame, especially for a new all-electric car. Like most other Nissans, it is functional and practical but also feels like all the fun has purposefully been drained from it to make it a rational rather than emotional choice.
But it drives OK, right?
Yeah. The chassis feels compliant, controlled and quiet. Steering is good. It accelerates swiftly – much faster than the current car – up to even motorway speeds and is quiet and calm while it does so. We only got to do a 14-mile loop a couple of times, so can’t tell you anything about the battery life other than it didn’t do anything odd. So it’s plenty functional and comfortable enough, with nothing standing out for real criticism or praise. Which is, apparently, just as Nissan wanted it.
Nothing at all?
Well, there are two things. One is the e-pedal, which allows you to mostly drive using just the right pedal. It accelerates when you press down and brakes when you lift off. Simple. It’s different from the system in the BMW i3 in that it blends in the regular service brakes with the energy recovery system. This allows you to do things like hill starts without having to balance the brake and throttle pedals. If that offends your driving sensibilities, you can turn it off.
And the second thing?
ProPilot. This optional package offers lane-keeping and active cruise control for the compulsive texters amongst us. But it should, as with most new tech, be used with an air of caution.
What happened?
The first (pre-production) car we drove steered – and remember the car is helping strongly with the steering, so we had to fight its actions – to the right when I released the wheel to see what it would do. So much so it would have hit a car if we hadn’t intervened. It was later diagnosed as a dodgy sensor and the second car we tried worked fine.
I’m sensing a but…
It demonstrated that systems like ProPilot, which will also have a crack at parking the car too should you be feeling lazy, should not be fully trusted to work at all times. Just as an occasional safety net.
How does this stack up against the Tesla Model 3?
Initially on price, quite well. With the base Leaf due to start where the current car is today, just a shade under $30k. But get into the better-equipped models – the SV and the range-topping SL and the price rises to over $37k. That’s the low end of Tesla territory. Admittedly low-spec territory, but that Tesla badge comes with a cachet the Nissan doesn’t have. Plus the Model 3 has over 85 miles more range per charge.
And the other all-electric cars?
The Chevy Bolt, despite its disappointing looks, outperforms the Leaf in almost every way. Faster, greater range, etc. It comes in a little more expensive at MSRP, but you can probably get a discount from your Chevy dealer to bring that down. However, this isn’t the Leaf’s main headache. Give it a year or so and the market is going to be filled with interesting electric cars from all over the world.
But surely Nissan knows that?
They do, which is why they are already preparing a higher powered, longer range version of the Leaf for next year. Unlike the Tesla - which can just be activated over the air when the owner pays the price - it’s a whole new battery system which cannot be retrofitted to this car. While you have to admire the company’s honesty, it does seem to have shot itself in the foot with this announcement. Why buy this one when there’s a better one coming next year?
Talking of which, should I buy one?
No, no and no again… lease it. The depreciation on Leafs – and other electrics like the Fiat 500e – is nothing short of staggering. So don’t get left holding the thing after three years. Lease it and give it back or get a new one in a few years, when the battery starts getting tired. It’s really an OK city car – and the UK ones will be built in Sunderland, so you can feel good about buying a British-built product if that matters to you – so it’s fine for that job.
Just don’t expect too much from it and it won’t – or shouldn’t – disappoint.
10-03-2017, 10:31 AM
#37
Moderator
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/ele...ismo-here-soon
Nissan’s making an electric hot hatch. Here’s our first look
It was inevitable, but that makes it no less exciting; Nissan’s electric car march is breeding performance cars, and the first could be this Leaf Nismo.
We say could because it’s officially a concept. It’s been previewed in this image and will be shown in full at the Tokyo motor show in a couple of weeks. If Nissan gets a sufficiently positive response, the car will get made. You know what to do, then.
And it looks production ready, doesn’t it? The interior is as per a standard Leaf, just with fancy red accents, and there’s not a 23in rim nor wing mirror camera to be seen. It’s as light as ‘concept’ treatment gets.
