Nissan LEAF now part of Vatican’s fleet 

Updated Jun 17, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It will help in the Holy See’s journey to zero emissions 

As most of you already know, many countries are looking to cut down their carbon emissions. In turn, car manufacturers are in the race to develop and release electrified cars, and recently, Nissan Philippines even brought in the all-electric LEAF. 

A picture of Nissan Italy Managing director handing over the Nissan LEAF to Cardinal Bertello

Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello receiving the Nissan LEAF from Nissan Italy Managing Director Marco Toro

On this year’s World Environment Day, the Holy See’s independent city state also went further into going green. This happened when the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State and President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello received a brand-new Nissan LEAF. The said vehicle will of course help towards providing clean and sustainable mobility for the aforementioned city state, and for the day-to-day operations of the Holy See.  

Of note, this follows the launch of the Vatican’s Laudato si’ Action Platform. This seven-year plan seeks to make Catholic institutions more environmentally sustainable, and it also takes its name from the pope’s 2015 encyclical letter focusing on ecological concerns. 

The said Nissan EV unit was donated by the Japanese automaker, and was handed over by Nissan Italy Managing Director Marco Toro. It was a special ceremony and the aforementioned LEAF unit is now part of the Vatican City’s fleet of cars. As a side note, the current Popemobile is a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, which also has zero carbon emissions. 

A picture of the Nissan LEAF parked in the middle of a road

There's no doubt that the Vatican-based cardinals will appreciate the capabilities of the Nissan LEAF

If you’re interested in cutting down your own carbon footprint, then be aware that the Nissan LEAF is already here in the Philippines. Its sole variant for the local market is powered by an electric motor that can produce up to 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, and it provides ample room for up to five occupants. Its 40 kWh battery also has a maximum range of 311 km. 

The most interesting feature of the LEAF is that it allows for single-pedal driving. This technology is called the e-Pedal, and it works by automatically applying the brakes whenever pressure is released from the accelerator pedal. This of course means less leg movement for the driver, which in turn makes driving through bumper-to-bumper traffic less tiring. 

For the latest car news, car reviews, and car maintenance tips, keep reading here on Philkotse.com

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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