Nissan announces limited edition LEAF 3.ZERO with longer range

Nissan is launching two versions of the LEAF 3.ZERO which will be ready to order from 9 January 2019.

The Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition will only have 5,000 units made for Europe. It features a higher output capable of delivering 160 kW (217 PS) of power; 340Nm of torque; and a longer driving range expected to be up to 239 miles from a single charge of the 62 kWh capacity battery. It is priced from £36,795 including Government Grant.

Meanwhile, the LEAF 3.ZERO has a new 8-inch infotainment screen enabling additional connectivity services such as door-to-door navigation. An all-new and improved NissanConnect EV app will also be available when the LEAF 3.ZERO goes on sale in Europe.

The LEAF 3.ZERO – priced from £31,095 including the £3,500 UK Government Plug-in Car Grant – features the 40 kWh battery. New body colours and two-tone colour combinations will complete the choices.

At the centre of the LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition is an Intelligent Power-enhanced high-capacity battery and more powerful motor.

On the road, the LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition will deliver a 40% range increase over the LEAF 3.ZERO which is equipped with a 40 kWh battery. This represents more than 62 miles additional range for a comparable usage, a clear evolution of the LEAF.

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 Nissan LEAF e+ battery pack is almost the same size and configuration as the pack in the Nissan LEAF 40kWh. Other than a 5-millimetre 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 nearly 13% quicker. This allows the LEAF e+ to confidently pass slower-moving vehicles, exit corners faster and merge seamlessly with fast-moving traffic. The top speed (97mph) has also increased from the 40kWh version by approximately 10%.

The LEAF 3.ZERO models will feature both e-Pedal and ProPILOT. These critically acclaimed Intelligent Driving technologies are transforming the driving experience.

The e-Pedal is a new driving sensation for many, allowing the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal. This delivers a seamless, smooth drive and maximum control to the driver through enhanced pedal feedback.

ProPILOT is an advanced driving assistance technology which works on single-lane highways. A ‘hands-on, eyes-on’ system, it allows the car to stop, restart and stay centred in its lane in higher-speed cruising and lower-speed congested traffic scenarios. The technology reduces driving stress and fatigue, enhancing driver confidence behind the wheel.