“We’ve been testing the market for some time,” Nissan’s Europe president Paul Willcox told Top Gear. “We had RC Leaf and Bladeglider. But we’re trying to test the boundaries. We want to understand the acceptance from consumers. So if you think there’s a role for a performance electric vehicle then, I think we’ll go with it.”
He says electric cars are relatively easy to tweak, so you’d think a rise over the standard Leaf’s147bhp would be a given. But it seems the Nismo’s changes are mostly skin deep for now. There’s a new exterior, which improves the Leaf’s aerodynamic profile – just look at that Focus RS-esque rear diffuser – while there’s new sports suspension and stickier tyres.
Nissan also says the car’s computing has had a tweak to deliver instant acceleration at all speeds. There’s a more powerful, longer-range version of the standard Leaf due next year, however, so expect a production Nismo to have more than 147bhp.
Were a production version to materialise, wager on £30,000 (at least) to buy one. For now, though, the debate is thus: would you have an all-electric hot hatch over a conventional petrol-powered one? This or a Golf GTI, basically?
It was inevitable, but that makes it no less exciting; Nissan’s electric car march is breeding performance cars, and the first could be this Leaf Nismo.
We say could because it’s officially a concept. It’s been previewed in this image and will be shown in full at the Tokyo motor show in a couple of weeks. If Nissan gets a sufficiently positive response, the car will get made. You know what to do, then.
And it looks production ready, doesn’t it? The interior is as per a standard Leaf, just with fancy red accents, and there’s not a 23in rim nor wing mirror camera to be seen. It’s as light as ‘concept’ treatment gets.
“We’ve been testing the market for some time,” Nissan’s Europe president Paul Willcox told Top Gear. “We had RC Leaf and Bladeglider. But we’re trying to test the boundaries. We want to understand the acceptance from consumers. So if you think there’s a role for a performance electric vehicle then, I think we’ll go with it.”
He says electric cars are relatively easy to tweak, so you’d think a rise over the standard Leaf’s147bhp would be a given. But it seems the Nismo’s changes are mostly skin deep for now. There’s a new exterior, which improves the Leaf’s aerodynamic profile – just look at that Focus RS-esque rear diffuser – while there’s new sports suspension and stickier tyres.
Nissan also says the car’s computing has had a tweak to deliver instant acceleration at all speeds. There’s a more powerful, longer-range version of the standard Leaf due next year, however, so expect a production Nismo to have more than 147bhp.
Were a production version to materialise, wager on £30,000 (at least) to buy one. For now, though, the debate is thus: would you have an all-electric hot hatch over a conventional petrol-powered one? This or a Golf GTI, basically?
10-03-2017, 10:31 AM
#38
Moderator
12-11-2017, 11:43 AM
#39
Race Director
It all starts with a better battery. Not a bigger battery, because this one fits into the same space under the seats as the one before it, but thanks to advances in energy density and battery chemistry, the 2018 Nissan Leaf has crammed 40 kWh into the space previously taken up by 30 kWh. For reference, a kilowatt hour, or kWh, is equal to the energy used by your 1000-watt hair dryer if it’s left on for 60 minutes; the number of kWhs equals the size of the “gas tank” on an electric car -- more kWh equals more range. That means the 2018 Leaf will go 150 miles on a charge.
Most electric cars on the market make it a little over 100 miles on a charge. Then at the top of the class are a couple cars that go over 200 miles, like the Chevy Bolt (which exists) and the Tesla Model 3 (which doesn’t, at least not in any significant numbers). Nissan says the 150-mile range of the 2018 Leaf occupies the “white space” between lower-range EVs and those range-topping segment leaders. Nissan hopes this means a gold mine in sales.
In addition to a better battery, Nissan upgraded the car’s power inverter from 80 kW to 110 kW. That means output goes up to 147 horsepower, an increase of 37 percent, with peak torque up 26 percent to a sapling-pulling 236 lb-ft. So you have a broadly useable and potentially even a little thrilling – maybe? – performer.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf's dash doesn't have one of those floating iPad things, using instead an old-fashioned 7-inch screen
Then Nissan added technology to the package. Among the new technobits, the company seems most proud of its optional ProPILOT ASSIST, which it kept saying is NOT an auto pilot.
