Nissan's 'light' tease of 2018 Leaf 23 | 08 | 2017
NISSAN HAS AGAIN teased its new Leaf, ahead of its official unveiling on September 6. But don’t get too excited. The new image is a shadowy close up shot of one of the new all-electric car’s rear tail light clusters. It follows another image, realeased earlier this month, which hinted at the car's sporty profile. (Related: Sporty 2018 Nissan Leaf teased)
Apparently inspired by the lines of the latest Micra, the new Leaf — which goes on-sale at Scottish dealerships next year — certainly boasts sharper lines on the body and a more aggressively stooped nose.
It’s also expected the new version will have a 148bhp electric drivetrain — around 40bhp more than the current Leaf — and will have a range of around 340-miles on one charge: that’s more than double that of the old model.
We also know the new model will debut Nissan’s e-Pedal technology (watch video). This new technology boosts the car’s ability to recharge the batteries while on the move by encouraging the use of just the accelerator pedal.
Using the resistance provided by the driveline's regenerative technology to slow the car maximises the amount of time the batteries are re-energised.
The latest Leaf will also debut Nissan’s ProPilot Park, the Japanese car maker’s latest autonomous technology. The car will be able to park itself in parallel, angled, front or straight back-in parking spots, handling throttle, braking and steering input, by utilising information gathered by sonars and cameras.
A single-lane semi-autonomous feature will also be included in Nissan’s ProPilot technology, as the company works to ensure the new Leaf is its most advanced autonomous model on sale. The system will enable the Leaf to drive itself on highways and motorways. At the push of a button, the new Leaf will drive itself in a single lane, controlling the steering, acceleration and braking to assist the driver.
Nissan aims to grow EVs to 20% of its sales by 2020.
Related: Facelifted Nissan Qashqai to start at £19,295
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Jim McGill