Leaf English conversion advances

This story first appeared in the October issue of EvTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

English upgrades for the Nissan Leaf are being refined and produced through Christchurch-based EVs Enhanced and its partners.

The Connect English Translation is for AZE0-2 X and G Spec Japanese Nissan Leafs.

Development has also begun on ZE1 Leafs following the addition of Android Auto to the ZE1 Connect units, with more products along this line expected to be available this year.

Walter Larason of EVs Enhanced says key aspects of this latest English conversion include full text conversion, GPS synchronised to local time, full control of climate and charge timers, the retention of all original Japanese functions such as FM Radio, CD, Music Box, Bluetooth, Phone and more, and Voice Control via Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri available via the Bluetooth connection.

Limitations are that the built-in voice functions remain in Japanese, a band expander (usually costing around $30) is required if not already added at the importation stage, and local maps are not included.

The Connect English Translation is $345 including GST, installed by EVs Enhanced and its partners.

That’s more than $200 cheaper than an earlier full English conversion for the Leaf from an overseas company which used the Nissan Carwings audio navigation unit.

It was released early this year and is already installed into many New Zealand Leafs.

However, the nearly $570 cost disappointed many people, particularly as some of the vehicles wanting this service are eight years old.

Increased differences across hardware versions found in later Connect units proved a more significant challenge in providing an English solution.

Many parties tried repeating earlier methods of using European firmware, but the differences in hardware left the units only partially functional – breaking aspects like CD Player, Maps, Music Box and even FM radio entirely, EVs Enhanced customer service manager Barry Gamble says.

“While our main focus is on the development of HV battery solutions, the lack of viable solutions for Connect units in conjunction with the disappointing price point on the previous Carwings conversion, had made us open to developing a more suitable product,” he says.

“When Ethan from Flip to English approached us with a proof of concept for English conversions in these Connect units, a partnership was established and together we developed this AZE0-2 Connect English Translation.”

This product has been fine-tuned with the assistance of Christchurch-based Leaf owners who have been trialling these conversions in the weeks leading up to the launch.

“We have taken a very open approach to development by encouraging our triallists to share their experiences with other members of the EV community.

This ensured we developed a product that Leaf owners want,” Gamble says.

It’s available now to Christchurch customers through the EVs Enhanced Service Centre and will soon be available nationwide through a network of partners.

Contact enquiries@evsenhanced.com or visit www.evsenhanced.com for more information.