Cynics were silenced as a line-up of 20 new Nissan LEAF 30kWh cars travelled more than 900km (559 miles) aboard the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Auto/Train service from Nice to Paris. The new Nissan LEAFs, which can now travel up to 250km* (155 miles) on a single charge, covered the staggering distance by taking advantage of just one of several innovative schemes available to LEAF owners across Europe for longer cross-country and vacation travel, including free charging at selected train stations and airports.
Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and due to go on sale in Europe in January 2016, the Nissan LEAF 30kWh is able to travel up to 25 percent further than the original 24kWh unit, thanks to significant performance updates. This increased range makes it a practical electric vehicle (EV) solution for 98 percent of family hatchback drivers’ needs.
The unique LEAF sighting on the lines of SNCF’s Auto/Train national rail network, which carries 65,000 cars per year, highlights Nissan’s innovative EV partnership with the transport provider. LEAF owners can take their vehicles aboard the Auto/Train service at a discounted rate, allowing their vehicles to conserve battery energy whilst travelling – that allows 100% ecological long distance at once.
The improved range of the 30kWh model, alongside design, technology and engineering updates, broaden the LEAF’s appeal – making it a true alternative to an internal combustion engine vehicle for millions of motorists. It delivers a longer range with no compromise on internal packaging. Available on Acenta and Tekna trim grades, it has exactly the same exterior dimensions as existing 24kWh unit and only a modest 21 kg increase in weight. The result? A car that goes significantly further while offering the same practicality and usability as previous versions.
