2nd generation Nissan LEAF electric car makes North American debut

2018 Nissan LEAF starts at $35,998 in Canadian dealerships

Nissan debuted the LEAF in North American following the LEAF’s global launch in Tokyo, Japan.

The next-generation of LEAF, the world’s best-selling affordable, mass-production electric vehicle, goes on sale in early 2018 at all 97 Nissan electric vehicle certified dealerships in Canada, according to a Nissan press release.

“When we launched LEAF in 2010, it instantly became the most affordable, mass market EV in the world. We are not walking away from that proposition,” said Muñoz.

In Canada, the Nissan LEAF is available with a weather package fitted as standard which includes: heated front and rear seats; heated steering wheel and battery heater. A Level 1/Level 2 (120v/240v) charger cable is also standard in Canada.

“The value equation for the new LEAF is even stronger than ever before — beginning with a starting MSRP of $35,998. That includes more power, range and technology, all wrapped in a beautiful new exterior and interior design,”said Muñoz.

To date, Nissan LEAF sales in Canada total over 5,400 and more than 283,000 globally.

The new 2018 LEAF features a 241-kilometre driving range, aerodynamic exterior, roomy high tech interior and advanced technologies including ProPILOT™ Assist and e-Pedal.

It is the first step in the re-launch of Nissan’s EV platform and will be followed in model year 2019 with a high-power version with increased motor power and battery capacity with a price premium.

“This new LEAF is not just the latest symbol of Nissan’s global leadership in the EV segment, it is the culmination of everything we’ve learned from more than two billion miles of real life, on-road driving and from the feedback of hundreds of thousands of owners around the world, particularly LEAF customers here in North America,” added Muñoz.

The new LEAF is also the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, a global initiative that focuses on how Nissan vehicles are driven, powered and integrated into society.

Its new ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s advanced single lane driver assistance technology, helps ease driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions.

While a “hands-on” system, it previews Nissan’s ongoing development of future leading edge autonomous drive technologies.

The LEAF’s revolutionary e-Pedal technology transforms the driving experience. It lets drivers start, accelerate, decelerate and stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator.

When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the car to a complete stop. The car holds its position, even on uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again. The reactiveness of e-Pedal helps maximize driving pleasure.

“We believe the new LEAF will be another game changer for Nissan in North America, just as the redesigned Rogue has been in the last year and a half, hitting the ‘sweet spot’ in the growing EV segment,” said Muñoz. “It takes everything we’ve learned from our loyal first-generation LEAF owners to the next level.”