The second-generation Nissan Leaf electric car has already been ordered by 10,000 customers across Europe, illustrating the region's growing appetite for EV vehicles.
Available for order online, as well as through dealerships, the new Leaf is priced from £26,490 (including a government grant) in Britain. The first 1500 models are being produced as '2.Zero' limited editions. Deliveries start in February.
The Leaf is already the world's best-selling all-electric car, with the previous-gen model having been produced in more than 283,000 units. But Nissan has heavily reworked its new model to take on increasing competition in the fast-growing electric car sector. It is powered by a 147bhp motor – 40bhp more than the outgoing car – that produces 199lb ft. It can achieve 0-62mph in around eight seconds, 3.2sec faster than the current car.
The new Leaf is fitted with a floor-mounted lithium ion 40kWh battery, compared with a choice of 24kWh and 30kWh on the old car, and Nissan says it has a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range of 235 miles on a single charge. That's 80 miles more than the current range-topping 30kWh battery and 111 miles more than the entry-level Leaf.
At £26,490, the new Leaf costs £500 less than a mid-range Black trim 30kWh first-generation car, although it is £4,810 more than the previous-generation cheapest Leaf, the 24kWh Vista trim.
Due to feedback that the old Leaf's distinctive style wasn't popular with some buyers, Nissan has given the new model a substantial makeover that echoes the new Micra. The exterior design has been refined in a wind tunnel to reduce wind resistance and increase efficiency.
The new Leaf is also be the first model sold in the UK with Nissan's 'ProPilot' semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which can steer, accelerate and brake for the driver on highways and in single-lane low-speed traffic. It also features an autonomous parking system.
The Leaf also features an e-Pedal, which automatically combines the resistance of the front-axle regeneration system and brakes to slow the car when the driver lifts off the pedal. The Leaf interior features a new 7in infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2.Zero launch edition comes with 17in alloy wheels, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and a leather steering wheel.
Nissan upgrades e-NV200 electric van
Nissan's EV line-up has been further bolstered with a new version of its e-NV200 electric van, powered by a 107bhp motor.
Designed for use in urban environments, the e-NV200 features the same 40kWh lithium ion battery as the new Leaf, with an NEDC range of 174 miles, compared with 106 miles for the old model. Because the revamped battery is the same size, the van retains the 4200-litre cargo capacity as the outgoing e-NV200.
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