LEAF range will grow

Nissan has promised its LEAF electric vehicle will reach a real-world 200km driving range within three years, matching BMW’s claim for the new i3.

While the European NEDC testing regime already gives the LEAF a 199km range, the US EPA rating is a more realistic 135km -- although real-world range can vary significantly either side of that.

BMW says the i3’s practical range is up to 160km but can be extended to 200km via economy driving modes. Its NEDC rating is 190km and there is no EPA rating yet.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Frankfurt auto show, Nissan Executive Vice-President and product panning chief Andy Palmer said the LEAF would improves to a 200km range before the original is replaced in about 2016.

“For sure within the current model cycle,” he told motoring.com.au. The LEAF was introduced in 2010 and is expected to have a six-year life.

The extended range development will not only aid the LEAF but three others EVs Nissan has committed to – the e-NV200 van/taxi, the Infiniti LE small car and a sub-LEAF city-car.

The new battery tech will also flow into about 20 hybrids Nissan has promised to launch over the next few years.

Palmer said improving the limited range – currently a huge restraint on EV sales potential -- was achievable because the energy density of lithium-ion batteries was improving at a rapid rate.

“They are developing much faster than I ever believed,” he said. “Four years ago when we started on the LEAF program we imagined a four-year cycle of the battery.

“Two years ago we went to a two-year cycle, now we are modifying the battery every model year.”

Palmer pointed out that the improved energy density of the battery was crucial to improving range. It was a far better alternative than simply adding more cells which adds more weight.

“We can do 200km now,” he explained. “But it’s a cost balance. You can go to bigger batteries, that is relatively easy, but the more interesting stuff is the changing of the chemistry to get more kiloWatt hours out of the same packaging space.

“That’s because every time you add cells you add weight and the battery on a LEAF is already 280kg.  You want to get into a virtuous circle of similar weight and more energy density.

The i3 has a 22kWh battery pack while the LEAF’s is 24kWh. The i3 can claim similar or better range despite a 45kW more powerful electric motor in part because it is more than 200kg lighter thanks to its aluminium and carbon-fibre intensive chassis and body. But that extra tech is reflected in its higher price compared to the LEAF.

The i3 is expected to cost close to $70,000 when it goes on sale in Australia next year. The LEAF now retails for $39,990 drive-away.

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