Leaf leads the charge for Nissan Australia

One-third of Nissan’s Australian volume will include electric technology during its current mid-term plan.

That’s what Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester says at the launch of its new 40kWh Nissan Leaf in Sydney on October4.

The launch heralds a new era of electrification for the company, with Nissan preparing for the expected spike in electrification and electric vehicle (EV) interest and sales.

“By introducing more electric alternatives on several of our key models, we will make mass market electrification a reality,” Lester says.

“I have no doubt electric vehicles will be a success here, and sooner than many think, and Nissan is planning for this now to ensure we meet the future needs of the buyer.
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Deliveries of the new generation Nissan Leaf start in mid-2019, with Nissan Australia unable to confirm pricing at this stage.

It’s expected to have a 270km range on a single charge.

The car has an improved 110kW of power – up 38% on the outgoing model – and 320Nm of torque, an increase of 14% over the first generation.

Australian specifications include an e-Pedal to start, accelerate, stop and hold the car; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These new features, plus the increase in power and torque, stylish new design and bi-direction (car to home) charging capabilities, are some of the key drivers in attracting repeat Leaf buyers and potential new customers to Nissan’s award-winning EV, the company says.

Charging times vary depending on the connection, but range between 24 hours to a less than 60 minute fast-charge.

“A study by Zero Carbon Australia tells us that, on average, city-based drivers have a 38km daily commute, so daily re-charging is not necessary,” Lester says.

“Also, with a conscious mindset of overnight charging well in place thanks to mobile phones, most Australians are unlikely to have range issues.”
A variety of safety features includes a 360-degree around-view monitor with moving object detection, cruise control, emergency braking – with pedestrian protection, cruise and trace control and lane intervention.

Predictive forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, push-button start, satellite navigation, ISOFIX seat belt anchor points and front and rear parking sensors are also featured.

An eight-inch touchscreen display, seven-inch advanced drive assist display, heated steering wheel, leather accented seats and ample space for five are key interior points.

The new Leaf will be available for sale at 89 Nissan dealerships across the country – up from 12 when the Leaf was introduced in 2012.

Nissan says it will have the largest EV sales network in Australia, supported by EV installation experts JET Charge who can supply owners with home charging infrastructure.

JET Charge will be responsible for the installation of EV hardware and software at the Nissan dealerships.

Electric Vehicle Council Australia chairman Tim Washington of JET Charge says a significant increase in EV sales is forecast during the next seven years.

“The arrival of the new Leaf is a big deal for the industry.”
Australian dealers will determine how many of the new Nissan Leafs they stock and are enthusiastic about getting them.

More than 3500 enquiries and expressions of interest have been received there for the new Leaf.