2016MY Nissan Leaf Covers Up To 250 KM On A Single Charge With New 30 kWh Battery

Nissan has finally given the Leaf what every electric vehicle on the market needs: a longer driving range.

Thanks to new 30kWh battery technology, the European 2016MY Leaf now can cover up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) on a single charge – an increase of 26 percent compared to the previous version.

Available on Acenta and Tekna trim grades, the new 30kWh battery has exactly the same exterior dimensions as the existing 24kWh unit and is 21 kg (46.3lbs) heavier. The battery’s higher performance is due to an update to its internal design and chemistry.

Nissan says the introduction of Carbon, Nitrogen and Magnesium to the electrodes improves performance, while the change to the cell layout also contributes to the gain. The new 30kWh battery will be covered by an eight year, 160,000 km warranty.

Just as with the current Leaf, customers will be able to recharge the new battery from their homes, from public chargers, or from the network of Quick Chargers (3 phase, 400V).

Along with the new battery, the Nissan Leaf has received equipment and styling updates for the 2016 model year in Europe. New features include the latest NissanConnect EV infotainment system that replaces the previous Carwings setup.

Available for all Acenta and Tekna 2016MY Leaf models, NissanConnect EV features a new interface and digital radio receiver and a capacitive 7-inch touchscreen. The system also offers a new charging map capable of showing which charging points are available and which are being used, a completely revised navigation system, maintenance alerts and a car-finder facility.

Exterior design changes for the Leaf 30 kWh are subtle and include a new roof-mounted aerial along with the availability of a new Bronze body color.

European sales of the updated Nissan Leaf will start in January 2016.