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The new electric vehicle from Nissan, LEAF is going to be a tuner favorite. Not many are into tuning EV vehicles, but there is a market for high performance EV vehicles. By converting the 80 kilowatt motor that is stock in the Nissan LEAF to a higher output motor can drastically increase performance. In effect, this is the wild west of the future street tuning scene. Enjoy the following ideas and pioneer with me via comments about how we can improve and modify the vehicles of the future!
Nissan LEAF standard specifications:.JPG)
- FWD 80 kw / 280 Nm BLDC motor
- 24 kWh Li-ion battery
- 140 km/h top speed
- 160 km range
Video content: Interior and technology of the Nissan LEAF
Basic modifications
Nissan LEAF modifications will be basically the same as regular cars regarding handling, traction, and other various common vehicle modifications that are applied to race cars. These type of global modifications fall under basic because all rules we know today still apply. However, when modifying the motor we will have to start thinking more along the lines of electricity as opposed to fuel and air. The motor needs power and ground to operate, so modifying the conductivity of the components leading to and from the motor will increase response performance.
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In theory, adding capacitors in a fashion similar to car stereo equipment may help maintain amperage, voltage, etc while running accessories which in turn will allow a steady source of power. By keeping the power source steady, optimal power generation will occur and the motor will experience less electrical lag due to low voltage, amperage, and poor conductivity. There is no blueprint of how the system is setup yet to the public, but it's probably fairly basic electronic engineering. Apply standard methodologies from electronics engineering into your modification plan for the best results.
Video content: Nissan LEAF test drive
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Moderate modifications
If the 80 kilowatt motor isn't suffice, consider upgrading to a Siemens 200 kilowatt motor. The 200 kilowatt engine that is used in the new Dodge Circuit is cranking out 268 horsepower and 480 ft. lbs. of torque! The Dodge circuit runs a steady 13 second quarter mile with 120+ mph top speed; all while dragging an estimated 2980 lb. curb weight! The Nissan LEAF is estimated to weigh 2800 lbs stock (see source) and by performing a stage one or two weight reduction, could possibly see under 2500 lbs. With this type of weight it would be possible to have a 12 second electric vehicle sedan in the quarter mile, with a top speed of around 120 mph. It would also inherit the dyno numbers of 480 tq / 268 hp. Now that is an EV!
Video content: Overview of electrical system for Nissan LEAF
Intense modifications
For those of us who want to push the modification a step further and convert back to gasoline, it would be possible to swap an Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc motorcycle engine with turbocharger and achieve around 500 horsepower. These types of swaps are currently being done to the Tata Nano, and SMART cars. Sure these aren't EV's, but they are similar in candidacy. Check out the following video of a Hayabusa powered SMART car smoking a Ferrari!
Video content: SMART car vs Ferrari.JPG)
Summary
Overall, the Nissan LEAF is the wild west when it comes to modifications. Left alone stock, it is an amazing vehicle with incredible supporting technology. Of course, tuners will want to tamper with it and make it faster, but we don't know enough yet about this new machine to draw a definite modification line in the sand. However, applying basic electric and mechanical theory can improve anything. Shade tree ingenuity has improved the automobile for decades, and will continue to do so. Modifications for the new EV may be limited, and as simple as reprogramming the ECU for larger voltage, faster output, etc. Anything in the drive line would be easier to modify because gears and still gears, and the basics of transmissions and drive train philosophy still apply. Tuning will continue regardless of platform!
Related articles:
- Dodge Circuit EV test drive video
- Tata Nano test drive
- Tata Nano performance parts
- MCE-5: the future of internal combustion
- Dodge Circuit EV unseen video footage
- Scuderi air hybrid engine
- How to convert engines into air hybrid
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Comments
Wow! The Leaf isn't even on the streets, and roads yet, and we're already talking about "modifications" for it. I think it kind of defeats the purpose that Nissan intended for an affordable, good performing EV. There are a number of high performance EVs already out there, and more on the way. But hey! If you've got the cash, it's your call.
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