Unveiled: 2011 Nissan Leaf electric car
Nissan announced a new five-seat electric hatchback is destined for sale in Europe, Japan, and the United States by late 2010. Leaf will be a zero-emissions vehicle powered by a 90kW lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan claims a 100-mile range. Leaf can be charged to 80 percent in 30 minutes with an industrial quick charger or fully charged from a 220-volt home outlet in about eight hours.
Leaf will be connected to a global data center that will provide driver support, information, and entertainment. A true mobile connected device, the Leaf will allow owners to use a cell phone to turn off the air conditioning and configure charging even when the vehicle is not powered. A display will show Leaf’s remaining power and also the location of the nearest charging station.
Although Nissan has been slow to embrace the hybrid idea, we predicted that it would be a pioneer in the pure EV field. (Read: “Electric cars take charge in Israel, Denmark.”) Globally, and in conjunction with partner Renault, Nissan has been developing and testing electric vehicles for years and is partnered with Project Better Place to provide a charging infrastructure. With the Leaf, Nissan joins a number of other automakers who have recently announced production electric vehicles including the Mitsubishi i-Miev and Subaru R1e.
The price has not yet been announced, but Nissan says it will be priced similarly to a well-equipped sedan in the vicinity of the high $20,000 and with government tax break. Initial Leaf hatchbacks will initially be imported from Japan, while future plans calling for battery and car production in the United States.
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Posted by: ace | Aug 3, 2009 6:06:37 PM
I think it's a little too late for any car manufacturer to come out with these type of cars now, as who the heck can afford a new car in this day and age?
Posted by: Geoffrey Graves | Aug 3, 2009 11:03:25 PM
I couldn't agree less. High 20,000 scale is not outrageous in our society, even now, to pay for a car, and "going green" seems to be the hottest new thing to do now. On top of which, 8 hours on a 220 volt outlet for about 100 miles equates to about 23 cents per hour. That's about 3 cents per mile. With the average person spending about 12 cents per mile, the average annual savings will be about $1,080 figuring for the average yearly milage of 12,000 miles and the average prices above. The only inhibiting factor that I can see is the range of the Leaf.
Posted by: bus | Aug 4, 2009 3:20:26 AM
It is a good start. i hope is a affordable.
Posted by: Lorraine Williams | Aug 4, 2009 10:51:50 AM
If the test of time proved this car is worth the money, I would figure out a way to afford it if I had a place to plug it in.
Posted by: Pete | Aug 4, 2009 9:24:45 PM
There is an amazing amount of preparation going on to make this car a reality.
Nissan-Renault is committing to mass producing these cars - in the hundreds of thousands of units.
Better Place (www.betterplace.com) is partnering with them to create the charging infrastructure and a system for swapping depleted batteries for fully charged batteries in less than 2 minutes. This can extend the range of the vehicle to hundreds of miles.
Posted by: CyCarConsulting | Aug 5, 2009 12:27:11 PM
Americans will not buy expensive electric cars. Prius has not been the success that everyone thinks. Most dealers were selling them below invoice to move them, and the small boost now from cash for clunkers is short lived. Hybrids in general find lots of resistance with the price. Unless there is some financial compensation for buying this new over priced electric car, sales will be dismal, and I'm sure everyone will be SHOCKED.
Posted by: coolcar | Aug 12, 2009 12:35:43 PM
Can nissan actually try to make it look cute, or maybe even just nice?
looks like a bloated Versa
Posted by: Car Transport | Aug 13, 2009 11:26:07 AM
Its Similar to Toyota Spacio But I think Nissan can make more better and cuter than Toyota.
Posted by: hsr0601 | Aug 28, 2009 9:49:42 PM
1. The range of terrific EVs are sufficient to meet the daily driving needs of 95% of drivers ((The vast majority of people (95%) drive less than 160/km a day)).
2. What's more, as for long distance needs, all but Americans have existing automobiles, in this regard, U.S. is one of the best places for EVs until the infrastructure comes into wide use.
3. The well-equipped Nissan LEAF with plenty of acceleration, an exclusive advanced IT, GPS system, a distinctive aerodynamic design will be priced from $25,000 to $33,000. It can also produce a max speed of 140 km/h
Importantly, this price comes before any government tax credits.
4. Manufacturing volume, innovative battery technology will drive down cost.
5. Little maintenance fee.
6. MILES PER GALLON : MORE THAN 10 VS 1 compared with general combustion engine cars.
Even excellent hybrid cars are not comparable to EVs in light of fuel economy.
7. EVs will likely be less expensive for people to drive with low-cost nighttime charging.
Sometimes EVs can be charged at workplaces or stores etc.
8. Batteries will become more efficient on the whole and their price will drop, whereas the oil will simply go up and up as it becomes more scarce. As simple as that.