As fully electric vehicles (EV) do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE), the lack of noise is harmful to the visually impaired especially when crossing junctions and walking on sidewalks.
Since the first-generation Nissan Leaf was introduced ten years ago, EVs have been fitted with a system called Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) that transmit a soft stream of noise to alert pedestrians and cyclists of the presence of the EV.
As part of Nissan’s brand refreshment activity, the updated Nissan Leaf will emit a new AVAS soundtrack. This bespoke sonic identity for Nissan EVs, called “Canto”, has been crafted specifically for the European landscape.
“After engineering the ‘Canto’ sound, we installed it to the latest Leaf to enable us to carry out both subjective and objective evaluations to better match the expectations of the European customer,” noted Paul Speed-Andrews, Noise and Vibration Development Manager at Nissan Technical Centre Europe.
This new material is set to make interiors even quieter! Expect to be in more Nissan models soon!
“It was important that we not only created a sound that aligned with the new regulations, but also matched Nissan’s brand image. We have always been pioneers in safety and innovation and it is great to know we are helping to shape the future of electrification”, continued Paul.
The new soundtrack varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the Nissan Leaf is accelerating, decelerating or reversing. ‘Canto’ is automatically transmitted via a special speaker hidden behind the bumper when travelling up to 30 km/h. It is audible but not alarming to the environment around it as well as occupants inside.
Apart from the new ‘Canto’ soundtrack, the updated Nissan Leaf for the European market comes with in-car WiFi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the digital Smart Rear-View Mirror as well as Intelligent Blind-Spot Intervention (IBSI).The 2021MY (Model Year) Nissan Leaf will be available from July, and locally produced in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK. Nissan also recently announced a USD1.38 billion investment dubbed the world’s-first EV manufacturing ecosystem that includes a new EV battery factory and more renewable energy farms all to support the creation of a new EV for the European region.
Globally launched in 2018, the second-generation Nissan Leaf offers up to 311 kilometres of range (NEDC cycle) per charge in a larger 40 kWh battery. Power output from the motor has also increased tremendously, from 109 hp / 254 Nm to 150 hp / 320 Nm. The new Nissan Leaf can even be driven with just the accelerator pedal called the E-pedal feature!
Edaran Tan Chong Motor has been offering both generations of the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia, and the latest Leaf can be had with a subscription plan rather than outright purchasing it.
The plan offers the usage of the Nissan Leaf at RM2,500 per month for a two-year contract and it includes all scheduled maintenance, a wall box charger and first year’s insurance coverage.
