High Performance Nissan Leaf Launches in Europe

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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9th January 2019

Nissan has announced the release of a limited edition high performance and longer range version of its top-selling Leaf EV for the European market.

Deliveries of the Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition, due to begin this summer, will offer 5,000 consumers a vehicle boasting a claimed power output of 160 kW (217 PS) of power plus 340Nm of torque despite enjoying a claimed longer driving range of up to 239 miles from a single charge of the 62 kWh capacity battery.

The new higher-power battery contains 288 cells compared to the 192 found in the 40 kWh equivalent. Even with a 25% increase in energy density and 55% increase in energy storage capacity, the battery pack is almost the same size and configuration as the pack in the standard car. Other than a 5-millimeter increase in the car’s overall height (based on 16-inch wheels), the car’s exterior and interior dimensions are unchanged.

With the more powerful motor, acceleration from 50mph to 75mph is claiming a 13% improvement. The top speed has also increased to 97mph a 10% lift over the standard car and the range increases by 62 miles.

Inside the cab, it also gets a new 8-inch infotainment screen with additional connectivity services such as door-to-door navigation and an improved NissanConnect EV app. On top of the ProPilot autonomous drive technology, there’s e-Pedal which lets the driver start the car, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal, similar to a fairground dodgem.

Gareth Dunsmore, director, electric vehicles and connected services, Nissan Europe, commented: “The Nissan Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition broadens the appeal of the LEAF family even further, adding more range to an award-winning package that remains great to drive and live with.”

In the UK market, the Nissan Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition, will be priced from £36,795 ($46,908) including Government Grant, is also available to order now.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_