With all the hype surrounding Tesla’s Model 3, it’s easy to forget about some of the lesser known electric cars. The less flashy but equally productive Nissan Leaf has been a best-selling vehicle for a reason. Here are five things you didn’t know to stir your interest.
1. NISSAN LEAF WILL SOON BE SPORTY
The current Nissan Leaf has gotten some flack for being a conservative five-door hatchback. It’s not necessarily ugly by any means, but it doesn’t really compete with the sexiness that is a Tesla. This is set to change, however. The company’s vice president Shiro Nakamura has stated that we can expect an electric crossover Leaf and sports car models as well.
2. IT USES THE SAME BATTERY AS TESLA
Tesla models may have some of the most advanced batteries on the market. They’re not the only ones with the technology, though. Nissan Leaf uses a thin, flat battery that can run the full width of the car from axle to axle. It conveniently fits under the floor pan and only take up 4-6 inches of space. Future additions are said to be even thinner.
3. MULTIPLE BATTERY OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE
The newest Nissan Leaf is thought to have at least two battery options. The first will be in the 100-125 miles range while the larger, second option will be 160-200 miles.
4. INCREASED SPEED
Most people probably don’t think of speed when they think of electric cars, but both Tesla and Nissan have been proving people wrong. Back in 2011, the car maker revealed its Esflow design. A few years later that idea has come back in style in the form of a rear-wheel-drive electric car that will go 0-62mph in five seconds. It’s no rocket, but it will certainly pique the interest of some speed demons out there.
5. 200,000 LEAF SOLD GLOBALLY
The 200,000th Nissan Leaf was sold globally this year. This puts the electric car ahead of any other electric car in history. Yes, even Tesla. Sales are about twice the volume of the closest competitor. Nissan must be doing something right.
