The 2016 all-electric Nissan LEAF offers best-in-class 107-mile range — here’s how they did it

By outfitting the 2016 LEAF with a 30kWh battery, Nissan’s flagship electric vehicle now boasts a best-in-class range of 107 miles.

For those keeping score, that’s a 27% increase over last year’s model.

What’s interesting though is that the new battery offers more than just increased capacity. By upgrading the structure of the cells and improving upon its electrode material with a revised chemistry, it’s now more durable too. 

Per Nissan:
“Often when battery capacity is simply increased, the battery's durability and compatibility with quick chargers may deteriorate. The new 30 kWh battery design adds capacity without increasing battery package size by improving the cell structure of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells. Improved electrode material with revised chemistry results in higher power density and contributes to enhanced battery durability upon charge and discharge.”

The company added:
“While the 24 kWh battery is composed of four cells per module (192 cells total), the new 30 kWh battery's modules contain eight newly designed cells per module (192 cells total). Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in packaging and design applications. The 30 kWh battery pack weighs just 46 pounds more than the 24 kWh battery pack and has the same battery pack size and footprint.”

The new battery will come standard on all LEAF SV and LEAF SL models (the S model will not come equipped with it).

Beyond the new battery, the LEAF will also feature significantly improved upon features. This includes an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107-horsepower and 187-lb-ft of torque.  

“The new battery is just one of several enhancements for the 2016 LEAF,” said Speaker. “We’re also bringing audio and connectivity upgrades by adding NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display as standard features for LEAF S models, and for SV and SL grades we are offering NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps–featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition as standard features.”

For those curious, the apps being referenced include Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices.

The 2016 Nissan LEAF has a starting price of $26,700 after the federal tax credit of $7,500 for the SV model and $29,290 for LEAF SL after the federal tax credit. 

Nissan’s LEAF S models will be equipped with the aforementioned 24kWh battery, which has an estimated range of 84 miles. Its prices will be $21,510 after the federal tax incentive.

Via BusinessWire and TechXplore