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Nissan has revealed the pricing and specification details for its new Leaf, with the EV hatch set to cost $49,990 when it arrives in local showrooms around the middle of the year.
That number puts it in the ballpark for the mainstream EV race, with the Hyundai Ioniq asking $44,990, while the Renault Zoe wears a $47,490 sticker price.
The big change for this updated Leaf - versions of which have been available since 2010, and in Australia since 2012 - is a sizeable increase in power, with Nissan's EV now producing 110kW and 320Nm (up from 80kW 280Nm). Nissan isn’t talking zero-to-100km/h times, but is promising its new EV will offer “a degree of exhilaration”.
It's a perk of the car's bigger 40 kWh battery pack, which also equates to more range, with a claimed 270km of real-world driving now on offer. Nissan is unashamedly targeting city-dwellers with the Leaf, with brand saying it will suit commuters who travel around 40km per day.
Charging from zero to full can take up to 24 hours using standard power, but investing in a 7kW home charger drops that time to around 7.5hrs. A rapid charger will boost the battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in around an hour. And Nissan says it's working on rolling out a bi-directional charging system that will allow you to not just charge your car, but also feed excess power back onto the electricity grid, or to use your car to power your home.
The Leaf will be offered in a single trim level, and it will arrive pretty well-equipped as standard. In the cabin, expect a 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, and that’s both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-equipped (a first for the Japanese brand), along with a second 7.0-inch Drive Assist Display, leather-trimmed seats and a heated steering wheel.
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On the safety front, expect an around-view camera with motion-sensor technology that detects moving objects. Active cruise control, AEB with pedestrian detection, and Nissan’s semi-autonomous lane-keeping functionality to join the standard-kit list, along with forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and auto high-beams.
“With strong interest in the new Nissan Leaf we see great potential for the vehicle and at this price we are giving it every chance to succeed,” says Nissan Australia boss Stephen Lester.
“It’s certainly an exciting time for EV buyers. With a contemporary design, increased range and long list of standard features, this incredibly fun to drive car presents Australian electric vehicle buyers with a stylish, affordable option."
Look for the Leaf from sarong June this year, with pre-orders now open. And Nissan his expecting big things; some 11,000 people have reportedly registered their interest.
