James from the Electrified Journeys Japan YouTube channel brings us new information on the 2018 Nissan Leaf. His friend tested the new 2018 Nissan Leaf, so James made a great video summing up the whole experience.
Let’s sum up the best parts:
Not surprising, considering that if we look at the new Eaton Nissan xStorage battery capacity, the math points to 38,4 kWh. However, Nissan has always reported the total battery capacity, but I’ve been told that from now on, only the usable battery capacity would be advertised – the same way Renault does with its electric cars. If this proves to be true, it would mean that the 38,4 kWh would be usable capacity. Yet, it’s better to count with 38,4 kWh of total capacity, to not be disappointed with the unveil.
The new Nissan Leaf made in Japan will get its batteries from Smyrna, Tennessee in the USA, while the European Nissan Leaf will get its batteries from Sunderland, UK.
Regarding the battery capacity, this is just the confirmation of what we already knew since last year. While an EPA range of 150-160 miles (241-257 km) isn’t enough for everyone, it’s certainly great for most people. However I’m confident that in a year or two a bigger battery capacity option will be available in the higher trims, to reach more potential buyers.
Furthermore, if – as I expect – it has a starting price of 30.000 €, instead of the 40.000 € that the Opel Ampera-e costs in Europe, I think that the new Nissan Leaf will be a much more successful electric car, since 10.000 € is lot of cash.
I wonder if the new Nissan Leaf can match the maximum DC fast charging rate of the Hyundai IONIQ Electric at 70 kW, or it’s still limited to 50 kW. I also want to know where it stands regarding efficiency and more important its starting price.
How about you? What you already know is enough to decide if you like the 2018 Nissan Leaf? Or there is still important information missing?
