New Nissan Leaf lands

The new Nissan Leaf has arrived in New Zealand and goes on sale at 29 dealers nationally from August 16.

It’s priced at $59,990 plus on road costs – making it one of the most affordable new EVs on the market here.

“As the pioneer of electric vehicles globally, the new fully electric Nissan Leaf represents the future of New Zealand motoring,” Nissan New Zealand managing director John Manley says.

“We are expecting to see a spike in the sale of new EVs in New Zealand and Nissan is best placed to look after electric vehicle buyers long after they’ve made their purchase.

“The new Nissan Leaf is technologically advanced, contemporary is its design, it enjoys strong driving range and is extremely fun to drive. It’s quite the package.”

The new Leaf incorporates all the mod cons under Nissan Intelligent Mobility and includes an eight-inch touchscreen display, seven-inch advanced drive assist display, satellite navigation, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear leather-accented seats and space for five.

Its e-Pedal allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car by using the accelerator pedal alone without needing to use the brakes.

The Leaf also comes with a maximum five-star safety rating by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

It has six SRS airbags, ISOFIX and three top tether child restraint anchor points and much more.

The new Leaf is a mobile power source thanks to its Nissan Energy Share bi-directional charging capabilities, meaning that, in future, Nissan Leaf customers here will be able to use the vehicle to share energy stored in its battery with their home, business or community.

“Bi-directional charging is potentially the next big advancement in transforming your EV into a more integrated part of your energy system,” Manley says.

“The good news is the Nissan Leaf sold in New Zealand is bi-directionally capable from factory and is therefore future-proofed for the next big step within the wider EV ecosystem.”

It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – a first for a Nissan passenger vehicle in New Zealand. The 40kWh battery outputs 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque and has more than 270km driving range.

It can be charged within 24 hours using a standard home wall socket, 7.5 hours if the household has a Wallbox home charger installed. You can also plug it into a Chademo rapid charger and get from alert to 80% charge in around 60 minutes depending on charging conditions.

Six colours include Arctic White, Ivory Pearl with black roof, Sangria Red, Pearl Black, Platinum and Gun Metallic.