In terms of electric vehicles (EVs), the Nissan Leaf is possibly one of the most well-known in the industry, and deservedly so. Officially unveiled in 2009, Nissan’s first mass-market electric vehicle went on to sell over half a million units across two generations in the span of 10 years. In 2020, the Leaf was named the best-selling electric car.
That said, most are probably unaware that Nissan’s electric innovation began as early as 1947 when the company produced the Tama electric vehicle to cope with the severe shortage of petrol. It was named Tama after the area where the company was based.
The Tama was available in passenger car and truck configurations, with 4.5 horsepower and a 34 km/h top speed. It could carry four passengers, with an electric range of 65 km and a 500 kg load capacity. The Tama was made to feature battery compartments on each side where the battery packs can be easily exchanged for fresh ones.
Fast forward to 2010, the first generation Nissan Leaf was introduced with 109 hp, 250 Nm and an electric range of 160 km/h from a 25 kWh battery. A decade later, Nissan debuted the facelift version of the second generation Leaf, and boy, has it come a long way.
Not only does it come with revised styling – on the front grille, wheels, and rear tailgate – the new Leaf will also wear Nissan’s new brand logo. New colours will be available including Universal Blue and Magnetic Blue.
The Leaf’s electric range remains unchanged; with up to 311 km of electric range (based on NEDC cycle, 270 km based on WLTP) from a 40 kWh battery. As for output, the front-mounted electric motor produces 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
First launched in Malaysia in 2019, the second generation Nissan Leaf was priced at RM188,888 where a 3-year/100,000 km warranty was included. The Leaf also came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for the battery pack.
After some price revisions, the Leaf is currently priced at RM175,800 in Malaysia. How much do you think the new one would cost? Can it make more petrol-powered vehicle owners turn over a new Leaf?
GALLERY
Nissan Leaf facelift in Europe
1947 TAMA EV
