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New Nissan Leaf comes to the UK with battery leasing option, extended range

James Trew
Former Editor-at-Large
Updated ·4 min read
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With price reductions on both sides of the Atlantic, and a battery replacement promise, Nissan is clearly keen to lure you over to the EV side of the fence. The latest ploy comes in the form of a battery leasing scheme in the UK market. Dubbing them "Flex" models, cars bought with a leased battery will start at £15,990 (about $24,000) thanks to a British government grant scheme that knocks £5,000 ($7,700) off the price. It'll then cost £70 ($108) and upwards a month to rent the battery depending on the contract and mileage. The new British-built version also comes with a swathe of improvements (over 100 claims Nissan), with top-billing going to the extended range -- from 109 to 124 miles. With charging times also said to be close to 50 percent of those of the original Leaf, the car certainly seems to be moving with the times. Those who prefer to buy the car and battery together as one, can still do so, at the expense of the £5,000 grant. Still undecided? Remember even more improvements could be on the way.

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NEW NISSAN LEAF: MORE AFFORDABLE, MORE FLEXIBLE

  • New British-built version boasts over 100 improvements

  • Three trim levels offer buyers plenty of choice

  • Battery leasing available for the first time

  • Enhanced battery warranty gives added peace of mind

The next generation of Nissan's all-electric LEAF has arrived – and for the first time, buyers can lease batteries for the 100% electric car and choose one of three trim levels.

A new pricing structure has been introduced to reflect the three trim levels and the battery-leasing options now available – but things are far from complicated. Cars bought with leased batteries will be known as 'Flex' models and buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of an entry-level Visia LEAF .

The new LEAF features more than 100 improvements over its predecessor – many of which were made as a result of feedback from Nissan's active community of LEAF owners.

Most notably, the car's range has been extended from 109 miles to 124 miles. And its battery is capable of recharging in about half the time of the first-generation LEAF.

The longer range has been achieved by improving the LEAF's aerodynamics and its regenerative braking system and a more efficient E-powertrain. The real world range has also been improved with the introduction of a new heating system which is 70 per cent more efficient through the use of a heat pump in the system.

But that's far from the whole story. New interior trim, the addition of Nissan's Around View Monitor technology and new suspension settings specifically tailored for European roads build on the LEAF's unique driving experience.

The three trim levels available to buyers are Visia, Acenta and Tekna. All models have increased boot space because of the relocation of the charging point and an enhanced interior trim. There is a height adjust facility on both front seats and more foot space for passengers.

At the top of the range, Tekna features a BOSE™ energy-efficient sound system with a subwoofer and seven speakers. In addition, there are 17-inch alloys and LED headlamps.

Whichever route buyers choose to LEAF ownership, peace of mind is assured with Nissan's enhanced battery warranty. The warranty on the previous-generation LEAF's battery covered it against defective materials or workmanship for five years. The extended warranty also protects against capacity loss, with a commitment to repair or replace a battery which falls short of what might reasonably be expected***.

Nissan's announcement of a new era for emission-free motoring continues to drive the electric revolution forward. Owning an electric car has never been more appealing. Some of the benefits are well-known, such as the lack of Vehicle Excise Duty and exemption from the London congestion charge, but it's becoming easier to charge up a Nissan LEAF on the move with more public charging points opening all the time. And of course, the cost of a full battery charge is a fraction of the price of a tank of petrol.

Jim Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: "We are very proud of the new Nissan LEAF, which underlines our commitment to the future of electric motoring.

"With more than 100 improvements over the outgoing model, it really does mark the next stage in the electric motoring revolution. Built at our record-breaking Sunderland plant for British drivers using British roads, we're looking forward to it becoming our next home-grown success story."