Nissan has stretched the legs of its 2016 Leaf, giving buyers of the refreshed all-electric auto the option to boost range to over 100 miles.
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The increased range, which is yet to be verified on the official New European Driving Cycle, is thanks to a new, more energy dense 30kWh battery pack that is exactly the same size as the current 24kWh pack, but 21kg heavier.
With the enhancements, the 2016 Nissan Leaf has the longest rated driving range of any electric auto aside from the Tesla Model S. The Kia Soul EV comes close with a 93-mile EV range, but no other vehicle aside from the Leaf and Tesla crack the 100-mile mark. Shortly stated, the battery is larger, bringing it up to an estimated 107 miles of range-27% greater than before. Drivers can use it to monitor the battery’s state of charge, start charging, and turn on the climate control. The only truly mass-market electric vehicle for sale nationwide has seen its deliveries slide more than 30 percent this year, beset by not just $2-a-gallon gas but plunging prices for used Leafs that likely sopped some demand for new models.
In fact, it’s all part of an upgrade package made available for the 2016 Nissan Leaf, available on Acenta and Tekna trim grades. The introduction of Carbon, Nitrogen and Magnesium to the electrodes improves performance, while the change to the cell layout also contributes to the gain.
Paul Willcox, Chairman of Nissan Europe, said: “The Leaf just got even better”. The new Leaf will also have an updated telematics system, which shows charge level, range and can be accessed remotely via mobile apps, that runs quicker and has a “simpler, improved look and feel”.
All Acenta and Tekna 2016MY LEAF models are equipped with the latest evolution of the brand’s acclaimed NissanConnect EV infotainment system. The rest of the auto, however, gets a few more tweaks, including a new standard NissanConnect 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Leaf S, and a new 7.0-inch system with navigation on the Leaf SV and SL.
The touchscreen itself also gets a new interface, while a DAB radio and capacitive zoom for the satnav also feature.
Sales of the model year 2016 Nissan LEAF 30kW will begin in the United Kingdom in December 2015.
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Subtle exterior design changes – include a new roof-mounted aerial along with the availability of a new colour – Bronze.
