Nissan has revealed more details on its next-generation LEAF electric family hatchback, which will make its full public debut later this year on 6 September. The most intriguing new detail announced by Nissan this week is the inclusion of what it’s calling the e-Pedal on the new LEAF.
The e-Pedal is a new piece of technology which can allow drivers to control multiple functions via this single pedal.
By flipping a nearby switch, the accelerator pedal will go into e-Pedal mode. Like in a conventional car, the car will still accelerate when this pedal is pressed down. But in e-Pedal mode, the car will utilise regenerative braking whenever the driver eases the throttle. When the foot is completely off the pedals, the vehicle will stop and be capable of holding itself on hills.
Nissan says that the drivers can cover up to 90 per cent of their driving needs with the e-Pedal.
While the e-Pedal has not been confirmed for any other Nissan cars yet, its debut on the upcoming new LEAF will represent another step forward in the manufacturer’s quest to develop more advanced driving technology.
As well as the e-Pedal, the new LEAF will also be the first Nissan to feature ProPilot, an autonomous driving system that’s more advanced than the semi-autonomous aids developed for cars like the Qashqai.
ProPilot is designed to let a car drive itself on single-lane roads and learn more about roads which it goes through.
