New Leaf Is A Crucial Product For Nissan
Nissan shared a new video of its upcoming Leaf, a new generation of one of the models that took EVs mainstream. Since 2010, Nissan has sold about 700,000 Leaf models, so it’s a vital model for the Japanese brand that’s in the midst of a major restructuring operation.
The new video has allowed us to extract key insights into the new Leaf, while also getting a closer look at the car ahead of its global debut. Here are five ways that the new Leaf will leave its predecessor in the dust, while also aiding a Nissan revival.
1. More Aerodynamic Than Old Leaf – Or Any Previous Nissan Model
Nissan shared the drag coefficient of the new Leaf, confirming that it’s the brand’s most aerodynamic model ever. That’s more important for an EV, which needs to slip through the air as efficiently as possible.
Whereas the current Leaf has a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd, the new one will get that figure down to 0.26 Cd in US specification. Interestingly, Euro-spec models will have an even better figure of 0.25 Cd, which is possibly due to minor styling variations and/or unique tires and wheels between the two markets.
2. New Leaf Has A Much-Improved Range
Partially because of its more aerodynamic body, the new Leaf will definitely improve on the current model’s paltry range of between 149 and 212 miles. Richard Candler, the Vice President of Global Product Strategy at Nissan, said that customers can expect to “confidently take a holiday journey of 300 to 500 km between stops.”
That translates to between 186 and 310 miles, and although it’s not clear if these are WLTP or EPA figures, the new Leaf should comfortably surpass 250 miles in its optimal configuration. This will eliminate one of the current Leaf’s key disadvantages relative to more modern rivals.
3. Faster Charging Than Before
Candler promised that the new Leaf will be able to add about 155 miles of range in just 14 minutes, thanks to seamless plug and charge capability. By comparison, the current Leaf S needs 40 minutes to charge up to 80% (equivalent to around 119 miles of range), so this is a noticeable improvement.
The current Leaf’s ability to only charge at up to 50 kW has held it back, whereas the new one is expected to get much closer to several modern EVs with their much faster charging speeds.
4. Trendy Crossover Looks Are Much More Appealing
The current Leaf is an entirely inoffensive hatchback, but it does nothing to excite customers on the showroom floor. The all-new Leaf is now a crossover-type EV, a smart move by Nissan considering how popular this body style is.
But rather than just build another generic crossover or an Ariya clone, the new Leaf is a thoroughly stylish and distinctive car. From the new headlights that follow the contours of the body to the fastback-like rear, along with details like two-tone paint with a black roof, the new Leaf has had a glow-up on the level of the latest Toyota Prius.
5. High-Tech Interior Features
The new Leaf’s interior hasn’t yet been revealed in full, but Nissan has given us a glimpse of what’s to come. A new dimming panoramic roof has been fitted, which should bathe the cabin in natural light when needed, or keep things cool when it gets too hot.
This roof also contributes to the EV’s slippery aerodynamics, allowing Nissan to keep the height of the Leaf low without affecting headroom for occupants.
An e-dimming panoramic roof isn’t the sort of feature typically associated with the Leaf hatchback, which has always been more functional than tech-forward from behind the wheel. The new Leaf will change that, and we can’t wait to see the other innovations hiding in the new interior.