Nissan Leaf 2013: more range and a cheaper entry-level version

Nissan has paid attention to users’ complaints and the plummeting sales of the Nissan Leaf, introducing a series of changes in the new version of the electric car that will hit the market in 2013. Among the changes, the Leaf is going to have 25% more range and a new, cheaper entry-level version of the model.

In this way, the Leaf would go from a range of about 110 kilometres to about 140 kilometres, figures that may eventually vary depending on driving style or weather conditions. This has been achieved through improved efficiency of the electric motors and better batteries installed, according to data from Japan.

To put the previous sentence more directly, an improved vehicle transmission and a battery pack that delivers more kilowatt-hours seem to be the most immediate solution for those who think the Leaf simply does not have enough range to be a practical vehicle for everyday use.

At the same time, a rumour has started circulating that the Leaf would offer another, cheaper variant with less range, as a way to reach the target Carlos Ghosn predicted for next year: 20,000 units sold by March 2013. For now, the Leaf falls short of 20,000 units, and we will see whether the base model with improved range can take off.

Via | Inside EVs

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackNissan Leaf8 versions · from 37,080 €