As other automakers and electric-minded newcomers continue to take a swing at replacing the everyday commuter car with something powered solely with batteries, Nissan seems to be interested in staying in a smaller part of the slowly-growing EV segment with its upcoming next-generation Leaf.
We caught a glimpse of the new Leaf’s design earlier this week, and now it seems specifications of the upcoming next-gen electric car have leaked online, according to screenshots captured by Autoblog of images uploaded to (and deleted from) Autobytel.
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If the leaked information is accurate, the new Nissan Leaf will start at $29,990 for the S trim with two other options available, including the $32,490 SE trim and $36,200 SL. It’s not clear, but the documents suggest the the pricing is determined by luxury options that don’t include any boosts in power or range.
Speaking of power, it would seem the new Leaf will be good for 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, with a 40 kWh battery powering only the front wheels. There’s no listing of range for the vehicle, but it’s not likely to get anywhere near the 200-mile-plus range available on the more expensive (without considering incentives) Chevy Bolt or Tesla Model 3. Then again, its lower price arguably meets its lower capacity.
Other details of the car pretty much just outline a basic 5-door hatchback, with seating for five, keyless entry and ignition, a 5-inch infotainment screen up front, and optional heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The documents also show a 36-month roadside warranty.
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It’s interesting that Nissan has held itself back from being a “direct” competitor with the capabilities of the other new EVs on the market, but then again the price difference may be enough to persuade people who aren’t willing to spend full-size pricing on what is essentially an electrified hatchback as a second or third car. We’ll see how it plays out when, well, when the Leaf is legitimately revealed and then goes on sale.