“ProPILOT ASSIST is a hands-on driver assist,” clarified one exec at the Leaf presentation. “It requires that you keep at least one hand on the wheel. It is a support system and assist system. It is not self-driving, we still need a driver. It’s purely assisting the driver. It’s not driving.”
Got that? Is it an auto pilot? No! It will help to steer the car if it can identify two lane lines, and it will operate the accelerator and brake pedals for you. However, when ProPILOT ASSIST is on, you have to wiggle the steering wheel at least every ten seconds or it starts beeping at you. If you continue to ignore it, it eventually assumes you’ve had a heart attack and slows to a stop with the emergency flashers on. Tesla at least gives you two minutes of hands-free driving.
This is handy: with a simple adapter, the charge cable that comes with the new Leaf can be used for 120- or 240-volt charging, eliminating the need for one of those expensive wall-mounted chargers. Just plug it in to an existing dryer outlet.
Nissan seemed second-most-proud of the Leaf’s new e-Pedal feature, standard on all models. It’s essentially a fourth driving mode, after normal, eco and B for braking. In e-Pedal mode the amount of regen is controlled by how much you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. In theory, they say, you might never need to touch the brake pedal, which will make for easier driving.
The new Leaf also gets a slicker new exterior design: That’s what’s called a floating roofline on top and a V-motion layered grille in front. Inside, the dash is centered around a new seven-inch touchscreen, embracing the trend toward iPad-like singularity of EV dashboards. You can get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and you can even get Amazon's Alexa to warm up the cabin before you leave the house on a cold day. Or just do it via your smart phone with the Nissan Leaf app.
Steering improvements make the new Leaf more lively to drive.
So, bearing all this in mind, off I drove in a new Leaf to try it all out.
First thing I noticed, and I mean right out of the parking lot, was the increased power and torque. This thing is fast, or at least faster than the last Leaf. Granted, “fast” is relative in this part of the electric car market. But you will notice it, too. “I must try a 0-60,” I told the voices in my head.” But the damned voices forgot to remind me and I can’t tell you how much faster is to 60 mph. Sorry. I hope to get another one soon and give you a number. Nissan doesn’t list one. The old one got to 60 in about 10 seconds and I’d guess this one’s about eight seconds to 60 -- no Tesla Model S, but it’ll get out of its own way.
The steering is much improved, too. Nissan didn’t mention it in the presentation I got beforehand, but the electric power steering has new software and a 10 percent increase in steering torsion bar stiffness, which makes for a surprisingly more sprightly feel, again, by the standards of the class. The steering column itself only tilts a little bit and doesn’t telescope, which must have been some sort of cost-cutting measure. I managed.
Not just a leaf blower, the new powertrain makes 147 hp
Next thing I did was switch on ProPILOT ASSIST, which I immediately decided to start calling simply, ProPilot Assist, without all those caps. As with a lot of these driver-aid systems you have to give it a while and use it in the manner in which it was intended before passing judgement. This one works best on a freeway with well-marked, well-defined lanes. My first try was on a winding road with poorly-defined lanes. The painted lines on either side would break off here and there and the splotchy morning light and shadows made them hard for the system’s camera to recognize. Once I got on Hwy. 101 it was much better. But you have to keep a hand on the wheel at all times, so it’s limited in what it can do, at least compared to systems from Cadillac and Tesla. More time behind the wheel will let me get it down better.
The e-Pedal works about as advertised. I’ve always wanted more control over regenerative braking, ever since I used the lever-activated regen on AC Propulsion’s original Honda Civic electric powertrain conversion about 25 years ago. This may be the closest any manufacturer has come to handing regenerative braking control over to the driver. The more you get off the pedal, the more the regenerative braking comes on. With just a little bit of planning, you can do your whole commute without ever having to touch the brake pedal to engage the traditional hydraulic brakes. You get longer –- possibly infinite -- pad life, and you get more out of every charge. Efficiency! I found that I got almost exactly Nissan’s claimed 150 miles of range, after extrapolating a 52.2-mile drive and comparing the charge left in the battery. That was despite hammering the throttle a fair amount. So good for you, Nissan.
