Vancouver, British Columbia – The Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, was named the 2019 Canadian Green Car of the Year (CGCOTY) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Vancouver International Auto Show.
The Nissan LEAF has been reinvented for its second generation featuring a 243-kilometre driving range1, all-new attractive exterior design, roomy high tech interior and advanced technologies including ProPILOT Assist and e-Pedal.
“As the pioneer of the world’s first, mass-market electric vehicle, we have a duty to offer Canadians an EV that offers more, and continues to spearhead the advancement of the zero-emission segment,” says Joni Paiva, president of Nissan Canada Inc. “;We have achieved that with the new Nissan LEAF, which provides the right range at the right price, offering a suite of advanced safety technology, and standard features specifically for Canada.”
Entries for Canadian Green Car of the Year and Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year must meet the standard requirements for entry into the Canadian Car of the Year awards program, and must satisfy additional criteria for fuel efficiency based on the entry’s size, powertrain and purpose.
All entries are tested by more than 65 AJAC journalists across Canada. Evaluation takes place over months on different road surfaces and road conditions throughout the year and during AJAC’s autumn Test Fest event.
“;We are honoured to be recognized by AJAC members. We also appreciate the effort put in by AJAC to evaluate solely for this ‘Green’ category, separating traditional vehicles from those which offer advanced powertrains to bring the industry closer to more sustainable mobility,” concluded Paiva.
The award from AJAC is added to a growing list of accolades for the new Nissan LEAF, including the 2018 World Green Car of the Year. As of March 5, 2019, the Nissan LEAF became the first electric car in history to surpass 400,000 sales (globally). Recently, a model with a new powertrain joined the lineup: the Nissan LEAF PLUS, which offers increased power and up to 363 kilometres2 of range. Canadian sales of the LEAF PLUS will begin this spring.
About the Nissan LEAF
The focal point of Nissan Intelligent Power in the new LEAF is the e-powertrain, which offers improved energy efficiency and increased torque and power output. The new e-powertrain delivers an exhilarating, linear driving performance with a power output of 147 horsepower, 40 per cent more than the previous-generation LEAF. Torque has been increased 26 percent to 236 lb-ft, resulting in improved acceleration.
Existing LEAF drivers already enjoy the instant response and linearity of performance as they navigate the city. The new LEAF’s improved acceleration will boost enjoyment even further. Even with the additional power output, the new LEAF’s driving range has been increased. The car’s new lithium-ion battery pack delivers a range of 243 kilometres1.
The new battery design adds energy-storage capacity without increasing the size. The battery pack occupies the exact same dimensions as that of the previous-generation LEAF. The individual cell structure of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells have been improved, representing a 67 percent increase in energy density versus the original 2010 LEAF model.
1. NRCan range for 2018 Nissan LEAF S 40 kWh. Actual range will vary based on driving conditions, use of HVAC and/or accessories, driving habits, weight carried and vehicle’s condition
2. NRCan Nissan LEAF S PLUS only. Actual range will vary based on driving conditions, use of HVAC and/or accessories, driving habits, weight carried and vehicle’s condition
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Media contacts:
Didier Marsaud
Director, Corporate Communications
Nissan Canada
Telephone: 905-629-6400
Email: didier.marsaud@nissancanada.com
Jenn McCarthy
Manager, Product Communications
Nissan Canada
Telephone: 905-629-6350
Email: jennifer.mccarthy@nissancanada.com