2018 Nissan Leaf: Is this our first official look at its final specs?

According to American automotive listing and sales website Autobytel, the details here are what buyers in that market can expect when the new electric Leaf launches in the year ahead.

Although the authenticity of these specifications will likely not be confirmed until the new Leaf is unveiled this time next month, the listing is nonetheless detailed.

The website lists three model grades for the new Leaf EV, priced from US$29,990, or AU$37,820 when converted directly. By comparison, the current model, no longer listed for sale in Australia, was last priced in America from US$30,680 and here from $39,990 - after originally launching with a $46,990 price tag.

It is also worth noting that the most recent version of the Leaf offered in the US benefited from a larger 30kWh battery, while Australian buyers were stuck with the same 24kWh unit the Leaf launched with in 2012.

On that basis, and again only if Autobytel's listing is genuine, we could see the new Leaf launch in Australia with pricing similar to the first-generation model.

For the spend, buyers can supposedly get a 40kWh battery pack, matched to an electric motor producing 110kW and 320Nm of torque. The previous model offered 80kW and 280Nm.

Official driving range is listed as 'not available', but reports overseas in recent months have claimed 'confirmed' numbers of between 300 to 400 kilometres. Some reports have also pointed to availability of a larger battery pack  - as hinted at with the IDS concept - and it could be that unit to which the claimed 300-400km range applies.

Still, with the previous 24kWh model listing a driving range of around 120 kilometres in Australia - depending on the operation settings - we can surely expect the new model to offer upwards of 200 kilometres.

It's worth noting, the Tesla Model 3 is expected to land with a price tag somewhere in the neighbourhood of $50,000 - and although details of its battery have not been made official, a 355-kilometre driving range is expected.

The new Leaf is be larger and heavier than the previous model - although Autobytel lists only a gross vehicle weight of 2020kg. GVW, or GVM, a standard more often used in Australia for commercial vehicles, means the maximum a vehicle can weigh if loaded to the manufacturer's specification.

In Australia, the previous Leaf listed a tare weight of 1795kg, which is an unladen vehicle with all fluids and only 10 litres of fuel - although the Leaf, of course, does not require regular fuel.

The Leaf's wheelbase has not increased, at 2700mm, but its overall length and width of 4481mm and 1791mm is a notable jump from the 4445mm and 1770mm figures of the previous model.

For more on the new Leaf, see our coverage at the links below.

MORE: 2018 Leaf - improved aerodynamics, zero lift
MORE: 2018 Nissan Leaf teased once, and again
MORE: Next Leaf to go further with new tech
MORE: Nissan Leaf news and reviews

[Source: Push EVs]