Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Arc Ltd. are teaming up to develop a new atomic analysis methodology aimed at extending the driving range of zero-emission electric vehicles, like the 2016 Nissan LEAF.
The study looks at the structure of amorphous silicon monoxide, which is largely known as the key to enhancing next-generation lithium-ion battery capacity. It is an effort that will allow researchers to better understand electrode structure during charging cycles.
“The invention of this new analysis method is essential to further develop the next generation of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. It will certainly become one of our core technologies. The utilization of this analysis method in our future R&D will surely contribute to extending the cruising range of future zero-emission vehicles,” said Takao Asami, senior vice president of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and President of Nissan Arc Ltd.
The automaker’s flagship EV, the 2016 Nissan LEAF, has already made huge improvements just in the last year when it comes to all-electric range. It received a bigger battery pack and 27 percent more range for the SV and SL trims.
Offered in three trims, S, SV and SL, the EV has plenty of all-electric driving range. The S can go 84 miles on a full battery charge while the SV and SL can now travel up to 107 miles per charge, thanks to the new improvements mentioned above.
Charging times on the new LEAF are pretty good too. With a 240-volt power source, a LEAF with a 6.6 kW charger and 30 kWh battery pack can recharge a depleted battery in as little as five hours. That number goes up to nearly eight hours with a base S model.
Recharge your driving style in the 2016 Nissan LEAF. We invite you to stop by our dealership and take this stylish car for a test drive today!