Leaf Gen 2.0 Specs/Options

Nissan announced the AZE0 on 20 November 2012, replacing the earlier ZE0 model. Known in New Zealand as the "Gen 2" (as Nissan refered to it as the "2nd iteration" of the Leaf), be aware that in the USA, they refer to the later ZE1 as the "Gen 2", while we consider it "Gen 3". The press release mentions over 43000 Gen 1 Leaf's manufactured worldwide.

On the outside the Gen 1 and Gen 2 look identical - aside from potentially different wheel rims. All Gen 1 Leafs came with the same 16 inch alloy 5 spoke wheel rims. Gen 2 G trim had a different style 17" alloy rim and the X and S trim got steel wheels with plastic wheel covers as standard with the X trim having an option of the original 16 inch 5 spokes like the Gen1 had.

The most obvious difference is the removal of the "hump" in the boot space that housed the onboard charger in the Gen 1. In the Gen 2, the charger is smaller allowing Nissan to move it to the top of the motor stack under the bonnet. The most obvious change for the driver is the replacement of the electric "handbrake" in the centre console to a manual foot operated emergency/park brake to the left of the brake pedal. Due to the charger being moved to the motor stack, the engine bay looks different from the Gen 1 as well.

The following is sourced from Nissan's press release:

The affordable S grade has been added for the new model year and joins the ongoing G and X grades. There is no performance sacrifice with the new S grade.

Among several new enhancements for the new LEAF are:

• Available genuine leather seats
• BOSE® Energy Efficient Series sound system
• Around View Monitor which assists parking at roadsides
• Driving range of 228km at a full charge (JC08 mode)
• Enhanced regenerative braking performance
• A power-saving heating system.

The major changes in specifications and equipment of the new Nissan LEAF are:

Exterior

• Sporty and stylish 17-inch aluminum wheels (standard on G)
• 16-inch aluminum wheels used in the current model are available as a factory-installed option (on X)
• 16-inch full-wheel covers (standard on S and X)
• LED headlights with auto-leveling using blue reflection LED lights (standard on G, factory-installed option on S and X)
• Front fog lights (standard on G, dealer-installed option on S and X)
• Seven available body colors, including three new colors: Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant White Pearl and White.

Interior

• Chic, elegant black interior
• Genuine leather seats available on G and X as a factory-installed option (Airy Gray color for previous model is available on G and X)
• Pop-up and down adjustable rear center seat headrest
• Increased luggage space from 330L to 370L, realized by moving a downsized onboard charger from the back of the car to the front
• Remaining battery capacity shown by percentage in the Multifunction Display
• Foot-operated parking brake.

Basic EV structure

• High voltage unit, including an electric motor, inverter and DC/DC converter, was integrated, resulting in a 30 percent volume reduction and a 10 percent mass reduction
• More responsive and exhilarating acceleration feel delivered by a newly designed motor
• Weight reduced by about 80kg compared to previous model. Achieved by combined powertrain unit, integrated functions, streamlined battery module and case structure, and use of lighter parts
• B range that generates deceleration without feeling a change in noise and gravity even on a downward slope (standard on G and X)
• Enhanced driving performance achieved by improved steering response in the medium-speed range and optimized suspension characteristics associated with weight reduction.

Improved power consumption

• Reduced power consumption with a heat-pump cabin heater, heated seat for all seats, heated steering wheel and heat shield ceiling
• Changes to the regenerative brake control system enable more efficient power generation when the brakes are operated.

Charging

• Long-life mode (where the battery is charged to 80% to extend the battery life), now available in any charging mode
• Improved convenience of the charging port, including a locking mechanism for the normal charging connector, LED light for charging at night and electromagnetic opener for the charging port lid.

Additional enhancements

• Lighter-weight, highly efficient BOSE® seven-speaker system: Energy Efficient System (factory-installed option on G and X)
• Around View Monitor shows an image of the vehicle's surroundings that is not easily visible (factory-installed option on G and X)
• Highly concentrated Plasma Cluster Ion generator which eliminates odors and kills germs (standard on G)
• Hill Start Assist which enables a driver to start the LEAF on a slope without worrying about rolling backward

Base pricing on launch in Japan was:

• G ¥4,133,850
• X ¥3,757,950
• S ¥3,349,500