A new Leaf of life? Meet the coachbuilt Nissan Leaf electric hearse

Just after extra than 10 years on sale, Nissan’s electric family hatchback has turned in excess of a new Leaf – as a hearse. 

Primarily based on a 62kWh Nissan Leaf, the conversion is the perform of Wilcox Limousines, the British-centered coachbuilders of funeral vehicles and limousines.

The electrical hearse can accommodate a driver and funeral ‘conductor’ in the entrance with capacity for a payload of up to 230kg, like a 7-foot coffin, at the rear of. 

To build the product, engineers removed the original Leaf’s roof and pillars and replaced them with recycled carbon-fibre, styled by a professional designer. The physique was minimize and prolonged by 80cm, the battery pack moved rearwards to optimise weight distribution and the vehicle’s rear section stiffened and braced. 

In spite of these modifications and remaining taller and for a longer period, the Leaf hearse is only 3% heavier than the normal Leaf hatchback many thanks, in significant aspect, to the removing of the original car’s two rear doorways and rear seat. This places the new design at odds with common hearses which have 5 doorways and 4 seats for further funeral team. 

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Despite this, Louis Wilcox, grandson of corporation founder William Wilcox, mentioned the new model experienced been well obtained by the country’s significant funeral organizations who, he stated, want a greener alternative for environmentally acutely aware shoppers. “The Leaf hearse is perfect for the escalating range of individuals who are inquiring for a less complicated and greener burial or cremation for their cherished ones.” 

Move Electric powered had an exceptional initially travel – unladen – of Wilcox’s enhancement Leaf hearse. The 40kWh vehicle (manufacturing variations have the greater 62kWh battery) is an smart and sensitive restyle that is also remarkably very well concluded. But for its substantial roof, substantial facet home windows and greater tailgate it could be a Leaf estate from the Nissan catalogue, the style and design is that cohesive. 

Underway, functionality is unaffected by the car’s slight raise in bodyweight, the Leaf pulling away with un-hearse-like enthusiasm. On our bumpy suburban examination route and at mild speeds it was comfy and composed, even though at bigger speeds on country roadways it cornered securely and predictably. The only bitter be aware was a deep pothole that jarred it noticeably. Wilcox promises a greatest variety of 210 miles for the 62kW version or a little bit a lot less than the hatchback equivalent. 

Getting electric powered the Leaf hearse is, of study course, peaceful but though this is an great attribute for these kinds of a car, Wilcox admits that the Leaf’s in the vicinity of-silence could also be a liability.