Amidst falling sales, a bigger battery that extends the Nissan Leaf's range will be introduced as part of the zero-emission vehicle's mid-cycle update. The next-gen model is even rumored to breach the 200-mile range mark, according to the Japanese automaker.
"The improvements will come from squeezing more energy into the Leaf's lithium ion battery. The new battery will be the same size as the current 24-kilowatt-hour power pack but deliver 30 kwh," the source said as reported by industry journal Automotive News.
With a bigger battery, the Leaf is expected to get an EPA-estimated range of about 125 miles, according to the source. Real-world range would be "closer to 105 to 110 miles," it added.
However, this is an "interim" model that should not be confused with the next-gen model which is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Battery options well above 30 kwh are expected for the next-gen model which could extend the Nissan Leaf's range to up to 250 miles, according to Auto Express UK.
"Expect the next generation Leaf to mirror any other car with a wide range of engine options, but ours will all be electric powered," a Nissan insider told the website. The automaker supposedly even showed a prototype with a 300-mile range during its annual meeting, according to Green Car Reports.
But the Japanese automaker won't stop there. Reportedly, a performance-oriented Nismo version of the EV is also under consideration.
"Much of the groundwork for a Nissan Leaf Nismo has been completed during the development of the all-electric Nissan Leaf Nismo RC race car," CarBuyer said.
With the next-gen Nissan Leaf range at the 200-mile mark and a selling price in the vicinity of $30,000, the Japanese EV is set to compete with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, coming later this year, and the Tesla Model 3, expected to launch in 2017.
