What's stopping you from considering an electric vehicle? [Poll of the Week]

Updated Nov 24, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive FYIs

Electric vehicles are the future of mobility.
 

The global automotive industry is aligning itself towards the development of electric vehicles (EV) as more countries pass their respective policies that ban on selling cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Norway is banning ICE vehicles by 2025 while Thailand and Singapore plan to do the same by 2035, and 2040 respectively. 

It’s evident that EVs are the future of mobility, and car brands in the Philippines are starting to gauge whether the market is ready for the said global shift. Nissan is among the car brands in the Philippines that are slowly introducing EVs, and the upcoming local debut of the LEAF is a testament to its commitment. Nissan first announced that the LEAF will be launched in the Philippines last 2019.     

Nissan LEAF electric vehicle

Nissan LEAF electric vehicle

Nissan surpassed sales of more than 450,000 LEAFs globally in 2019, and it is considered as one of the best-selling EVs globally. It is also regarded as the world’s first mass-marketed EV. Last year, the Nissan LEAF tested on Philippine roads features a 40-kWh battery pack that delivers a maximum range of 311 km. It can also put out 148 hp and 320 Nm of torque. 

Is the Philippines ready for the EV shift? Well, a study published by Frost & Sullivan titled The Future of Electrified Vehicles in Southeast Asia states that the Philippines is among the top three countries in Southeast Asia that consider making the shift to EVs. The other two countries are Indonesia and Thailand.   

Study shows 45-percent of Filipinos opt to purchase electric vehicle

Study shows 45 percent of Filipinos opt to purchase an electric vehicle

The study also showed that 45-percent of Filipinos are keen on the possibility of purchasing an EV in the next three years. This is despite the fact that the Philippines has yet to have more concrete policies and the necessary infrastructures when it comes to EV ownership.

So, are you willing to consider owning an EV? If not, what’s stopping you from having an EV into your garage? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week. 

Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.

Know more about Nissan LEAF 2024

Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF 2024 Philippines is a 5-door hatchback fitted with an all-electric powertrain. It is offered in the Philippines with one variant only which is priced at Php 1,998,000. Powering this electric vehicle (EV) is a synchronous electric motor capable of generating 148 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. A 40-kWh lithium-ion battery is used, which aids the model's 311 km range. Only a single-speed gear reduction system is utilized to exclusively send power to the front wheels.

Dimensions-wise, the LEAF has a length of 4,490 mm, a width of 1,788 mm, and a height of 1,540, with ground clearance and wheelbase rated at 155 mm and 2,700 mm, respectively. This is the first and only commercially available EV in the country. But in the all-electric options, the alternatives of Filipino car buyers include the Porsche Taycan, Hyundai Ioniq EV, and BYD E6.

 

Nissan LEAF Launch

The first-generation Nissan LEAF was initially introduced in the United States and Japan in December 2010. Due to its striking road presence and overall impressive performance, it gained recognitions such as the Green Car Vision Awards in 2010, the European Car of the Year and the World Car of the Year both in 2011 and the Car of the Year Japan for two consecutive years. Also, this multi-awarded electric vehicle is acclaimed as the world’s top-selling as of December 2019.

The second-generation Nissan LEAF was unveiled in October 2017. It was made available in the US and Europe a year later. The Nissan LEAF made its Philippines debut in May 2021. Nissan Philippines is offering the LEAF at Php 2,798,000. Available colors for the 2024 Nissan LEAF with the two-tone blacked-out roof include Pearl White, Vivid Blue, Gun Metallic, and Magnetic Red.

Nissan LEAF Exterior

The new Nissan LEAF comes with a sporty exterior design, and it looks similar to the global model that’s currently being sold in Japan, the United States, and Europe. In terms of dimensions, the LEAF electric vehicle measures 4,480mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,540mm tall. It also has a wheelbase of 1,540mm and a ground clearance of 155mm.  

The Nissan LEAF is fitted with halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights. It also has front fog lamps and a rear fog lamp, rain-sensing wipers, electronically adjustable and foldable front mirrors, and a rear wiper. The said electric vehicle also comes with Nissan’s signature V-motion grille. The LEAF is finished off with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped with 205/55R16 tires.

Nissan LEAF front view Philippines

Nissan LEAF Interior

The Nissan LEAF 2024 can accommodate up to five occupants. It has a dark interior theme along with an automatic climate control system, and fabric-clad seats. The LEAF also comes with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment, a push-to-start button, and a multi-information meter.

Nissan LEAF interior view Philippines

Technology & Safety Features

The LEAF Philippines is integrated with several techs and safety features. Placed at the center of the dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with a 360-degree view camera that can detect moving objects. The LEAF also has a driver attention alert system that warns one of the things moving in the car’s blind spots, rear end, and whenever you’re departing a lane. Adding to the list of the LEAF’s features are the following: hill-start assist, vehicle dynamic control, and anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution. On the more passive side, the Nissan-made EV comes with a total of six airbags.

Nissan LEAF infotainment screen Philippines

Platform & Chassis

The new Nissan LEAF is fitted with an independent front strut suspension and torsion beam suspension at the rear.

Nissan LEAF rear seats view Philippines

Engine & Drivetrain

The Nissan LEAF EV is powered by an electric motor that delivers 148 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed gear reduction system. The Nissan-made EV uses a 40-kWh lithium-ion pack with a 311-kilometer range. This can be charged with your bog-standard wall outlet, and doing so will fill it up fully in 15 to 18 hours. However, a quick charging station cuts down the LEAF’s charging time down to just 40 minutes to an hour.

Nissan LEAF shifter Philippines

Available colors for the Nissan LEAF are Gun Metallic, Vivid Blue, Magnetic Red, and Pearl White, all of which come with a Pearl Black roof.

The Nissan LEAF still doesn't have a lot of competition in the country as the local EV market is still relatively new.

Nissan LEAF Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Offers 311 km of range

  • Sleek styling with the two-tone finish

  • Cheaper to run combustion engines

 
  • Relatively expensive price tag

  • EV infrastructure is still in its early stages.

  • First-time EV owners might expect more in terms of driving experience

Nissan LEAF FAQs

1. How much does a Nissan LEAF 2024 cost in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, it is available in one variant which is priced at P1,998,000.

2. What problems does the Nissan LEAF have?

Nissan LEAF had some issues about reliability, with some electrical and brake concerns.

3. What is the body type of Nissan LEAF?

The body type of LEAF is a hatchback.

4. Does the Nissan LEAF 2024 have a reverse camera?

Yes, it does. With the reverse camera, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.

5. What is the Length of Nissan LEAF Philippines?

The length of LEAF is  4,490 mm.

 

₱ 1,998,000

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