Mississauga, Ont. – In the fall months in 2017, Nissan launched a pre-sale program for the new 2018 Nissan LEAF, which was a success not just around the world, but also in Canada. Over 1,200 Canadians put a deposit down to own the Nissan LEAF, a noteworthy number in view of the quickly growing Canadian electric vehicle (EV) segment.
The 2018 LEAF S starts at just $35,998 before government rebates*. When compared to the outgoing 2017 LEAF S, it adds attractive new styling inside and out, a 40 per cent increase in driving range (242 kilometres), a 37 per cent increase in horsepower, standard e-Pedal and Intelligent Emergency Braking.
The unprecedented level of interest in the new LEAF is a culmination of factors, driven by years of honest feedback from the public, which was applied to the 2018 model. To share a true indication of the positive ownership experience of choosing a LEAF, Nissan interviewed three Canadian customers from different corners of the country.
DR. KATE MORAN: CAMPUS NISSAN – VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Dr. Moran is…
- A professional engineer where she and her team applies engineering and technology to ocean science in order to better understand the planet.
- Dr. Moran is President of Ocean Networks Canada, which operates world-leading ocean observatories, and is an initiative of the University of Victoria.
Stepping out of a…
A 2012 Nissan LEAF
Why a Nissan LEAF?
“The main reason is to reduce my C02 emissions. Clearly electric vehicles are operating well, I live in a place where power is generated renewably, so it just made complete sense to buy a LEAF.
When I used to drive a Toyota Prius, a friend of mine, who ran a climate change institute at the time, stepped into it. He said he just bought a LEAF and I should do the same. Just like that, I did.
I also like that the LEAF follows a Steve Jobs philosophy in terms of technology – that simple is elegant.”
Why did you put a deposit down on a vehicle that you had yet to see in-person?
“Putting equipment in the ocean is a hard thing to do, so I have respect for high quality items. The LEAF is a wonderful example of that. I also wanted to get a longer range so the new one made perfect sense. I knew I wanted one, I knew they would be selling fast.”
On the EV ownership experience:
“Ocean pollution is a huge issue. One of the best ways to stop it is to stop burning fossil fuels. There is an incredibly direct link with that and the impact on the ocean. If I can help getting more people in EVs, I will.”
MR. RICK McKINLAY: MIDWAY NISSAN – WHITBY, ONTARIO
Mr. McKinlay is…
- A project manager in the scaffolding industry with an electro-mechanical engineering background
- Formerly from the automotive industry with more than 16 years in product design.
- Married, father of two
Stepping out of a…
Ford SUV
Why a Nissan LEAF?
“Three reasons. First is economics. When I look at the money I am currently spending to fuel my all-wheel drive SUV for 70 kilometres to the office, the gas savings alone on driving a LEAF cover the monthly costs associated with my ICE vehicle.
Second reason is utility. A lot of other EVs are not as utilitarian as the LEAF, we are looking for something with a hatchback, and not quite an SUV. We need enough space to haul stuff. Now, we even see the LEAF as more of a primary vehicle, and not a secondary vehicle as we originally thought. We look forward to enjoying the trip in the LEAF and not just the destination.
Another reason is because we want to do our part for the environment while being at the cutting edge of technology. We’ve made a stand as a family that we will not be buying another internal combustion engine vehicle.”
Why did you put a deposit down on a vehicle that you had yet to see in-person?
“Some people would say there’s risk to purchasing a vehicle un-seen. But, there’s little risk when you consider the fact that Nissan has the most experience out of anyone on the planet right now in terms of manufacturing and selling electric vehicles. So, we acquired confidence from Nissan’s sales volume.”
On the EV ownership experience
“Technology is important to me. I was one of the first people who got the new iPhone X, I like technology, I like having the latest and greatest tech. I already have all the charging network apps, including NissanConnect. I’m ready to warm up my vehicle using my phone before I take delivery!”
MR. MARIO GALLANT: ST. BRUNO NISSAN – ST. BRUNO, QC
Mr. Gallant is…
- Recently retired from the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal after 28 years of service
- Now the owner of a rental housing company and co-owner of a new ice cream shop called Bilboquet, in Brossard
- Married, father of two
Stepping out of a…
2015 Nissan LEAF
Why a Nissan LEAF?
“I am drawn to the new technologies, and I was/am tired of facing fuel costs. Before I got my first LEAF, I had already a high level of trust for the Nissan LEAF, it has proven itself through the years.”
Why did you put a deposit down on a vehicle that you had yet to see in-person?
“It took me awhile to make up my mind on the LEAF back in 2015, but once I got it, I kept asking myself, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ When I heard about the new 2018 LEAF arriving to Canada, it was a no-brainer for me to put a deposit down and reserve it.”
On the EV ownership experience
“I like the fact that it is so quiet when I drive. Of course, not having to stop at a gas station and spend money on gas is wonderful. Also, let’s keep in mind that very minimal service is required for my LEAF so again, saving of time and money for me. Finally, this is my way to make a solid contribution for the environment.”
*Provincial electric vehicle incentives applicable to the 2018 Nissan LEAF
About the Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling zero-emissions electric vehicle. More than 283,000 customers have chosen the first-generation LEAF since it went on sale in 2010 – and now this all-new model offers even greater range, improved dynamic design, class leading advanced driver assistance technologies and enhanced connectivity.
The all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF sets a new standard in the growing market for mainstream electric vehicles by offering customers greater range, advanced technologies and a dynamic new design.
Drivers will feel more confident, excited and connected thanks to the new Nissan LEAF’s ProPILOT Assist driver assistance technology, e-Pedal, increased power and range, and improved refinement, comfort and convenience.
The new, zero-emission Nissan LEAF embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s approach to changing the way cars are driven, powered and integrated into society. The three key aspects of Nissan Intelligent Mobility exemplified by the new Nissan LEAF are Nissan Intelligent Driving, Nissan Intelligent Power and Nissan Intelligent Integration.
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.
The new LEAF’s design expresses Nissan’s forward-thinking attitude and its pioneering approach to replacing the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. It is inspired by the IDS Concept car, first shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
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