Trunk space is up just a little in the new Leaf
The Leaf is the biggest-selling electric car ever and has been since it was the first mass-market EV launched, way back in 2010. That Leaf was a purpose-built EV from day one, unlike most of the competition, which simply converted existing gasoline cars to electric power in order to meet California’s draconian ZEV mandate. That mandate seemed to have worked, too: Nissan points out that while there are 18 EVs on the market now, there will be 37 models by 2023.
“The future’s going EVs,” said Michael Arbuckle, senior manager of EV marketing and sales strategy for Nissan.
If you’re ready to plug in to that future, the Leaf could be exactly what you’re looking for when it goes on sale toward the end of January. Starting price is $30,885, $690 less than the previous model, with more content, Nissan says. All models are priced lower and have more content than before, so you can’t complain about sticker shock here. If you want to complain about range, then hang on another year, because Nissan said there’ll be a Leaf next year that will have a 200-plus-mile range.
And if that’s still not enough to convince you, Nissan at least suggested the possible use of V2H, or vehicle-to-house. If such a system ever comes online, you’d be able to use your car as a battery to store energy for use in your house. During hot afternoons when everybody’s air conditioners are on, you could be happily humming away powering your household A/C from your car. Then late at night, when rates are lowest, you could recharge your Leaf from the grid. It’s a cool idea and one I would be happy to try out as a beta tester. The idea sure sounds efficient, which, after all, is what electric cars are all about.
Read more: New Nissan Leaf: Everything you need to know about this second-gen EV
Most electric cars on the market make it a little over 100 miles on a charge. Then at the top of the class are a couple cars that go over 200 miles, like the Chevy Bolt (which exists) and the Tesla Model 3 (which doesn’t, at least not in any significant numbers). Nissan says the 150-mile range of the 2018 Leaf occupies the “white space” between lower-range EVs and those range-topping segment leaders. Nissan hopes this means a gold mine in sales.
In addition to a better battery, Nissan upgraded the car’s power inverter from 80 kW to 110 kW. That means output goes up to 147 horsepower, an increase of 37 percent, with peak torque up 26 percent to a sapling-pulling 236 lb-ft. So you have a broadly useable and potentially even a little thrilling – maybe? – performer.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf's dash doesn't have one of those floating iPad things, using instead an old-fashioned 7-inch screen
Then Nissan added technology to the package. Among the new technobits, the company seems most proud of its optional ProPILOT ASSIST, which it kept saying is NOT an auto pilot.
“ProPILOT ASSIST is a hands-on driver assist,” clarified one exec at the Leaf presentation. “It requires that you keep at least one hand on the wheel. It is a support system and assist system. It is not self-driving, we still need a driver. It’s purely assisting the driver. It’s not driving.”
Got that? Is it an auto pilot? No! It will help to steer the car if it can identify two lane lines, and it will operate the accelerator and brake pedals for you. However, when ProPILOT ASSIST is on, you have to wiggle the steering wheel at least every ten seconds or it starts beeping at you. If you continue to ignore it, it eventually assumes you’ve had a heart attack and slows to a stop with the emergency flashers on. Tesla at least gives you two minutes of hands-free driving.
This is handy: with a simple adapter, the charge cable that comes with the new Leaf can be used for 120- or 240-volt charging, eliminating the need for one of those expensive wall-mounted chargers. Just plug it in to an existing dryer outlet.
Nissan seemed second-most-proud of the Leaf’s new e-Pedal feature, standard on all models. It’s essentially a fourth driving mode, after normal, eco and B for braking. In e-Pedal mode the amount of regen is controlled by how much you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. In theory, they say, you might never need to touch the brake pedal, which will make for easier driving.
