First Look: 2011 Nissan LEAF
Nissan charges ahead with its electric vehicle, coming to U.S. dealers in late 2010.
By Sam Mitani August 2009
Nissan unveiled its electric vehicle in Japan, equipped with its sophisticated EV-IT system that supports full-time electric driving. The car is based on an all-new EV platform that features a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity. According to Nissan, the new Nissan LEAF delivers outstanding driving performance and safety, while offering a quiet and peaceful driving experience.
The new Nissan LEAF looks slick, with a face that’s characterized by a short nose and large headlights. The car is compact. The sleek styling results in a low coefficient of drag, making Nissan LEAF one of the most aerodynamic cars in the marketplace.
The Nissan LEAF’s electric motor was developed in-house and delivers 80kW of power and 206 lb.-ft. of torque that result in excellent acceleration, especially from a standstill. The 24kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack is located under the vehicle floor for packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. Regenerative brakes recharge the battery during deceleration and braking, which helps contribute to the Nissan LEAF’s driving range of more than 100 miles on a full charge.
What’s also noteworthy about the Nissan is its EV-IT system, which connects the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center. Among the features of the system is a maximum range display that shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge on the navigation-system map. The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.
The EV-IT also points out charging stations within driving range. A timer function enables the air conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to possibly benefit from more favorable electricity rates.Also, the driver can monitor the Nissan LEAF’s state of charge via an online website and a cellular phone. When the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone.
Prices have yet to be announced, but we’re expecting the Nissan LEAF to start in the low-$30,000 range.
Read more at: Road & Track Magazine – First Look: 2011 Nissan LEAF (8/2009)
Tags: electriccar, zero emmissions <BR/>