Lighter, longer range Leaf

A revised version of the Nissan Leaf EV due in the spring will be up to 80kg lighter thanks in large measure to the development of a lighter and smaller powertrain, writes Brian Byrne.

There's also more room in the boot, which will have 370L of capacity.

And the combination of less weight and a more efficient energy regeneration system increases the range by 15 percent, according to the company, which has launched the revised version in Japan.

A new entry level, lower-spec car will also be available here when the Leaf is built in the UK next year. Along with lower shipping and duty costs, this will mean a significantly less expensive Leaf on the European markets, including Ireland.