More details emerge on third-gen Nissan Leaf

NISSAN is turning over a new Leaf this week launching its third generation fully electric small car replacement that has now morphed into a coupe-style medium size SUV rather than the previous small hatchback.

It is due to hit the US market later this year meaning it might make it Down Under before the end of the year or early next year.

Built in the UK at the company’s Sunderland plant and also assembled at the Tochigi Plant in Japan, the new model was launched in Yokohama, Japan and has nothing in common with its predecessor, bar the name.

It takes more than a leaf out of fully electric Nissan Ariya’s book with which it shares Nissan’s CMF-EV platform and numerous other components.

Nissan has been on the Leaf for 15 years with the first generation appearing with polarising styling back in 2010 complete with a 10-hour recharge cycle and a range of around 130km at best. Down Under it was priced initially at $51,500 + ORC, then dropped to $48,990 finally arriving at $39,990 due to poor sales.

It was more popular elsewhere, however, chalking up almost 700,000 sales globally.

Through real world insights gained over the intervening period, Leaf has been progressively improved with the new model revolutionary in comparison to its predecessor benefiting from the latest BEV-tech to say nothing of its infotainment and safety credentials.

No doubt looking for a positive vibe after serious financial travails of late, Nissan says the all-new Leaf provides a compelling alternative for internal combustion engine (ICE) buyers with its substantially increased maximum range, enhanced charging speed and a technology suite that makes daily driving easier and enriches owners’ lifestyles.

Nissan says the new Leaf embodies Nissan’s “Timeless Japanese Futurism” design with “a distinctive Japanese aesthetic conveyed in a simple yet powerfully modern way”, but clearly it shares similar lines to a myriad of other medium size BEVs flooding the market now.

The new model features a fastback-like silhouette, flush front door handles, aero-tuned wheels and a flat underbody that combine to deliver a slippery 0.26Cd drag coefficient for U.S. and Japan spec models, and an even more slippery 0.25Cd for European variants.

Inside is said to be spacious with an almost entirely flat floor courtesy of the CMF-EV platform and is highlighted by a wide horizontal instrument panel that appears to be floating that includes a monolith-style display with either dual 12.3-inch or dual 14.3-inch integrated screens depending on grade and region.

High spec’ variants may score Bose Personal Plus premium audio with speakers integrated into the front headrests, providing an immersive audio experience complementing a Nissan-first Dimming Panoramic Roof featuring heat shielding with embedded Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology.

The new Leaf is powered by a three-in-one single electric traction motor on the front axle that integrates the motor itself with the inverter and reducer that is 10 per cent smaller than its predecessor and features Nissan’s “unique” motor control, which enhances refinement.

The new motor, paired with a new, high-rigidity motor-mount bracket, delivers a 75 per cent reduction in motor vibration compared to the outgoing model.

Two lithium-ion battery choices will be available on new Leaf in 52kWh and 75kWh outputs each with liquid-cooling and both offering thermal conditioning functionality. The lower output unit provides 130kW/345Nm while the higher capacity unit is good for 160kW/355Nm and a potential 500km range.

When connected to a fast charger, Nissan says new Leaf can replenish 10-80 per cent of their charge in as little as 35 minutes.

The new Leaf is equipped with an enhanced thermal recovery and management system that harvests heat created by the on-board charger (OBC) to warm up the battery, increasing its regeneration potential in cold weather.

Higher spec’ models will be fitted with a new intelligent navigation-linked thermal conditioning function to optimise battery cooling based on the selected drive route and similarly, some variants will gain what Nissan calls Intelligent Distance Control Assist that is essentially an enhanced radar cruise control system and will no doubt aid Nissan’s autonomous driving aspirations.

As expected, the new Leaf features a comprehensive suite of advanced and innovative driver assist technologies including an available 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor with eight camera views, Invisible Hood (Bonnet) View and Front Wide View functionality.

US spec Leaf models will have two 120V outlets – one for the cabin and the other for the cargo area that can discharge up to 1500W of combined power which may allow owners to power a variety of small to medium-size devices when enjoying outdoor adventures such as camping.

Nissan speaks of an optional V2L accessory adapter that can connect to the external charging port to support convenient charging of devices outside of the vehicle while in Japan, the new Leaf will continue its ability to deliver Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality and specifically for Europe, the model will be Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatible.

“The Nissan Leaf reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability,”said Nissan president and CEO Ivan Espinosa.

“The original Leaf helped popularise electric vehicles, and this third generation invites consumers to embrace an EV lifestyle with a range of compelling features.

“It plays an important role in our Re:Nissan action plan, offering impressive performance, stylish design, and advanced technology.”

Further details including pricing will be provided closer to the start of sales.