The new Leaf also gets a slicker new exterior design: That’s what’s called a floating roofline on top and a V-motion layered grille in front. Inside, the dash is centered around a new seven-inch touchscreen, embracing the trend toward iPad-like singularity of EV dashboards. You can get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and you can even get Amazon's Alexa to warm up the cabin before you leave the house on a cold day. Or just do it via your smart phone with the Nissan Leaf app.
Steering improvements make the new Leaf more lively to drive.
So, bearing all this in mind, off I drove in a new Leaf to try it all out.
First thing I noticed, and I mean right out of the parking lot, was the increased power and torque. This thing is fast, or at least faster than the last Leaf. Granted, “fast” is relative in this part of the electric car market. But you will notice it, too. “I must try a 0-60,” I told the voices in my head.” But the damned voices forgot to remind me and I can’t tell you how much faster is to 60 mph. Sorry. I hope to get another one soon and give you a number. Nissan doesn’t list one. The old one got to 60 in about 10 seconds and I’d guess this one’s about eight seconds to 60 -- no Tesla Model S, but it’ll get out of its own way.
The steering is much improved, too. Nissan didn’t mention it in the presentation I got beforehand, but the electric power steering has new software and a 10 percent increase in steering torsion bar stiffness, which makes for a surprisingly more sprightly feel, again, by the standards of the class. The steering column itself only tilts a little bit and doesn’t telescope, which must have been some sort of cost-cutting measure. I managed.
Not just a leaf blower, the new powertrain makes 147 hp
Next thing I did was switch on ProPILOT ASSIST, which I immediately decided to start calling simply, ProPilot Assist, without all those caps. As with a lot of these driver-aid systems you have to give it a while and use it in the manner in which it was intended before passing judgement. This one works best on a freeway with well-marked, well-defined lanes. My first try was on a winding road with poorly-defined lanes. The painted lines on either side would break off here and there and the splotchy morning light and shadows made them hard for the system’s camera to recognize. Once I got on Hwy. 101 it was much better. But you have to keep a hand on the wheel at all times, so it’s limited in what it can do, at least compared to systems from Cadillac and Tesla. More time behind the wheel will let me get it down better.
The e-Pedal works about as advertised. I’ve always wanted more control over regenerative braking, ever since I used the lever-activated regen on AC Propulsion’s original Honda Civic electric powertrain conversion about 25 years ago. This may be the closest any manufacturer has come to handing regenerative braking control over to the driver. The more you get off the pedal, the more the regenerative braking comes on. With just a little bit of planning, you can do your whole commute without ever having to touch the brake pedal to engage the traditional hydraulic brakes. You get longer –- possibly infinite -- pad life, and you get more out of every charge. Efficiency! I found that I got almost exactly Nissan’s claimed 150 miles of range, after extrapolating a 52.2-mile drive and comparing the charge left in the battery. That was despite hammering the throttle a fair amount. So good for you, Nissan.
Trunk space is up just a little in the new Leaf
The Leaf is the biggest-selling electric car ever and has been since it was the first mass-market EV launched, way back in 2010. That Leaf was a purpose-built EV from day one, unlike most of the competition, which simply converted existing gasoline cars to electric power in order to meet California’s draconian ZEV mandate. That mandate seemed to have worked, too: Nissan points out that while there are 18 EVs on the market now, there will be 37 models by 2023.
“The future’s going EVs,” said Michael Arbuckle, senior manager of EV marketing and sales strategy for Nissan.
If you’re ready to plug in to that future, the Leaf could be exactly what you’re looking for when it goes on sale toward the end of January. Starting price is $30,885, $690 less than the previous model, with more content, Nissan says. All models are priced lower and have more content than before, so you can’t complain about sticker shock here. If you want to complain about range, then hang on another year, because Nissan said there’ll be a Leaf next year that will have a 200-plus-mile range.
And if that’s still not enough to convince you, Nissan at least suggested the possible use of V2H, or vehicle-to-house. If such a system ever comes online, you’d be able to use your car as a battery to store energy for use in your house. During hot afternoons when everybody’s air conditioners are on, you could be happily humming away powering your household A/C from your car. Then late at night, when rates are lowest, you could recharge your Leaf from the grid. It’s a cool idea and one I would be happy to try out as a beta tester. The idea sure sounds efficient, which, after all, is what electric cars are all about.
