The “LEAF” is Nissan’s first move into the “green” car market, which until now has been dominated by part-electric, part-petrol hybrid models from rivals such as Toyota and Honda.
Fully electric cars are still a niche product, hampered by the technical challenges of battery life, the infrastructural challenges of charging points and the high costs of the new technology.
But Nissan claims its LEAF does 100 miles on each charge and the expensive lithium-ion battery may be leased, keeping the price on a par with petrol-engine equivalents such Nissan’s Versa. Independent
The LEAF will go on sale in Europe in 2011. Nissan would not reveal the price, but promised it would be competitive with other hatchbacks - starting at around £13,000.
Owners will not have to pay road tax as the LEAF has no emissions. Buyers will also be in line for government cash incentives of up to £5,000.
Ministers have promised the cash for buying “green” electric or hybrid cars from 2011. The Sun
“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”
Key characteristics of the Leaf include:
1) Zero-emission power train and platform
2) Affordable pricing
3) Distinctive design
4) Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5) Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system
The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.
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