Nissan has announced that one third of its Australian volume will include electric technology.
“Electrified vehicles will represent a third of Nissan volume in Australia during our mid-term plan,” Nissan Australia managing director, Stephen Lester told an electrification thought leadership event in Sydney.
“By introducing more electric alternatives on several of our key models, we will make mass market electrification a reality,’’ he said.
“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.”
Deliveries of the new generation Nissan LEAF will begin in mid-2019.
The new LEAF will provide an expected real world driving range of up to 270 kilometres per charge thanks, in part, to a larger battery.
These new features, plus an increase in power and torque, its stylish new design and bi-direction charging capabilities, are some of the key drivers in attracting repeat LEAF buyers and potential new customers to Nissan’s award-winning electric vehicle.
“The new Nissan LEAF has the ability to transform the way we drive and live,” Mr Lester said.
“The increase in power and particularly torque make this vehicle a lot of fun to drive, surprising many who get to experience it.
“A larger 40 kilowatt hour battery will keep the LEAF on the road for longer and with bi-directional charging capabilities, you could feed charge from the car to power your home.”
With range anxiety a major consideration for electric vehicle buyers in Australia, internal global research shows that current owners approach the re-charging of their vehicle’s battery in the same way as their mobile phone.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Charging is a simple act and many electric vehicle owners tend to charge their vehicle like they charge their mobile phones in preparation for the next day, by doing it overnight,” he said.[/social_quote]
“A study by Zero Carbon Australia tells us that, on average, city-based drivers have a 38 kilometre daily commute, so daily re-charging is not necessary.
“Also, with a conscious mindset of overnight charging well in place thanks to mobile phones, most Australians are unlikely to have range issues.”
With its fun to drive performance, dynamic new design and a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility active safety technologies, as well as e-Pedal, the new Nissan LEAF is sure to impress.
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.
It also features the Auto Hold function, maintaining the car’s position until acceleration is required. This will enable new Nissan LEAF owners to drive without using the brake pedal for up to 90 per cent of the time.
Nissan is committed to making transportation safer, smarter and more enjoyable, and it is Nissan Intelligent Mobility that will help to achieve this.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility encompasses three core areas of innovation: how our cars are powered (Nissan Intelligent Power), how they are driven (Nissan Intelligent Driving) and how they are integrated into society (Nissan Intelligent Integration).
These new technologies are supported by a variety of Nissan Intelligent Mobility active safety equipment such as a 360 degree intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection, intelligent cruise control, intelligent emergency braking – with pedestrian protection, intelligent cruise and trace control and intelligent lane intervention.
New LEAF also features predictive forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, push-button start, high beam assist, satellite navigation and front and rear parking sensors.
Sold at 89 Nissan Dealerships across the country – up from 12 when the LEAF was introduced in 2012 – Nissan will have the largest EV sales network in Australia, supported by EV installation experts JET Charge.
JET Charge is Nissan’s preferred charger installer at Nissan dealerships, and for customers is able to fit out homes with charging equipment nationally.
“With more and more choice available, Australians are embracing electric vehicles, sales are going to grow, and Nissan is prepared for this growth,” said Lester.
“This means that the Dealership has the expertise and infrastructure in place to charge and service a LEAF, is stocked with spare parts and accessories, and they have trained sales staff and service technicians.
“We also have the relationship with JET Charge who will support LEAF owners with charging infrastructure at their homes.’’
