Nissan has launched two new versions of the Leaf electric car, badged 3.Zero, with increased technology offerings and extended range to “broaden EV appeal”.

Ready to order from January 9, priced from £31,095 including the £3,500 UK Government Plug-in Car Grant, the new Leaf 3.Zero benefits from a new 8-inch infotainment screen and improved NissanConnect EV app. It features the 40 kWh battery, alongside new body colours and two-tone colour combinations.

The Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition, priced from £36,795 including Government Grant, is also available to order from January 9. The manufacturer will only produce 5,000 units for Europe.

The e+ features a higher output capable of delivering 160 kW (217 PS) of power; 340Nm of torque; and a longer driving range expected to be up to 239 miles* from a single charge of the 62 kWh capacity battery.

It has an Intelligent Power-enhanced high-capacity battery and more powerful motor.

On the road, the Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition will deliver a 40% range increase over the Leaf 3.Zero which is equipped with a 40 kWh battery. This represents more than 62 miles additional range for a comparable usage.

Other than a five-millimetre increase in the car’s overall height (based on 16-inch wheels), the car’s exterior and interior dimensions are unchanged.

Nissan Europe’s director of electric vehicles and connected services Gareth Dunsmore said: “The Nissan Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition broadens the appeal of the Leaf family even further, adding more range to an award-winning package that remains great to drive and live with.

“Since we launched the new Nissan Leaf last year, the customer response has been outstanding. In an EV market that is constantly growing, sustaining the Leaf’s status as the most popular EV in Europe in 2018 is a testament to the strength of the product.

"We hope the Leaf 3.Zero models will help continuing this extraordinary growth in 2019.”

Customers wanting to order either model can register their interest online or visit one of Nissan’s UK retailers.

First deliveries of the Leaf 3.Zero are expected to start from May 2019, while initial customer deliveries of the Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition will commence from summer 2019.

*Nissan forecast range for WLTP combined cycle protocol tests. Final homologated range data for Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition expected later in 2019.