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Nissan integrates ProPilot autonomous tech in Leaf electric vehicle

Nissan has launched the new version of Leaf, which the company claims is “world’s most advanced mass-market electric vehicle”. 

The new Nissan Leaf is the company’s first car in Europe that will embrace the early steps of advanced driver assistance, and is packed with cutting-edge innovations such as e-Pedal, allowing humans to drive and brake in “a totally new and seamless way”.

Nissan says the new vehicle can also go further, with a range of 378 km on a single charge, and has been redesigned for a new generation, with a sleeker look inside and out. 

The new Nissan Leaf will be on sale in Europe from January 2018.

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Hiroto Saikawa, president and chief executive officer of Nissan, says: “The new Nissan Leaf drives Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is the core brand strategy for Nissan’s future.

“The new Nissan Leaf, with its improved autonomy range, combined with the evolution of autonomous drive technology, such as ProPilot Park and the simple operation of the e-Pedal, strengthens Nissan’s EV leadership, as well as the expansion of EVs globally.”

Nissan Intelligent Mobility is the company’s blueprint to redefine the future of driving and looks to progress the role of the car to be more than simply a mode of transport.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility is defined by how the car is driven, how it is powered and how it integrates into society.

The company says the new Nissan Leaf is the company’s “on-road embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility”, with its early-stage of ProPilot technologies, advanced all-electric powertrain and unique ability to connect to and power the buildings it plugs in to.

The new Nissan Leaf features three main new intelligent driving technologies.

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The first is ProPilot advanced driver assistance system. Used during single-lane driving on the highway, it makes the drive easier, less stressful and more relaxing.

The second, ProPilot Park, will change the way people think about parking. When activated, this technology will take control of all steering, acceleration, braking and gear selection to automatically guide the car into a parking spot.

It makes parking “stress free and more precise for all drivers”, says Nissan.

The third, e-Pedal, is a “revolutionary technology” that transforms the way we drive, says Nissan. It allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop simply by adjusting their input upon the accelerator pedal.

When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, gradually bringing the car to a complete stop.

The car holds its position, even on steep uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again.

The reactiveness of e-Pedal enables drivers to “maximize their driving pleasure when the road opens up”, says Nissan.

The conventional brake pedal must still be used in aggressive braking situations, adds the company.

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