The second-generation Nissan Leaf has been teased ahead of its debut later this year.
Overnight, Nissan released, what it promised would be, the first in a series of teaser images and details ahead of the car’s full unveiling later this year.
Styling for the new Leaf is believed to be inspired by the 2015 IDS concept.
Above and below: 2015 Nissan IDS concept.
We understand the second-generation electric hatch will have an upgraded battery pack, which will be capable of between 300 and 400 kilometres of driving range on a full charge.
This will make the new car competitive with the Chevrolet Bolt, which has a US EPA approved range of 383km. The Tesla Model 3, which goes into production later this year, will have a range of at least 345km.
The current car, which is no longer listed on Nissan Australia’s website, has a US EPA approved range of 135km with the standard 24kWh battery and 172km with the larger 30kWh option, which was never offered locally.
A report late last year claimed Nissan is aiming to reduce the price of the new Leaf by around 30 per cent, making it around the same price as a mid- to high-spec Pulsar.
To help the company achieve economies of scale, the new Leaf’s platform will be used on the Renault Zoe replacement, and will also be shared with Mitsubishi.
On the technology front, the Leaf is expected to be equipped with the company’s first-generation ProPilot autonomous driving system, which allows the car to steer, brake and accelerate for itself within a single highway lane.
Since the original Leaf was put into production in 2010, the company has sold over 260,000 worldwide.
Australia
The company’s local arm has confirmed the new Leaf will be sold down under.
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