Nissan has imported
a red-coloured Leaf and an orange-coloured Note e-Power and these were seen in
Kerala. According to a report from engineported, these will go on display at
Nissan Digital Hub in Technopark Phase III, Yamuna in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Nissan Leaf is
probably the same unit that was on display at MOVE Summit 2018 in September.
The launch is confirmed for FY2018, but with the Kicks already at the starting
gate and slated for arrival in January 2019, we see that happening around
March. Nissan has wanted to launch the Leaf here since 2009 when the car was in
its first generation.
The second-gen
Nissan Leaf measures 4,480 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,540 mm in
height. It has a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Powering the globally acclaimed eco car is
the new EM57 electric motor that generates 150 PS at 3,283-9,795 rpm
and 320 Nm of torque at 0-3,283 rpm. This motor gets its juice from a 40 kWh
Li-ion battery that takes 16 hours (using a 3 kW charger)/8 hours (using a 6 kW
charger) for full charging. Using a quick charger, 80% charging from alert is
achieved in just 40 minutes. The EV has a cruising range of 400 km*.
The Note e-Power is
likely the same unit we saw in spy shots from its road testing last year. While
the fully imported Nissan Leaf will serve as a technology demonstrator, it is the
Note that will appeal to the masses. A launch is under consideration, but we
don’t expect that before the next full model change. e-Power technology is
likely even on the next-gen Nissan Sunny.
The Nissan Note
e-Power is form of a series hybrid. It employs the HR12DE 1.2-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine (79 PS/103 Nm) and the old EM57 electric motor. The combustion engine’s only purpose is that
of a generator. The electric motor produces 109 PS and 254 Nm of torque. The
engine charges a 1.5 kWh battery, which powers the electric motor. There’s no
need for an external charger.
e-Power gives the
driving experience of an EV, although not at the same level of
eco-friendliness. The engine is not connected to the wheels, and it always
operates at its optimum condition — the result: 30% better fuel efficiency than
conventional petrol cars with similar output. The fuel efficiency is comparable
to that of leading conventional hybrids. The Nissan Note e-Power has a fuel
economy rating of up to 37.2 km/l*.