Nissan Leaf Driver Assistance, Explained

The Nissan Leaf is known for being one of the oldest electric vehicles on the market today; however, what driver assistance features are available in this all-electric hatchback? Since its release in 2010, the Leaf has gone on to appeal to many people considering the switch to EVs. Although its primary markets were Japan, Europe and North America, it has reached more locations today. The Leaf recorded 577,000 sales globally, making it one of the best-selling EVs in history. Until 2020, the Leaf held the record for the best-selling electric model. However, it has since been overthrown by the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3’s high patronage continues, with Elon Musk announcing that Tesla won’t be taking orders for the Long Range variant this year.

Aside from a zero-emission feature, EVs also provide drivers with a unique opportunity to experience the best in automotive technology. One example is the driver assistance system which serves as an extra pair of hands and feet for the driver. Depending on the level of autonomy, a driver safety system can make critical decisions on the road. Every EV comes with their automaker’s latest version of driver safety tech. However, they aren’t to be seen as a complete substitute for the driver. Recently, a driver was filmed sleeping while Tesla’s Autopilot system was active. This is risky, considering that Autopilot, one of Tesla’s driver safety packages, is classified as Level 2. This means that it’s only semi-autonomous and requires constant attention.

As Super Cruise is to General Motors models, so is Safety Shield 360 degree to Nissan models. The Leaf EV gets Nissan Safety Shield’s standard features, though additional features are available too. The standard suite comprises six safety features designed to watch the road and intervene if necessary. In addition to the network of intelligent software, the Nissan Leaf gets the brand’s Advanced Airbag System which includes dual-stage front airbags equipped with sensors. It also gets a smart braking system capable of discovering additional weight in the rear.

Safety Shield Features, Explained

Safety Shield comprises the following features: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist. Each feature works together to make the Leaf extra safe always. For instance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection watches the vehicle’s current speed and distance from a car in front. It’s programmed to alert the driver of being too close to the vehicle ahead. In addition, the emergency braking system can automatically initiate the brakes if necessary to avoid a collision or reduce the harshness of a crash. This technology is found in other electric models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Silverado EV and the Cadillac Lyriq.

For Leaf owners wanting more from their driver assistance system, Nissan has made a few advanced technologies to complement the efforts of the standard package. Features like Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, and Intelligent Lane Intervention ensure that the Nissan EV doesn’t stray from its lane. It’s designed to employ the brakes and guide the driver back to their lane. However, these technologies cannot prevent collisions, and drivers must never forget this.

Source: Nissan USA