Nissan Philippines is finally launching the LEAF locally. Being one of the successful pioneers of EV technology, Nissan wants to be the first to fully establish electric cars in the Philippines. The Japanese company, just like many other automakers, is gradually shifting to electric motor vehicles as it is clearly the future.
Nissan will be releasing the second-generation LEAF in the Philippines according to a source and will have a price tag of around PHP 1,800,000 to PHP 2,000,000. The price is considerably more than its fuel-fed counterparts, but keep in mind that it’s the most advanced vehicle the company will be introducing to the Philippines so far. Another possible reason why the LEAF will be priced the way it is because the government does not give out incentives, unlike other countries that give tax breaks to EV buyers.
Nevertheless, The Nissan LEAF is set to launch locally on May 9, 2021. Nissan is inviting everyone to join via their Facebook page and their YouTube channel.
The local-spec LEAF will come with a 40 kWh battery and an electric motor that packs 150 PS and 320 Nm of torque. More details will be revealed next week upon launching.
Personally, the Nissan LEAF is an interesting car. I was able to drive the first-gen LEAF back in New Zealand. Although it looks like a regular car, it doesn’t drive like one. The horsepower might be comparable to a regular compact sedan—Toyota Vios, Honda City, and the like—but the torque is twice as much since EVs don’t have mechanical clutches like normal vehicles do. Acceleration is near-instant since you don’t have to grind through gears, and the sound it makes during hard acceleration is addicting – similar to that of an airplane taking off. Moreover, it doesn’t have any problem climbing the steep hills of New Zealand, which is not the case for internal combustion engines. The electric motor is really “torquey” and the experience of not having to gas up ever will blow your mind. Driving it feels weird at first, but it’s easy to get used to it – after all, it’s still a passenger sedan.
We really wish Nissan success as they try to change the landscape of motoring in the country. Whether you’re a fan of EVs or not, they are one of the best chances we have at saving the planet. Nissan PH launching the LEAF is actually good news.
