Why is the Nissan Leaf Europe’s most desirable electric vehicle?

Date Posted 7th August 2019
Read Time 4 min read

Beep. Beep.

That’s the sound of cars moving along the infinite conveyor belt, governed by the technology of its time.

Throughout history, the motor industry has always been of the most receptive industries to emerging technologies, and innovation scoops cars onto a continual, evolutionary conveyor belt of constant change. The likes of Karl Benz and Henry Ford are responsible for kindling cars on the conveyor belt and since then, technology has redefined the way cars are manufactured, operated and maintained. Take the way cars function for example; they can either use fuel, electric and hybrid or solar energy systems.

There were 52,000 alternative-fuel vehicles on British roads by the end of 2014, most of which were electric cars and hybrids created to solve the ecological issues that have managed to mount up over the years. We’re always tinkering with technology, and we have to er on the side of caution when it comes to putting cars which could potentially pollute the environment on the assembly line.

Used wisely, technology can take the environmental burden off of our shoulders and here, we give a nod to the Nissan Leaf for this.

   Nissan Leaf

When was the Nissan Leaf first introduced?

When the electric Leaf zinged onto the streets in the early 2000s, every cost-cutter in their right mind wanted a piece of it. The car combated gasoline prices and offered incentives like tax breaks and access to HOV freeway lanes.

How does the Nissan Leaf save energy?

It’s in this car’s nature to go the distance, with Eco-friendly driving modes which increase regenerative braking and limit engine power to help you milk miles from the battery.

You can drive up to 168 miles in the Nissan Leaf, that’s 24 miles further than in the Volkswagen E-Golf. In the Nissan Leaf E+, you gain a superb 71 miles, and the power output stands at 214bhp compared to the standard car’s 148bhp.

Home charging from a 7kW wallbox will take some eight hours in the cheaper model, or 10 hours for the bigger battery in the Leaf e+ version. There’s no difference in the way the two Leaf models drive; they’re both composed and inoffensive, as well as brimming with technology.

Engage the E-pedal to go easy on your feet, as just taking your foot off the accelerator with this bit of kit is kind of like hitting the brakes.

What are some differences between the versions of the Nissan Leaf?

Which Nissan Leaf you go for depends entirely on your lifestyle, starting with the Acenta as your basic, entry level model. The 40KwH battery capacity is the same across the Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna that we have available, and you won’t have to worry about changing that battery for around five to seven years.

If you want an electric car to save money on fuel and you feel you don’t need fancy technology to check your blind spot, then the Acenta is clearly your best bet. You’re greeted by an infotainment system with 8” touchscreen, NissanConnectServices and Door to Door Navigation powered by TomTom, which is great for long journeys.

You don’t gain any extra miles on the N-Connecta, but it’s definitely better for city driving. If you’re the type that turns into a nervous wreck during a trip around a metropolis, then the N-Connecta will keep you in check. The car benefits from an Intelligent Around View Monitor and Moving Object Detection, plus Intelligent Driver Alertness.

Lighting the way for intelligent technology and leading the way for night drives is the Nissan Leaf Tekna, with responsive LED Auto Headlights to guide you through the darkness and areas that aren’t as well-lit. Both the N-Connecta and the Tekna get electric-folding door mirrors too, which give off a Back to the Future ‘DeLorean’ kind of vibe.

The Tekna ProPilot system illuminates the steering wheel and you can see how centrally you are positioned in-lane, which will give you reassurance in windy weather.

To sum up…

You don’t gain any extra miles on the N-Connecta or Tekna so if you’re looking for a basic commuter car, stick with the Leaf Acenta. The N-Connecta is a city driver’s little helper with intelligent technology to keep you alert, and the Tekna has got your back in fast traffic.


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