Nissan has updated the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) LEAF electric vehicle for 2013. Nissan says the 2013 model has a better range; it weighs a bit less and sales will be boosted by a new, cheaper LEAF ‘S’ entry-level model.
While it’s only been revealed in Japan for now, it’s likely to come to the other world markets during the first half of next year. The LEAF is also set to start rolling off the line in Nissan’s Sunderland factory from next year, which could improve demand for the EV in the U.K. and Europe.
What Nissan has done under the skin of the LEAF is play with the electric powertrain and make it smaller, with a new motor that uses 40% less dysprosium (a chemical that boosts the magnetic force of magnets) than before. This ensures the motor is 30% smaller and 10% lighter, while a new battery case and other tweaks reduces the LEAF’s overall weight by 80 kg. Nissan has also moved the charger from the boot to the front of the LEAF, thereby freeing up extra boot space in the process and they’ve improved the regenerative braking, which helps increase the theoretical range to 232 km.
The introduction of the entry-level LEAF, the LEAF ‘S’, is achieved by doing away with some of the regular LEAF’s more lavish equipment. The Nissan LEAF S still won’t be cheap, however, as it is likely to cost at least £25 000, or R350 000 on a rough currency conversion. That still sounds a little expensive for our taste.
