Nissan Unveils the 2013 Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf electric car has been one of the more popular in recent years despite the problem with battery capacity which grabbed the headlines towards the end of 2012. However, Nissan has this week announced plans for a new updated version of the Nissan Leaf which will be available in 2013. So what can expect from the new Nissan Leaf and how does it compare to its original counterpart?

Charge time

One of the main bones of contention amongst consumers over the last few years has been the relatively long charging time required to re-energise the car's battery. Thankfully, there is the option of a 6.6 kW charger with the new Nissan 2013 Leaf which will reduce charge time from around eight hours to just four hours. This ensures that not only does it take less time to charge from your home but will also takes less time to charge at public charging stations which will inevitably appear in the months and years ahead.

Increased journey capacity

The new Nissan Leaf will have an increased journey capacity compared to its original design which is yet another selling point when the vehicle is eventually released. We await confirmation from the US authorities with regards to the exact journey capacity and the improvement on the original vehicle but any improvement at this point in time will be well received. The ability to "go all electric" for longer journeys will increase journey options and should improve sales of the Nissan electric vehicle.

It is also worth noting that the 2013 version will also take in the latest aerodynamic technology which streamlines the vehicle, reduces drag and improves efficiency and journey distance. When you are talking about relatively short journeys, the ability to reduce drag and improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle should not be underestimated.

Eco Route

One interesting option which will be part of the Nissan Leaf 2013 is Eco Route facility which will suggest the most economic route for you to take with regards to power saving facilities. In many ways this is very similar to a satnav, which can detect traffic tailbacks ahead, although the ability to save power and increase efficiency will be well received by the public.

So we not only have a vehicle which can extend your electric only journey capacity, improve your charging time but it will also give you the most economical route to take!

Conclusion

While the Nissan Leaf was in the news for all of the wrong reasons towards the end of 2012, predominantly because of problems with the car battery, it seems as though lessons have been learnt and the new version is very different. At a time when the consumer is finding it difficult to justify relatively high expenditure on an electric vehicle, as opposed to a traditional fuel vehicle, squeezing the maximum journey capacity, reducing charging times and offering the latest on board technology will all go down very well.

Nissan has made mistakes, the company has admitted such, but the Nissan Leaf has on the whole been well received by the general public.

For more information on electric vehicles please visit the electricforum.com where you can discuss your questions and queries with the 5,400 strong community.

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