Nissan announced the 2016 model of its electric vehicle, Nissan LEAF, with an available 30 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated driving range of 107 miles on a fully charged battery– a 27-percent increase over the previous 24 kWH battery.
The new battery is standard for LEAF SV and LEAF SL models. The range of a LEAF S model is 84 miles.
Andrew Speaker, director, Nissan EV Sales & Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc., said, “Since Nissan LEAF launched in December 2010, we’ve become the global leaders in electric vehicle (EV) sales with an all-electric car specifically designed for the mass market.”
“The new battery offers more advantages than just the 27 percent increase in driving range – it also offers improved battery performance. Nissan has been a leading developer of lithium-ion battery technology for more than 20 years. The new LEAF battery is a great example of how rather than just increasing battery capacity, we’ve achieved a balance between capacity, packaging, durability and affordability.”
The new 30 kWh battery design adds capacity without increasing battery package size by improving the cell structure of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells. Improved electrode material with revised chemistry results in higher power density and contributes to enhanced battery durability upon charge and discharge.
While the 24 kWh battery is composed of four cells per module (192 cells total), the new 30 kWh battery’s modules contain eight newly designed cells per module (192 cells total). Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in packaging and design applications. The 30 kWh battery pack weighs just 46 pounds more than the 24 kWh battery pack and has the same battery pack size and footprint.
The battery powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, rated at 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, which drives the front wheels through a single-speed reducer. The 2016 LEAF SV and SL have MPGe ratings of 124 city, 101 highway and 112 combined fuel economy, while LEAF S has MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.
The 2016 Nissan LEAF has a starting price of $26,700 after the federal tax credit of $7,500 for the SV model and $29,290 for LEAF SL after the federal tax credit. LEAF S models continue to be equipped with a 24 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles. The starting price for 2016 Nissan LEAF S grade remains $21,510 after the federal tax incentive.
Unlike internal combustion engine-equipped vehicles, LEAF has no tailpipe, which means there is no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases.
“The new battery is just one of several enhancements for the 2016 LEAF. We’re also bringing audio and connectivity upgrades by adding NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display as standard features for LEAF S models, and for SV and SL grades we are offering NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps–featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition as standard features.”
The NissanConnect with Mobile Apps system for 2016 LEAF S includes Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices.
NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps for SV and SL grades include a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, HD radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link for weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
The menu screen graphics and customization process have been improved and charging screen information is now automatically updated every time the ignition is turned on and with every 12 miles of driving.
The NissanConnect EV system (no-charge subscription required), also standard on SV and SL grades, allows remote connection to the vehicle, providing monitoring of battery state-of-charge, start charging event control and turning on the heating and air conditioning system prior to entering the vehicle.
Nissan LEAF rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175.0-inch overall length, 69.7-inch width and 61.0-inch height. LEAF provides room for five adults and 24 cubic feet of cargo space. Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides optimum weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for five-passenger seating by not intruding into the cabin space.
The 2016 Nissan LEAF offers a number of charging options. A charge port is located in the front body for the 240V charger and portable trickle-charge cable (110V). A charge port light and lock are standard. The available Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL, optional on S) allows charging to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes at public charging stations using a CHAdeMO fast charger. There is also a standard photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for vehicle accessories.
LEAF SV and SL grades feature a 6.6 kW onboard charger that, using a 240V outlet, will charge the battery to 100 percent in about six hours. The system is an option on LEAF S, which in standard form utilizes a 3.6 kW onboard charger. All LEAF models come with a standard portable trickle charge cable.
Nissan LEAF utilizes a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system, while responsive braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
When driving at low speeds, the system emits a sound from a speaker at the front of the vehicle. When the vehicle’s speed reaches 19 mph, pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and the “approaching sound” automatically turns off. If the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph, the sound comes on again.
The Nissan LEAF exterior features a fusion of sophisticated aerodynamic management with the design freedom provided by the EV layout. The smooth, elegant movement of the body starts from the low, compact hood, moves through the iconic shoulder character line and on toward the large rear spoiler. The long, up-slanting headlights split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag.
LED low-beam headlights, which consume about half of the electricity of halogen headlights, are standard on LEAF SL. Heated outside mirrors are standard on SV and SL grades. In the rear, the slim-type aerodynamic LED taillight design and crisp corners combine with the aerodynamic rear bumper with rear diffuser to manage the aerodynamics of the rear end without compromising rear interior roominess. Nissan LEAF’s coefficient of drag is 0.28.
