WITH a total global sale of over 500,000 units since introduction, including numerous awards, the Nissan Leaf needs no introduction in the full-battery electric vehicle (EV) category. During the 6th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit in 2018, Nissan Philippines displayed the current generation model for the guests to witness the electric vehicle up close and in the metal. That event also marked the day for the exciting EV’s upcoming advent to the country when Nissan expressed its willingness to sell the EV locally.
Back in late 2016, we had the chance to test the first-generation model during the #NissanA2Z Media Tour in Japan. There we were amazed by the drive experience brought by its full-electric delivery. Let alone the absence of any mechanical reverberations, which provided a complete smooth driving experience. Moreover, it remarkably generates instantaneous power to pick up the speed, minus any noise from a revving motor. Above all, it is absolutely zero-emission.
Until recently, Nissan’s flagship full-battery electric vehicle (EV) finally made its Philippines debut. The zero-emission Leaf is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The Japanese automaker’s approach to changing the way cars is driven, powered, and integrated into society. The Nissan Leaf exemplifies this philosophy in three key aspects: Intelligent Power, Intelligent Driving, and Intelligent Integration.
“Finally bringing the Nissan LEAF to the Philippines is a high point in our efforts throughout the years to inform and educate the Filipino public on the benefits of EV adoption. The Nissan LEAF is key to realizing our vision of enriching Filipino lives towards a more connected, sustainable, and resilient society,” says Atsushi Najima, president and Managing Director of Nissan in the Philippines.
Design-wise, the Nissan LEAF is absolute sleek with two-tone shade, including its iconic floating roof design. The EV Blue accents and V-Motion grille also complement the entire look. Inside, meantime, is entirely a sophistication treat with absolute quietness and vibration-free from the electric powertrain. More important, there is enough space to accommodate five occupants.
Intelligent Power
Motivation comes from a revolutionary, all-electric e-powertrain generating a maximum output of 110kW (148 hp) and a staggering 320 N-m of maximum torque, available instantaneously. The Nissan LEAF can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 140 km/h. Simply impressive.
As an embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the Leaf represents innovations in the areas of power delivery. The Nissan Leaf’s 40-kWh lithium-ion battery is capable of up to 311 kilometers of drive range on a full charge, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standards. That distance is comparable to a total distance between Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City twice a day, for five days, or a one-way trip to Baguio.
Charging the Nissan LEAF is easy and convenient. Owners are provided with multiple charging options. For one, 15 to 18 hours is all it takes to fully charge using a typical home dedicated wall outlet with the supplied universal charging cable. Interestingly, Nissan Philippines claims that the cost is approximately around P370 per full charge. Another option is through quick charging stations found in select Nissan dealerships nationwide. Impressively, all it takes is as fast as 40 to 60 minutes for a full charge. The best part? It is free.
Intelligent Driving
With the e-Pedal, the feature allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just one pedal. It is simply by controlling the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal. It works because whenever the accelerator pedal is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the car to a complete stop. This function makes the Nissan LEAF ideal for stop-and-go city traffic since the need to shift from one pedal to another is reduced. It is ultimately making driving more accessible and more convenient.
Moreover, the Nissan LEAF has intelligent driving assistance features. These are Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Around View Monitor, High Beam Assist, and Hill Start Assist. It also features Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and Intelligent Trace Control.
Intelligent Integration
Another advanced feature is the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. It enables bi-directional charging to use energy from the vehicle’s battery to power homes and equipment or give back energy to the power grid.
Regional vice president for Nissan ASEAN, Isao Sekiguchi, for his part, shared, “The Nissan LEAF’s launch in the Philippines is the latest chapter in our electrification strategy in ASEAN. This is part of Nissan’s DNA of daring to do what others don’t as we make electrified mobility more accessible to the people in the region.”
The Nissan LEAF’s current price tag is P2.798 million and is currently available in Nissan Mantrade Makati, Nissan Otis, and Nissan Cebu South – V. Rama. These dealerships are all equipped with EV charging systems exclusive to Nissan LEAF owners. Nissan is also looking at establishing seven charging stations in the country through its dealerships. Once completed, it would be the most extensive nationwide EV charging station network. Soon four more dealerships, equipped with charging facilities, will offer the Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan LEAF also comes with a three-year vehicle warranty or the first 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. It also comes with an eight-year battery warranty or the first 160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
Image courtesy of ©2021 Nissan
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