New Nissan LEAF priced and specced

Nissan believes Australia is on the cusp of an electric jolt as it readies the born-again Nissan LEAF for release in August at $49,990 plus on-road costs.

At that level the second-generation Nissan LEAF is still more than double the price of a similarly-sized bargain buy, and $5000 more than the Hyundai IONIQ Electric that is its only direct current competitor, but Nissan Australia CEO Stephen Lester says there is more to the car than the price.

Lester also points to the growing interest in EVs Down Under, 89 dealers and the fashionably late arrival of the Nissan LEAF's arrival as positives for the car and brand here.

“We’ve seen a considerable shift in the electric vehicle market over the last 12 months. Australia is on the cusp of growth in this area of the industry,” Lester told carsales.com.au.

“Electric vehicle sales will continue to rise as more people understand and appreciate what EVs have to offer, whether they be environmental, lifestyle or technological reasons. Research tells us that more Australians would consider purchasing an EV compared to five years ago.”

The new Nissan LEAF is a considerable advance over the original, from a 270km range and more go to a bigger body with more cabin space and, unusually for a Japanese car-maker, infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety front, it comes with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, radar cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and an around-view monitor.

Nissan Australia is partnering with Jet Charge for home installations, with the promise of a 7.5-hour charge time from a 7kW home system, as well as 20-80 per cent charge in around 60 minutes from a public fast-charger.

Lester believes there have been fundamental changes which will change the reception for the MkII Nissan LEAF.

“From an EV perspective, it's very different to 2012. Back then we were the trailblazer when it came to fully-electric vehicles, no-one else had what we had, and we were educating the market," said Lester.

"Now there is a lot more discussion and consideration surrounding EVs and they have improved significantly in regard to range and charging infrastructure.

“With more manufacturers committing to EVs it means there are more options available than we’ve ever seen. This will continue to evolve -- and attract more buyers -- as more EVs become available.

“It [also] provides us an opportunity to engage the next generation of Nissan owners, who are excited by our commitment to not only EVs, but to technology that will have improve their lives.”

Even so, announcing the price today raises the question and renews discussion on the troubled introduction of the original Nissan LEAF.

It, too, was launched at the $50,000 mark and Nissan struggled to sell the cars even with discounts of more than $10,000.

“$49,990 is an affordable price and will give Australians an accessible option to own an EV,” Lester says.

“Globally, our focus has been on the democratisation of electric vehicles. We want them to be affordable for a greater number of buyers and we believe a $49,990 pricetag will attract existing and new customers to this vehicle.”

Lester is also happy to put the LEAF up against the IONIQ EV.

“While we expect the two vehicles to be cross-shopped, the LEAF is offered in one high-grade model that has a larger battery, increased range and considerably more safety and new technologies.

“They are two very different cars, but buyers will get a lot more with Leaf. We also have the largest EV dealer network in the country and can help with a customer’s at-home charging infrastructure.”