Nissan Leaf sparkles the Christmas tree display with V2X tech

KUALA LUMPUR: Nissan is clearly a pioneer in the electric vehicle segment with its mass-market electric vehicle, the Leaf, which has been around since 2010. And this year, one of the brand’s facilities involved in the production of the EV i.e. Nissan Sunderland Plant, UK celebrates the 250,000 production milestone by powering its outdoor Christmas tree display with the electric hatchback.

A 32-foot Christmas tree and its shimmering reindeer are being powered by the vehicle's battery with the help of V2X technology. Thus, showing the ability of the EV to act as a mobile power plant.

Alan Johnson, Vice President Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: "Passing a quarter of a million Nissan LEAF is a tremendous milestone, and demonstrates the electric vehicle manufacturing expertise we have built up at our plant over the past decade.

"This year we have completely electrified the plant's line-up with the new versions of Qashqai and Juke launched, so lighting up the Christmas tree with our original EV is a spectacular and appropriate way to end 2022."

How does the Leaf’s vehicle-to-everything or V2X work? The EV can be converted into a mobile energy hub by the vehicle-to-grid capability that puts energy management in the owner’s hands. Now, the electricity can be stored in the vehicle's battery and fed to the grid, building, or Christmas Tree, whenever required. This technology helps in managing energy more efficiently.

As a quick recap on the Leaf specifications, the Japanese automaker introduced the EV in 2010 with a 110 PS electric motor and 30 kWh battery unit offering a 175 km drive range (NEDC cycle). It was upgraded in 2017 with a 150 PS motor and a 40-kWh battery package that lets the EV cruise up to 311 km on a single charge. A 62-kWh option is also offered in some global markets with a 364 km driving range.

In Malaysia, the second-gen Nissan Leaf is offered in a single trim, priced at RM 175,800, which rivals the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric, Ora Good Cat, and BYD Atto 3.

Also read: All-new sixth-generation Nissan Serena unveiled in Japan