new LEAF electric car

After introducing an updated Nissan LEAF model in its native Japan last November, Nissan has now revealed a new LEAF for the North American market too.

The vehicle, which has already begun assembly at the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, is said to offer improved range thanks to a series of efficiency improvements. It is expected that it will offer a range in the same region as the updated version in Japan, although official EPA figures have not yet been released. In Japan, the model offers a range of 141miles – a 14 per cent improvement.

At the heart of the enhancements is refined aerodynamics, along with a boost to regenerative braking and energy management. There is also a newly available 6.6kW on-board charger that can reduce the charging time almost in half: to around four hours for a full charge.

In addition, Nissan will be adding a lower priced entry level LEAF S.

There are several other model year additions too. They include a hybrid heater system that is said to provide superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy; and a B drive mode that can increase the level of regenerative braking during deceleration.