Nissan has confirmed the 2016 Model Year (MY16) LEAF electric car will be available with a 25% larger battery pack of 30kWh, capable of providing 155 miles from a single charge.
The new 30kWh battery is at the heart of the improved range and should take the electric car to the next level for Nissan. It’s closest rival will be the excellent Kia Soul EV, which sports a healthy 27kWh battery and 132 miles range. Nissan’s development will see the LEAF retake the crown for electric vehicles under £30,000.
Chairman of Nissan Europe, Paul Willcox, commented,
“The LEAF, the best-selling EV in the world, just got even better. And up-to 155 miles opens the world of EV to thousands of drivers across Europe who before just weren’t completely confident that an EV would work for them. This extra range will make LEAF ownership an easy first choice, for many, many more drivers.”
Cleverly, Nissan engineers have not had to reduce interior cabin space to fit in the new battery as it has exactly the same physical dimensions as the existing 24kWh battery, that will continue to be sold alongside the larger offering. This has been achieved by the introduction of Carbon, Nitrogen and Magnesium to the electrodes, which improves performance, while the change to cell layout contributes to the gain in overall capacity.
Nissan are confident the battery will stand the test of time and will offer as standard an eight year, 100,000 mile warranty.
Recharging the LEAF remains unchanged from the current model, with rapid CHAdeMO capability alongside the more usual socket for home charging. However, due to the increase in battery size, charge times will be slightly longer resultantly.
Aside from the battery upgrade, the new LEAF has had a significant update to Carwings that has been replaced with NissanConnect EV. The remote control facility enables an owner to interact with their vehicle, for example to pre-heat the cabin. The new system retains all previous functions but adds a simplified activation process and user-friendly design.
The new charging map on the NissanConnect EV system is capable of showing which charging points are available and already in-use. Designed to offer seamless integration with the new-generation NissanConnect EV infotainment system, it also features a completely revised navigation system, maintenance alerts and a car-finder facility.
All Acenta and Tekna 2016 model year LEAFs, including 24kWh and 30kWh variants will include the NissanConnect EV infotainment system. The new interface and digital radio receiver will be a welcome addition to the 7-inch touch screen that adds enhanced control, such as pinch-to-zoom and swiping between menus.
The LEAF 30 kWh also introduces a number of subtle exterior design changes – including a new roof-mounted aerial along with the availability of a new colour – Bronze.
30kWh Nissan LEAF Pricing
Sales of the model year 2016 Nissan LEAF 30kW will begin in the UK in December 2015. Priced from £24,490 for the Acenta trim, the LEAF 30kW is available for just £1,600 more than the equivalent LEAF with a 24kW battery.
| Grade | Options | Battery | OTR with PiCG** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acenta | – | MY16 – 30kWh | £24,490 |
| Acenta | Solar Cell | MY16 – 30kWh | £24,790 |
| Acenta | 6kW charger | MY16 – 30kWh | £25,640 |
| Acenta | 6kW charger + Solar Cell | MY16 – 30kWh | £25,940 |
| Tekna | – | MY16 – 30kWh | £26,490 |
| Tekna | Solar Cell | MY16 – 30kWh | £26,790 |
| Tekna | 6kW charger | MY16 – 30kWh | £27,640 |
| Tekna | 6kW charger + Solar Cell | MY16 – 30kWh | £27,940 |
| Visia | – | MY16 – 24kWh | £20,790 |
| Visia | 6kW charger | MY16 – 24kWh | £21,940 |
| Acenta | – | MY16 – 24kWh | £22,890 |
| Acenta | Solar Cell | MY16 – 24kWh | £23,190 |
| Acenta | 6kW charger | MY16 – 24kWh | £24,040 |
| Acenta | 6kW charger + Solar Cell | MY16 – 24kWh | £24,340 |
| Tekna | – | MY16 – 24kWh | £24,890 |
| Tekna | Solar Cell | MY16 – 24kWh | £25,190 |
| Tekna | 6kW charger | MY16 – 24kWh | £26,040 |
| Tekna | 6kW charger + Solar Cell | MY16 – 24kWh | £26,340 |
*NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) target 155 miles – to be confirmed by homologation
**On the road price (OTR) includes VAT, includes First reg fee of £55. Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) incentive for LEAF is 35% up to a maximum of £5,000
Source; Nissan
