Nissan and Bose buzzing over new LEAF-bound, energy-efficient BEES sound system

By Nick Jaynes February 6, 2013

The Nissan LEAF EV is a very quiet vehicle inside and out. Now, however, it’s getting a bit louder, thanks to a specially designed Bose sound system.

Nissan has long wanted to include a bumpin’ sound system as an optional extra on its LEAF EV. No system – until now – fit Nissan’s requirements because the systems either weighed too much or drew too much electricity. For Nissan to feel comfortable installing a premium sound system into its EV, it would have to be both lightweight and efficient.

To solve this, Nissan teamed up with Bose to design a sound system specifically for the LEAF. It’s called the “Bose Energy Efficient Series” or “BEES,” as we like to call it. Available on SV and SL LEAF models, the BEES is now included as an optional premium package.

Eager to squeeze as much sound as possible from an energy-efficient system, Bose engineers designed lightweight speakers and amplifiers that would perform at a high level, without significantly dwindling the LEAF’s energy supply. The result is a system that is both compact and lightweight and also extremely efficient.

Nissan adds some Yin to the LEAF’s Yang with a new high-efficiency Bose sound system — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bose was able to fit its 4.5-inch Richbass subwoofer into its 6.2-liter custom Acoustic Waveguide bassbox. “The bassbox uses patented technology applied from Bose Wave home entertainment products to deliver rich, low-frequency performance from a very small enclosure,” Nissan bragged in the product press release.

At the heart of the efficient system is an amplifier that not only draws less power than a standard unit; it also operates at a cooler temperature, which allows for its compact, lightweight structure. In a side-by-side, Nissan-produced video comparison (see video below), this specialized amp was able to run 50 percent longer than a standard in-car amp on the same amount of power.

We haven’t yet heard the resulting tones from the BEES. With such a serene interior, we can only assume that the LEAF is now capable of creating quite the distinctive in-car audio experience. We can’t wait to pump out some really high-decibel tunes in an emissions-free EV.

Editors' Recommendations

Nissan Leaf gains more driver-assistance features, new infotainment tech for 2020

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.