More power, range with Nissan Leaf e+

NISSAN has unveiled an upgraded version of its Leaf electric vehicle (EV), dubbed e+, which features a new powertrain for a higher output and increased driving range.

The improved Leaf will hit Japan in late January, the United States during its spring, and Europe in mid-2019, but Nissan Australia has yet to lock in the vehicle for the local market.

According to Nissan Australia corporate communications manager Tony Mee, the company has yet to be offered the e+ but is interested in importing the vehicle.

“Our immediate focus is on launching the all-new second-generation Leaf to the Australian market when it arrives mid-year” he said.

“The Nissan Leaf e+ is currently available in Japan and has not been offered to us, however, it is a vehicle we are interested in.”

Due to higher-than-expected demand and supply issues, the standard second-generation Leaf was delayed for Australia and is now earmarked for a mid-year launch.

Meanwhile, the e+ features a new high-capacity battery and a more powerful electric motor than the standard Leaf and promises a lift driving range from 322 kilometres to about 458km.

Outputs have been increased to 160kW and 340Nm, with Nissan claiming that accelerating from 80km/h to 120km/h is 13 per cent quicker than the standard Leaf, while top speed is higher by about 10 per cent.

Nissan has not divulged full charging time details, but it indicated that the e+ will be able to charge to 80 percent in one hour when connected to a 100kW power outlet.

“Nissan Leaf e+ owners can expect similar charging times when hooked up to a 100kW charger as current Nissan Leaf owners do with a 50kW charger, despite a 55 per cent-larger battery storage capacity” it said in a press release.

On the outside, styling and dimensions remain largely unchanged, albeit with a 5mm increase in overall height when riding on 16-inch wheels, a revised front fascia with blue highlights and unique badging.

The Leaf features what Nissan calls an e-Pedal, allowing the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal.

To compensate for the increased output and mass in the e+, Nissan engineers have reprogrammed the e-Pedal software for smoother operation and enhanced feedback.

North American and European e+ units also benefit from a new 8.0-inch display with an updated navigation system that adds features like smartphone-style gestures and over-the-air update technology.

Nissan executive vice president Daniele Schillaci has strong hopes for the Leaf range, predicting strong sales globally due to its versatility.

“The Nissan LEAF caters to 99 per cent of the expected electric-vehicle buyers in the marketplace,” he said.

“Between the two powertrains and available technologies and features, Nissan Leaf customers can choose their best option to accommodate their lifestyle.”

The Nissan Leaf e+ will go on sale in Japan later this month for ¥4,162,320 ($A53,455).