The exterior also utilizes a flat underbody (including a large front flat floor cover, electric motor area undercover, front undercover and rear diffuser with fins) to help manage airflow under the vehicle. An innovative vortex-shedding, roof-mounted antenna is one of many design elements used to help reduce wind noise. Other noise-reduction features include a quiet-operation windshield wiper motor, a sound-insulation windshield design and a dual-isolated, motor-mounting system. The five-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles, aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior environment.
Two different wheel designs are offered: 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers for LEAF S and split five-spoke, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for LEAF SV and SL. Bridgestone Ecopia 205/55R16 all-season tires are used with the S grade, while 215/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver all-season tires are standard on SV and SL.
The 2016 model is available in eight exterior colors: the new premium-look Forged Bronze, Coulis Red and Deep Blue Pearl, along with Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Glacier White and Pearl White.
The wide, high tech instrument panel design is dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center “floating” C-stack with a 5.0-inch color LCD display (S grade) for use with the standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.
The digital “eyebrow” display at the top of the instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the percentage style state-of-charge meter, power meter, battery temperature gauge, multi-function display, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance-to-empty display.
A 7.0-inch display with multi-touch control is standard on SV and SL grades. The flat panel center C-stack cluster includes the color monitor for the standard RearView Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems, as well as the Around View Monitor (available on SV and SL).
Standard on SV and SL grades is the Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately). EV-IT highlights include an “Eco route” feature for the available navigation system that includes suggested power-saving alternative routes, plus Google local search and iPod cover art.
The system also displays “reachable area,” as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations, which is updated with every 12 miles of driving.
The Google Places search function allows LEAF owners to look for area restaurants, shops and other points of interest and browse user reviews using Google’s POI database to get the most up-to-date information at all times.
The 7.0-inch display also provides access to the NissanConnect EV telematics system telematics system (standard on SV and SL), which allows for a remote connection to the vehicle. Nissan LEAF drivers can use web-enabled mobile phones to turn on climate control and set charging functions remotely (SV and SL models only), even when the vehicle is powered down. An onboard timer can also be programmed to start the charging event (standard on all grades).
With the standard Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant (part of NissanConnect with Mobile Apps), drivers can manage incoming text messages via voice control without taking their hands from the wheel or eyes off the road. Drivers are alerted to an incoming text and, after initiating the system, can hear the text read out loud and respond via voice recognition, or via the steering wheel switches using pre-set answers such as “driving, can’t text,” “on my way,” “running late,” “okay” or a custom message.
The center console area includes the palm shifter for the “shift by wire” drive selector. The standard three-spoke, steering wheel (heated and leather-wrapped on SV and SL grades) houses controls for cruise control (now standard on all grades), audio system and standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System. SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink Universal Transceiver standard on SL models.
Three audio systems are offered, starting with an AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD playback capability, four speakers and 5.0-inch color LCD display for LEAF S. LEAF SV and SL add two additional speakers and the 7.0-inch display. The Energy Efficient Series Bose premium audio system with seven speakers is part of the Premium Package option on SV and SL grade vehicles.
Two interior colors are offered: Black (S, SV, SL) or Light Gray (SV only).
Standard LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, three-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.
The 2016 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, LEAF S, LEAF SV and LEAF SL.
Standard features include a six-way manual driver’s seat, four-way manual front passenger’s seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage, RearView Monitor and 3.6 kW onboard charger.
Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, power windows with driver’s window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge port door release, two cupholders, four bottle holders, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 12-volt power outlet and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers and NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.
The Nissan LEAF SV model adds the 30 kWh battery, Quick Charge Port, 6.6 kW onboard charger, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, NissanConnect EV, 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, six-speaker audio system, a hybrid heater system that provides superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy, auto-dimming inside mirror, heated outside mirrors and steering wheel, partially recycled cloth seat fabric, passenger side map pocket and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The 2016 LEAF SL model adds a photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, LED low beam auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, leather-appointed seats, heated rear seat and cargo cover.
Just two option packages are offered.
The Quick Charge Package (S grade only) includes the 6.6 kW onboard charger and Quick Charge Port, while the Premium Package (SV and SL grades) offers the advanced Around View® Monitor and Energy Efficient Series Bose® seven-speaker audio.
The 2016 Nissan LEAF is assembled in the United States at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., assembly plant, with battery assembly taking place next door.
