► New 2018 Nissan Leaf spied
► Due for September world debut
► Touch of Micra style for new EV
Our spies have caught the second edition of the world’s best-selling electric car on manoeuvres: it’s the new 2018 Nissan Leaf.
The camouflage is slowly peeling away, revealing a sharp new look that’s set to remove some of the divisive wackiness of the original to give it a more mainstream vibe.
The rear hatchback, for instance, looks much more conventional, suggesting that Nissan is attempting to lure more everyday folk into electric car ownership, more than just early adopters.
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New Nissan Leaf: what to expect
Lurking under the black-and-white swirls of the disguise is a five-door hatchback influenced by the IDS concept of 2015, and a little bit of new Micra in its detailing. Sharp edges and creases are in; soft, jelly-mould soap-bar curves are out.
We hear a choice of battery packs will be offered, just like in the Tesla electric car range; the highest capacity is said to be rated at 60kWh (double that in the rangiest Leaf) and it will be compatible with the latest high-speed charging stations.
Range? Word is it should be nearly double today’s Nissan Leaf, with the ability to drive around 200 miles between top-ups in the real world.
The Leaf’s cabin is dominated by a widescreen display, a digital instrument pack and an evolution of the round gearlever from today’s model. This official teaser photo reveals how the car will get ProPilot, semi-autonomous tech, allowing the car to drive in stop-start, urban environments.
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When can I buy a new second-generation Nissan Leaf?
Nissan has confirmed that the new model will be shown at a special event in Tokyo on 6 September 2017, just ahead of a more formal debut at the Frankfurt motor show.
It’s all part of the Japanese firm’s plan to increase pure EV sales to around one in five of its cars by 2020.
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