Nissan Leaf answers the emergency services call of duty

Nissan has revealed its take on an all-electric emergency response vehicle based on the Leaf, cleverly called Re-Leaf, which boasts extra off-road ability to provide electricity to natural disaster-ravaged areas.

Based on the e+ version of the small Leaf hatchback available in Australian showrooms from $49,990 before on-road costs, Nissan has modified the Re-Leaf with jacked-up suspension (increasing its height by 70mm) and extra underbody protection to traverse more rugged terrain.

The stock wheels are also swapped out for wider 17-inch components that are wrapped in chunky 225/65 all-terrain tyres, while mud flaps, custom wheelarches and a roof-mounted light bar complete the look.

Inside, the rear seats are removed to allow increased storage capacity and a cage is fitted behind the front row to keep cargo and passengers separate.

Opening the tailgate also reveals a 32-inch LED screen and fold-out bench to serve as a desk to run operations from a remote location.

However, the coolest feature of the Re-Leaf might be the two weatherproofed power sockets found on the exterior, which can supply electricity to devices such as an electric jack hammer, soup kettle, intensive care ventilator or 100-watt flood light during blackouts.

A third socket is also fitted inside, providing up to three outlets for devices.

Acting as a “mobile emergency power supply”, Nissan envisions electric vehicles (EVs) like the Leaf being able to head into areas affected by natural disasters where its 62kWh battery can charge an average European household for up to six days.

Expect to see the Leaf’s 385km range drop with all the added gear though, and if it is being used to power a kettle for a cup of tea, but 20-80 per cent recharge times remain as low as 90 minutes with a 50kW CHAdeMo socket.