The upcoming third-generation electric vehicle ought to offer a slightly more enjoyable driving experience. However, significant boosts in power shouldn't be anticipated.
- Nissan has ultimately moved away from the traditional passively cooled battery pack in favor of a new system for the updated Leaf.
- A novel fluid-based mechanism can extract heat from the vehicle's onboard charger.
- The third-generation Leaf EV also features an updated suspension system at the back.
The Nissan Leaf It was the world's first electric vehicle to be produced on a large scale. and still is —one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles available, leading to more than half a million units sold since its launch in 2010; however, the lower starting cost also indicates that certain compromises were made.
Over a span of 15 years, both the first- and second-generation Leaf utilized a passively cooled high-voltage battery system. In simpler terms, these models did not have circulating coolant fluid to regulate cell temperature; rather, they depended solely on ambient airflow for thermal management. However, this approach is set to evolve when the third-generation vehicle debuts later this year.
Lacking a liquid-cooled battery isn't a deal-breaker if you reside in an area with moderate weather conditions. Nonetheless, extreme temperatures—whether frigidly cold or blazingly hot—can lead to issues. The battery range, charging efficiency, and overall longevity may decline since the electrical current within the cells doesn't flow as efficiently when not maintained at optimal operating temperatures.
With the all-new Leaf This issue will now be resolved as Nissan has opted for a liquid cooling system designed to keep the battery pack at optimal temperatures. Additionally, the system utilizes waste heat from the onboard battery charger to preheat the battery, which could enhance driving range during colder conditions.
The 2025 Nissan Leaf will feature a multilink rear suspension system.
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When discussing the range, Nissan states that the updated Leaf will offer between 186 and 311 miles (300 to 500 kilometers) per full charge, indicating multiple battery choices may be offered. However, we're unclear about which driving cycle was used for these measurements.
To put it another way, a 14-minute rapid charge using DC power ought to provide approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) of range, which is quite decent. However, the top charging rate for the Leaf remains unknown.
In the powertrain division, the updated electric crossover (which is now more of an SUV rather than a traditional hatchback) will remain a front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle. The enhanced front drivetrain unit, measuring 10% less in size compared to its previous iteration, retains the output of 214 horsepower despite being fully revamped. However, the torque has increased marginally from 250 pound-feet to 261 lb-ft. This slight enhancement won’t significantly impact everyday driving experience; however, this adjustment aligns well with the fact that the Leaf was not designed for high-performance capabilities anyway.
This means that the latest version has switched from a torsion beam rear suspension to a multi-link system, potentially enhancing the overall driving comfort.
We need to learn more about the completely redesigned Nissan Leaf following its launch later this year.