Nissan is introducing a new version of its Leaf EV, which offers a 385km range – the highest yet for the model.

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On sale from today and dubbed the Leaf 3.Zero e+, the model features a larger capacity 62kWh battery compared to the 40kWh used in the standard model – this brings a longer range of 385km; up 40% or more than 100km compared to the 40kWh variant while also offering a higher 217hp output, with faster acceleration and an increased top speed (156kph), up by approximately 10%.

It also brings additional features compared to the standard model including a new 8-inch infotainment screen, enabling additional connectivity services such as door-to-door navigation and new body colours and two-tone colour combinations. Meanwhile an updated version of the NissanConnect EV app will also be available when the Leaf 3.Zero goes on sale in Europe.

And the e+ debuts new e-Pedal and ProPILOT intelligent driving technologies. e-Pedal allows  the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal while the ProPILOT advanced driving assistance technology which works on single-lane highways and allows the car to stop, restart and stay centred in its lane in higher-speed cruising and lower-speed congested traffic scenarios.

There is a catch with the new e+ though – it’s purely being offered as a limited-edition model with only 5,000 models being produced for Europe.

However, Nissan is also offering a new 3.Zero trim level that carries over all the updates but not the higher-capacity battery, providing a new flagship model for the range.

Gareth Dunsmore, director, electric vehicles and connected services, Nissan Europe, commented: “The Nissan LEAF 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition broadens the appeal of the Leaf family even further, adding more range to an award-winning package that remains great to drive and live with.

“Since we launched the new Nissan Leaf last year, the customer response has been outstanding. In an EV market that is constantly growing, sustaining the Leaf’s status as the most popular EV in Europe in 2018 is a testament to the strength of the product. We hope the LEAF 3.Zero models will help continuing this extraordinary growth in 2019.”

First deliveries of the Leaf 3.ZERO are expected to start from May 2019, while initial customer deliveries of the LEAF 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition will commence from summer 2019.

The new LEAF 3.ZERO price starts at €39,900, while the new LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition will be available for sale from €45,500.