There’s the several three-wheeled electric vehicles for sale with Tesla Roadster, but so far getting a purely electric-powered car to production with a standard car’s features at a price the general public can afford has eluded the industry. Until the Nissan LEAF, that is.
Due for the late 2010 in U.S., Japan and Europe, the LEAF guarantees a range of over 100mi (160km) on a charge in a practical mid-size hatchback bodystyle. Meanwhile, Nissan proved that 100mi range is enough to satisfy the daily needs of 70% of the drivers in the world.
Masato Inoue, Product Chief Designer says that their car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility.
The Product Chief Designer, Masato Inoue says that their car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility.
LEAF is powered by a a lithium-ion battery back, and also rovide reasonable performance, on par with other cars in the economy hatchback class. The electric battery pack can generate output of up to 120hp (90kW), while the electric motor delivers 107hp (80kW) of output and 206lb-ft (280Nm) of torque, figures typical of many smaller and medium-sized cars.
After the charging for just 30 minutes, it can get back on the road again in a hurry. A full charge takes about 8 hours, a typical overnight duration. Nissan optimized almost every aspect of the LEAF’s design to maximize efficiency.
For the LED headlight, it is design with the electrical system minimally, but the headlight covers also split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, cutting wind noise and drag. Meanwhile, inside, the interior are all styled in a ‘blue earth’ color scheme, reflecting the car’s efficient nature and complementing the introductory model’s exterior color.
Last but not least, the LEAF employs an advanced IT system that connects it to a global data center to provide support, information and entertainment around the clock. Besides that, the dash-mounted monitor uses this information to show a ‘reachable area’ display, letting the driver know exactly how far they can go on the remaining charge. It also provide the nearest charging stations to make juicing back up easier.
When we talk for this production of LEAF, it will begin at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant with the Smyrna, Tennessee plant to handle additional capacity down the road. Meanwhile, the lithium-ion batteries that power the car are produced in Zama, Japan, though once demand outstrips that supply, sources in the U.S., Portugal and the UK are also ready to go.
From the sources, LEAF begin late next year. Nissan sees the LEAF taking its place as both a primary car for some drivers and for others, a secondary car that’s used primarily for commuting or other daily duties, while the family vehicle remains in service for times when more space is needed.
There`s no pricing announces yet. But, the pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales, however, Nissan is expecting the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. In addition, the LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world.