Nissan launches next-gen 2018 Leaf with only 1 pedal

After selling more than 283,000 units globally since the Leaf’s initial production, Nissan’s mass market electric vehicle (EV) gets an overall revamp. The all-new 2018 LEAFgets a redesign from ground up, as well as substantial updates in tech features called Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which includes the ProPILOT Assist, Safety Shield, and e-Pedal.

The all-new Nissan Leaf has a low and sleek design that embodies its new aerodynamic exterior. As a departure from the previous generation model, the 5-seater EV hatchback is fitted with the V-Motion grille and boomerang headlamps that the Japanese marque has been known for.

To put icing on the cake, the intricate front grille also has blue accents to benchmark the brand’s EV branding.

Inside, the 2018 Leaf features a driver-focused dashboard called the “gliding wing.” Basically, it’s the combination of space and functionality, giving the car a relaxed ambience and premium feel for its passengers.

It will also have a restyled 7-inch full-color TFT display at the center, highlighting its key features like the Safety Shield power gauge, as well as the car’s audio and navigation system. This head unit can then connect to your Apple devices via CarPlay.

New to the 2018 Leaf is the e-Pedal — Nissan’s revolutionary single pedal that controls both acceleration and braking at the same time. In a nutshell, this pedal works in 2 ways: pressing it accelerates the car, while the release of pressure on it means slowing down until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

With this new pedal, the EV hatchback automatically holds its position even on steep hills without pressing the inexistent brake pedal. Sweet.

Here’s how it works:

Also new to the 2018 Leaf is the ProPILOT assist technology, which can do single-lane autonomous driving on a highway. ProPILOT Park feature is also available, wherein the car will take over the braking, accelerating, and steering when you’re parking.

The 2018 Leaf is powered by a 148 hp motor that has 320 Nm of torque. Best part? It has a 400 km vehicle range, which means you can go from Manila to Subic (and back) on a single charge – just hope that traffic's light. Speaking of charging, it has a quick charge function that can do the trick from low battery alert to 80% in just 40 minutes.

The next-generation 2018 Leaf will start to go on sale in Japan on October 2017, while customer deliveries in the US, Canada, and Europe will happen by January 2018. As for us, well, all we can do is to wait for further news from Nissan Philippines.