Nissan unveils prototype emergency Leaf

NISSAN has debuted to the world a concept vehicle based on its Leaf e+ all-electric hatchback, with the Re-Leaf emergency services model aimed at providing relief in situations such as natural disasters.

Not just a vehicle for emergency services to use, the Re-Leaf can be driven in to disaster zones and be used as a mobile power source.

According to World Bank, natural disasters are the largest cause of power outages with natural shocks and climate change causing 37 per cent of outages in Europe from 2010 to 2017 and up to 44 per cent in the US over the same period.

Nissan envisages the EV playing a significant role in the future of disaster recovery, where electricity supply is typically out for 24-48 hours before it can be restored.

The Re-Leaf uses its donor car’s bi-directional charging capability, which when equipped with a fully charged 62kWh battery can provide electricity to power the average European household for up to six days.

Its integrated energy management system can output power from 110-230V, with three sockets able to be hooked up at once – two external weather-proof C-Form connectors and one internal domestic socket mounted in the boot.

For example, the Re-Leaf could power a number of appliances for 24 hours such as an electric jackhammer (using 36kWh of power), a pressure ventilation fan (21.6kWh), a 10-litre soup kettle (9.6kWh), an intensive care medical ventilator (3kWh) or a 100-watt LED floodlight (2.4kWh).

Once power is returned to the area, the Re-Leaf can then be charged with up to 385km of range based on the WLTP cycle.

Visually distinguished from the regular Leaf by a number of features, the Re-Leaf comes with special decals that include an amber colour theme inspired by the Greek word for amber, ‘electron’.

A roof-mounted LED light bar further displays the Re-Leaf’s status as an emergency vehicle.

In order to be able to reach disaster zones, the Re-Leaf’s ride height has been increased by 70mm, thanks to the fitment of 225/65 BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres.

Wider tracks (+90mm front/130mm rear) with custom wheelarches and mudflaps help improve capability, while a custom sump guard helps underbody protection.

The rear seats have been removed from the Re-Leaf, replaced by a bespoke pull-out desk that extends from the boot with a 32-inch LED screen and dedicated power supply, allowing it to act as a communications operational hub.

Vehicle modifications for the Re-Leaf were carried out by UK-based engineering and motorsport firm RJN.

To the end of August, Nissan has sold 250 Leafs in Australia, marking a 10.6 per cent improvement over the same period in 2019.