Although activity in the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia has increased substantially in the last year due to the government allowing duty-free importation and sale, with many brands (even new ones) introducing their EV models, we have not heard from Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) which began marketing the world first mass-produced EV – the LEAF – twelve years ago.

Using its own funding, ETCM had taken the initiative to provide information to the public about EVs and the benefit of their zero emissions to the future of the planet. However, the government then was not proactive in addressing climate change until it signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 and made the commitment to become carbon-neutral by 2050. This meant taking various actions, including promoting the use of EVs.

ETCM continued to offer the LEAF, and when it went into the second generation in mid-2019, it began importing the model for sale in Malaysia. However, without the government incentives, its price was high and interest was therefore limited.

The LEAF is still in its second generation and received improvements not so long ago, so ETCM was probably waiting for the updated and better model to be available and it is now ready for sale. With the tax exemption, it is now priced at RM168,888 which is RM20,000 lower than when it was launched in 2019. This would be as low as it can get unless it is assembled locally and would then get additional incentives.

The price is roughly within the price range of other EVs in the same class and unless the exchange rate changes drastically, it should be at that level till the end of 2025 as that is period of tax exemption given by the government for EVs imported CBU (completely built-up). If Nissan assembles it in Malaysia, then the exemption goes up till the end of 2027 and if the LEAF is assembled in another ASEAN country, it can be imported free of import duty under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.

As the LEAF is already known in Malaysia, at least by those who are interested in such vehicles, ETCM is focusing on the Subscription Plan as the sales approach. With the subscription plan, no downpayment is required and owners pay a monthly subscription fee of RM1,800 for a 3-year contract (terms and conditions apply).

Furthermore, if there are any issues with the battery, this is covered as well. Thus, it allows ownership which is free of the worries that EV buyers have and one good thing is that it is also possible to switch to another Nissan model during the subscription period. While you don’t own the car at the end of the 3 years, you also do not have to worry about disposing of it. For those uncertain of whether they will like the ‘EV lifestyle’ in the long term, this is a good way to start as you will not be ‘tied’ to the car for a long period.

For those who prefer the traditional way using hire-purchase financing, ETCM can also sell you the LEAF that way and it comes with a 3-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty and 8-year/160,000-km warranty specifically for the lithium-ion battery. With 20,000-km scheduled service intervals, ETCM says that the LEAF should cost around RM300/year for regular maintenance

Special Reward For ZEV Pioneers
As a reward for being among the ‘pioneers of Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV)’ in Malaysia, ETCM has a special offer for a limited period Those who purchase (H-P plan) the model will receive a complimentary 12 months of JomCharge membership (worth RM600) for recharging their car at public chargers as well as complimentary Ice Cool Tinting worth RM2,200. For customers using the LEAF Subscription Plan, there is a 50% discount on Ice Cool Tinting and a RM300 subsidy for 12 months JomCharge membership.

Understanding that owners may have special transportation needs occasionally, ETCM also has a special program for LEAF owners where they can use selected Nissan models for up to 23 days each year (terms and conditions apply) during the first 3 years of ownership. This will be useful for balik kampung trips or other  adventures. The models available are the X-Trail SUV, Serena MPV and Navara pick-up.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) is an integral part of all Nissan models. Introduced 13 years ago with the first LEAF, NIM is a suite of integrated technologies that increase not just safety but also comfort and control while driving. New safety features have been added to the LEAF, namely Intelligent Lane Intervention & Intelligent Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Rear View Mirror.

The Intelligent Rear View Mirror is a high-tech rearview mirror which uses a camera to capture the real-time view behind the car. It can be switched between the video view and normal reflected view. With the video view, the image can be clearer in all conditions and also unobstructed by the heads of rear passengers.

The LEAF has a 5-star safety rating from JNCAP (Japan New Car Assessment) which is the maximum score possible. As it is an EV, the organization also put it through a specific assessment related to electric shock protection. This is very important as there are many high-voltage systems in the LEAF and they need to be well built and protected so that there is no leakage in an accident.

Intelligent connectivity
Inside, the changes for the 2023 model year include a new brand Identity badge on the steering wheel, upgrade of the centre display panel to a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

The cabin accommodates 5 people and at the rear, the 60/40 split backrest allows for cargo/passenger flexibility. The minimum volume in the boot is 435 litres and can be expanded by 170% to 1,1176 litres, with the floor length able to accommodate a full-sized bicycle.

Proven electric powertrain

The electric powertrain is unchanged in specifications and has a 110 kW (150 ps) motor. Maximum torque of 320 Nm is available almost from the moment the car starts off and it can reach 100 km/h within 7.9 seconds, it is claimed. The range, according to testing based on the New European Driving Cycle) is up to 311 kms.

The LEAF has e-Pedal technology developed by Nissan which uses just one pedal. It lets drivers start, accelerate, decelerate to a complete stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to just the accelerator pedal.

To recharge the 40-kWh lithium-ion battery, three options are provided. The charging port can now accept two types of connectors – CHAdeMO for DC fast-charging up to 50 kW or Type 2 (previously Type 1) for AC charging up to 6.6 kW.  For emergencies, there is also a portable Type 2 cable which can plug into a 3-point electrical outlet. DC charging is fast and a 0% to 100% charge is said to take about an hour while AC charging from a wallbox required up to 7 hours so it would be more for overnight charging.

Updated design

For 2023, the design updates are a new Full-black Aero Front Grille (with the new Nissan logo) flanked by headlights with integrated LED day time running lights, now with black inner finishing for a more stylish appearance. The front bumper has also been redesigned while at the rear, the Aero Spoiler has a new design for enhanced aerodynamic performance and the diffuser panel below the bumper has grey accents.

To strengthen the visual effect of the floating roof, the LEAF is offered with the roof in Super Black and a choice of 7 colours – Stealth Grey, Opera Mauve, Akatsuki Sunrise Copper, Burgundy, Vivid Blue, Pure White Pearl or Midnight Black. The interior colour for the leather upholstery comes in either Graphite Black or Stone Grey.

The new LEAF is available for viewing and test-drives at selected Nissan showrooms and information can also be found at the Nissan Online Showroom. It is also possible to arrange for a test unit to be brought to your home or office for a test-drive.