2014 Nissan Leaf Boosts Driving Range For Geneva Motor Show

Nissan's updated Leaf electric hatch will make an appearance at next week's Geneva Motor Show, highlighting localised production for Europe and North America. 

Revealed in November, the updated Leaf brings a number of efficiency gains, new features and an increased driving range. 

Among the improvements are a new electric drivetrain, which integrates the motor, inverter and DC/DC converter into a single unit, reducing size and weight by 30 and 10 percent respectively. 

Production of the new motor also relies less on the rare-earth element dysprosium, reducing use by 40 percent. 

The new system has been made more efficient thanks to a revised regenerative braking system, battery module and heat pump cabin heating system. 

Australian models are currently listed with a maximum driving range of 170km from one charge, but - for Europe at least - Nissan says the new system will offer a 199km range (New European Driving Cycle).

Details on improvements to the Australian model will likely be revealed closer to the update's local arrival, which is still to be finalised. 

The carmaker says it has also enhanced the Leaf's driving experience, with changes to the chassis, steering and brake system carried out by the Nissan Technical Centre Europe.

In all, Nissan says that while the look of the Leaf has not changed, over 100 changes have been introduced for the 2013/14 model. 

Among the changes are a faster new charging option, improved aerodynamics and an advanced new energy management system.

Watch for Australian details in the coming months. 

• Leaf | Nissan | Electric Vehicles | Green Cars