Nissan has been teasing the new Leaf since the end of March, when the first official image was at the center of the company’s product onslaught. Since then, we’ve learned that it will be the company’s most aerodynamic production model, although the version for the United States won’t be as slippery as its European counterpart. Ahead of its full release later this month, the third-generation model is making headlines for its hardware improvements.
Still a front-wheel-drive, single-motor affair, the new Leaf soldiers on with 214 horsepower but gains more torque. It now makes 261 pound-feet (355 Newton-meters) instead of 250 lb-ft (340 Nm). It’s not a major upgrade, but there are other benefits. The crossover’s powertrain is 10% smaller than that of the hatchback it replaces, making room under the hood for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Relocating the AC from behind the instrument panel has made the cabin more spacious.
Photo by: Nissan
But probably the most notable upgrade is at the back. The third-gen Leaf ditches the basic torsion beam suspension and switches to a more sophisticated multi-link setup. The independent rear suspension should make the EV more engaging to drive and better at soaking up road imperfections. Nissan has an even smaller electric car on the way with IRS, considering the latest Micra supermini is essentially a Renault 5 in disguise. The Leaf itself also has a French connection, using the same CMF-EV platform as the Megane E-Tech.
Nissan claims it also tweaked the rack-mounted electronic power steering system to make the Leaf more maneuverable. The turning radius has been reduced by approximately 0.3 feet (10 centimeters) to 17.3 feet (5.3 meters), despite the use of larger 19-inch wheels. Lateral stiffness is up by 66%, while the powertrain is quieter and smoother than before. At 31 mph (50 km/h), the interior is two decibels quieter compared to the preceding model.
Elsewhere, the air-cooled batteries of past generations have made way for a liquid-cooled pack. A new thermal recovery system captures the heat produced by the onboard charger and uses it to warm the battery, helping it perform better in colder climates and improving range. Nissan previously said 14 minutes of charging would yield a driving range of 155 miles (250 kilometers).
We’ll know everything about the new Leaf when it breaks cover in the coming weeks, before it goes on sale later this year.
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Source: Nissan