Photo: Nissan
In production since 2010, the Nissan Leaf is getting rather old now. Other than the awkward styling, the powertrain certainly has to be refreshed if Nissan wants to have a winning chance against the likes of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt and the 2017 Renault Zoe. As we wait for Nissan to finish development on the next-generation Leaf, the current generation lost its 24 kWh battery.
This bit of news comes courtesy of Green Car Reports, who confirmed the info with Paige Presley of Nissan North America. Paige highlights that the 30 kWh pack, which is now standard, offers “best-in-class range.” The problem is, 107 miles (172 kilometers) of range doesn’t cut it these days. The Bolt offers up to 255 miles (410 kilometers), while the Zoe is rated 400 kilometers (248 miles). It's rather clear, then, that something has to be done.
In this regard, Nissan confirmed at the EVS29 electric vehicle symposium that the next-generation Leaf will pack a 60 kWh battery. Until that moment comes, there’s still a lot of waiting to do. Priced from $32,450 before EV incentives, the Nissan Leaf 30 kWh is $3,440 more costly than the 24 kWh model it replaces. Despite the sizable increase in price, standard equipment is the same as ever before, save for the addition of the Quick Charge Package.
Feature-wise, the tailpipe-less machine prides itself on Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, heated front seats, 16-inch steel wheels, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), plenty of airbags, as well as halogen headlights. The powertrain consists of a familiar 80 kW AC electric motor matched with a single-speed reduction gear transmission with a final drive ratio of 7.937. With 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft (254 Nm) of torque on tap right off the line, the Nissan Leaf is best suited to the urban jungle.
Its nearest competitor is the 2016 Ford Focus Electric, which is expected to get a little more range for 2017. Until the Blue Oval makes up its mind, the current Focus Electric offers 76 miles (122 kilometers) on a full charge.
In this regard, Nissan confirmed at the EVS29 electric vehicle symposium that the next-generation Leaf will pack a 60 kWh battery. Until that moment comes, there’s still a lot of waiting to do. Priced from $32,450 before EV incentives, the Nissan Leaf 30 kWh is $3,440 more costly than the 24 kWh model it replaces. Despite the sizable increase in price, standard equipment is the same as ever before, save for the addition of the Quick Charge Package.
Feature-wise, the tailpipe-less machine prides itself on Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, heated front seats, 16-inch steel wheels, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), plenty of airbags, as well as halogen headlights. The powertrain consists of a familiar 80 kW AC electric motor matched with a single-speed reduction gear transmission with a final drive ratio of 7.937. With 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft (254 Nm) of torque on tap right off the line, the Nissan Leaf is best suited to the urban jungle.
Its nearest competitor is the 2016 Ford Focus Electric, which is expected to get a little more range for 2017. Until the Blue Oval makes up its mind, the current Focus Electric offers 76 miles (122 kilometers) on a full charge.
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