If you know anything about electric cars then you will know about the Nissan Leaf. When it was first released it was quite a revelation. While only having about 70 odd miles of range, it could quick charge in about 20 minutes and was a practical little car. Version 1.5 came the following year with LED lights and a heat pump, meaning you could drive in winter with the lights and heater on and not lose any of your range. A battery chemistry update a couple of years ago brought the range up to 107 miles but the competition was getting better. An updated BMW i3 and an updated Renault Zoe could both top 150 miles, and with cars like the GM Bolt and Tesla Model 3 coming soon with 200 plus miles the Leaf definitely needed a major update.
Well yesterday the Leaf V2 was announced. This was the short range model with a long range model promised next year. This short range model should do about 150 to 160 miles equalling the Zoe and the i3 but not enough to compete against the upcoming Bolt and Model 3. I was a little disappointed but if I had to buy a car today its likely at the top of the list due to the boot (trunk) size, it would easily accommodate a couple of large greyhounds. By the time it is available in the UK the Tesla Model 3 may also be available and if this is the case I may just go with the Tesla. The bottom of the range model can do 220 miles and is far more flexible in the charging options. Its downside is that its a sedan, but I am sure the Timmy would be happy on the back seat in a dog hammock, leaving the front boot (FRUNK) and the rear boot (Trunk) available for luggage. Its also rumoured the Tesla will be certified for towing so a small trailer will take care of the garden rubbish.