Read more: New Nissan Leaf: Everything you need to know about this second-gen EV
07-19-2018, 04:05 PM
#40
Moderator
https://electrek.co/2018/07/19/nissa...s-launch-sale/
Nissan and Nismo, the automaker’s motorsports and in-house tuning division, have been teasing making a version of the new Leaf for a while and it’s now finally happening.
The Japanese automaker has announced the official debut and the start of sales of the new Leaf Nismo by the end of the month.
The Leaf got a much-needed design refresh with the release of the next generation last year, but even that wasn’t enough to make the vehicle attractive to some.
To be fair, the electric vehicle was coming from a long way behind when it comes to design.
Now a Nismo version is giving the already updated design a sportier and more aggressive look.
Nissan unveiled a new Leaf Nismo concept earlier this year, but it didn’t confirm any plan to launch the vehicle at the time.
Today, it confirmed that it will go on sale on July 31 in Japan – without details for an international rollout.
The automaker also released an overview of all the custom features for the Leaf Nismo version:
Exterior design
The Nissan LEAF NISMO features the characteristic layered double wings of the NISMO road car series, improving downforce without compromising drag coefficient. Signaling the high-performance driving provided by its low center of gravity, the exterior also includes custom 18-inch aluminum wheels that minimize air resistance.
The nine available body colors include the NISMO series’ custom Brilliant Silver (M)*/Super Black two-tone and the Dark Metal Grey (M)/Super Black two-tone. * (M) = metallic
Interior design
The sporty interior appeals to the senses with prominent use of NISMO’s custom red accents, including the three-spoke steering wheel with a red center mark. The instrument panel features a custom carbon-like finish, and the electronic shift has a gun metal chrome finish.
Chassis performance
The Nissan LEAF NISMO’s dedicated 18-inch high-grip tires and custom suspension system provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. Its custom-tuned electric power steering and Intelligent Trace Control (cornering stabilization system) provide high stability and lane-tracing abilities.
Comfortable acceleration
The custom tuning computer in the Nissan LEAF NISMO allows for a delicate but strong acceleration response. This results in comfortable driving on both city streets and winding roads.
The Japanese automaker has announced the official debut and the start of sales of the new Leaf Nismo by the end of the month.
The Leaf got a much-needed design refresh with the release of the next generation last year, but even that wasn’t enough to make the vehicle attractive to some.
To be fair, the electric vehicle was coming from a long way behind when it comes to design.
Now a Nismo version is giving the already updated design a sportier and more aggressive look.
Nissan unveiled a new Leaf Nismo concept earlier this year, but it didn’t confirm any plan to launch the vehicle at the time.
Today, it confirmed that it will go on sale on July 31 in Japan – without details for an international rollout.
The automaker also released an overview of all the custom features for the Leaf Nismo version:
Exterior design
The Nissan LEAF NISMO features the characteristic layered double wings of the NISMO road car series, improving downforce without compromising drag coefficient. Signaling the high-performance driving provided by its low center of gravity, the exterior also includes custom 18-inch aluminum wheels that minimize air resistance.
The nine available body colors include the NISMO series’ custom Brilliant Silver (M)*/Super Black two-tone and the Dark Metal Grey (M)/Super Black two-tone. * (M) = metallic
Interior design
The sporty interior appeals to the senses with prominent use of NISMO’s custom red accents, including the three-spoke steering wheel with a red center mark. The instrument panel features a custom carbon-like finish, and the electronic shift has a gun metal chrome finish.
Chassis performance
The Nissan LEAF NISMO’s dedicated 18-inch high-grip tires and custom suspension system provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. Its custom-tuned electric power steering and Intelligent Trace Control (cornering stabilization system) provide high stability and lane-tracing abilities.
Comfortable acceleration
The custom tuning computer in the Nissan LEAF NISMO allows for a delicate but strong acceleration response. This results in comfortable driving on both city streets and winding roads.