Auto Car | 2011 Nissan Leaf | With its new Leaf, Nissan is blowing in the wind, and the wind these days blows toward electric vehicles. Scheduled to arrive in minuscule numbers (fewer than 500 cars) at the end of 2010, the Leaf is the fully electric commuter car Nissan has been promising for several years. The Japanese automaker says the Leaf is the lead vehicle in a full line of electric cars now on the drawing board.
Slightly larger than the smallest Nissan, the Versa, the Leaf hatchback uses a unique platform that bears a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (recharged through a plug in the nose) as well as an electric motor with 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says the Leaf should be able to go 100 miles between charges and that it has ultraquick charging capability—it takes an 80-percent charge in about 25 minutes—with a 220-volt home-charging station.
Onboard electronics will allow the owner’s mobile phone to control when the car is drawing electricity to charge its batteries and also to turn on the air conditioning or heat in anticipation of a drive. For those with range anxiety, the navigation system, taking into account the vehicle’s range, will show a reachable area on its map. We’re getting hints of a base price around $25,000, which would make it the most accessible pure electric from a major automaker—at least for a while—although the chances of making a profit at that price are practically nil. Ford, Mitsubishi, and others have claimed they’ll be in the market by late 2011 or 2012.
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. Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF's power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF's regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge.
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world's consumers who drive cars. And, Nissan's approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours - ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet - the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example. While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.
Source : www.caranddriver.com
Slightly larger than the smallest Nissan, the Versa, the Leaf hatchback uses a unique platform that bears a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (recharged through a plug in the nose) as well as an electric motor with 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says the Leaf should be able to go 100 miles between charges and that it has ultraquick charging capability—it takes an 80-percent charge in about 25 minutes—with a 220-volt home-charging station.
Onboard electronics will allow the owner’s mobile phone to control when the car is drawing electricity to charge its batteries and also to turn on the air conditioning or heat in anticipation of a drive. For those with range anxiety, the navigation system, taking into account the vehicle’s range, will show a reachable area on its map. We’re getting hints of a base price around $25,000, which would make it the most accessible pure electric from a major automaker—at least for a while—although the chances of making a profit at that price are practically nil. Ford, Mitsubishi, and others have claimed they’ll be in the market by late 2011 or 2012.
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. Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF's power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF's regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge.
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world's consumers who drive cars. And, Nissan's approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours - ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet - the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example. While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.
Source : www.caranddriver.com
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