THE new Nissan LEAF e+ has arrived in Australia, acting as a new flagship model in the LEAF electric vehicle range by delivering more power, faster acceleration and an increased driving range between charges, thanks to a 62kWh battery.
The e+ in its name refers to the increased energy density of the model’s battery pack and the higher output of its powertrain, with new technology allowing for 160kW of power and 340Nm of torque.
That means the new range-topping LEAF model can sprint to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a range of 385km. The next generation LEAF and its e+ sibling are also vehicle-to-the-grid ready, with bi-directional charging capability.
Priced at $60,490 plus on-roads (49,990 for the standard LEAF, again plus on-roads), the e+ variant charges faster, thanks to a 25 per cent improvement in energy density bought about by improvements in the way the battery is manufactured.
“The Nissan LEAF is one the world’s most popular electric vehicle, the new Nissan LEAF e+ will only further that appeal by delivering more of what our customers love about their EV,” Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said.
“With more power, more range and more performance, as well as full bi-directional charging capability, the e+ is simply more LEAF, and helps ensure there really is an EV to suit every need in Australia,” he added.
“From zero-emissions commuting in the city to weekends away and everything in-between, the Nissan LEAF and LEAF e+ have you covered.”
Thanks also to the new 100kW peak quick charging system, the Nissan LEAF e+ can charge more efficiently, with the e+ at 80 per cent in just 45 minutes. The LEAF range is also the only 100 per cent EV to offer bi-directional charging from the factory.
As the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the LEAF exemplifies the Nissan Intelligent Integration philosophy with an impressive array of connectivity services, including the NissanConnect infotainment system.
The 8.0-inch touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Further enhancing the Nissan LEAF driving experience is e-Pedal, which allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal.
To match the additional power and increased mass of the Nissan LEAF e+, Nissan has reprogrammed the e-Pedal software for smoother operation and enhanced pedal feedback, especially for operation in reverse.
The 2021 Nissan LEAF range, including the new e+, is available at dealerships now.
