And only time will tell how good the e+ really is
More and more media reporters had a chance to try out the Nissan LEAF e+ (or PLUS) for short test drives, so hopefully, we will discover weak and strong points of the latest longer-range version. It will be available in parallel with the current 40 kWh version.
MotorWeek, during its first drive (don’t expect deep reviews yet, as those will probably follow later on) in sunny San Diego said: “Nissan LEAF grows with the times becoming even more energized for a future where electricity will play a bigger role in how we drive”.
It’s a very good point, as the times have changed a lot during those eight years since the first LEAFs were delivered. The battery capacity increased, range increased, power output is up. Consumers are looking for better cars and aside from production constraints (leading to lack of choices) the LEAF was showing its age. In the case of LEAF, a lot will depend on price, which we don’t know yet for the U.S.
- 62 kWh battery (+55% capacity over 40 kWh, 25% more energy dense lithium-ion cells, similar size)
- 288 lithium-ion cells (compared to 192 cells)
- battery limited warranty of 8 years/160,000 km (whichever occurs first) is standard
- 364 km (226 miles) of expected EPA range (up 50% from 243 km/151 miles)
- 385 km (239 miles) of WLTP range in Europe (vs. 285 km/177 miles)
- 458 km (285 miles) of WLTC Japan range in Japan (vs. 322 km/200 miles)
- 570 km (354 miles) of JC08 range in Japan (vs. 400 km/249 miles)
- 160 kW electric motor (up from 110 kW) and 250 lb-ft (340 Nm) (vs. 320 Nm in 40 kWh version)
- 70 kW (100 kW peak) fast charging using CHAdeMO (vs. less than 50 kW)
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