Nissan Leaf Mule Testing 250-Mile Range
The Nissan Leaf is trying to keep up with new electric vehicles that are currently in development.
Never one to shy away from bold statements, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently told shareholders that the company is working on an EV with range “comparative to today’s conventional vehicles” and that it’ll be available “in the near future.” During the meeting, Ghosn showed a video of a next-generation Leaf mule testing new battery technology, starting with 417 km (259 miles) on the odometer and returns with more than 200 km (124 mile) remaining after going on a drive.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Nissan Leaf Rumored to Get 105-Mile Range
It has been reported numerous times that the next-generation Leaf is aiming to have at least a 250-mile range and the Japanese automaker confirmed it is testing “new materials and chemistry solutions in order to make thinner, lighter weight and less costly batteries.” Along with the ability to create an EV with comparable driving range to an internal combustion engine, Nissan is also aiming for vehicles that charge faster.
The next-generation Nissan Leaf is expected to arrive around 2018-2019 and for the meantime, Nissan is likely equipping the 2016 Leaf with a 30-kWh battery to give it a 105-mile range. Unfortunately given that time frame, the Chevrolet Bolt will likely steal some market share and the next Nissan Leaf will face stiff competition from the Tesla Model 3.
[Source: HybridCars]
Discuss this story at our Nissan Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
last time i ever had a car with only 250 mile range, it had a fuel line leak :p
29