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Nissan Zero Emission Website | Top
Nissan Unveils 'LEAF' - The World's First Electric Car Designed for Affordability and Real-World Requirements
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YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090801/CL55442 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NISSANBADGELOGO )

NISSAN LEAF

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility - the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

"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.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY

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*. (*US LA4 mode)

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.

REAL-WORLD CAR

The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

"Our 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," said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.

Nissan LEAF's frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, "This car is special." But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly "blue earth" color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF's introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF's remaining power - or "reachable area" - in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions - even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

"The IT system is a critical advantage," says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. "We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible."

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION

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.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS

Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas:

1) Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,

2) Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and

3) Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company's forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan's EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

ABOUT NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a global automotive company with vehicle sales of 3.411 million in 2008. Nissan is present in all major auto markets worldwide, selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.

NISSAN BLUE CITIZENSHIP

Nissan is committed to making a better world through its commitment to corporate social responsibility. This includes programs that focus on technological innovations that focus on people and care for the planet. Our vision for zero-emission mobility is an outgrowth of our CSR approach, which we call Blue Citizenship. Together, we are working with our Alliance partner, Renault, to make a better world through zero-emission mobility.

For more information, please visit the Nissan Zero-Emission website:

NISSAN | Zero Emission Website
 
2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Now that the Leaf EV is unveiled I think it is proper to start a new topic for it.

nissan-leaf_lo_630.jpg

2010 Nissan Leaf electric car: In person, in depth -- and U.S. bound — Autoblog Green

The styling is a conventional 5 door hatchback. The front reminds me of the 350/370z. It think it looks decent, but it's obviously not a sexy car like the Model S. I wouldn't mind owning one depending on the price.

NISSAN LEAF Specs

Dimensions
Length: 4445 mm / 175.0 in.
Width: 1770 mm / 69.7 in.
Height : 1550 mm / 61.0 in.
Wheelbase: 2700 mm / 106.3 in.

Performance
Driving range over: 160km/100miles (US LA4 mode)
Max speed (km/h): over 140km/h (over 87 mph)

Motor
Type: AC motor
Max power (kW): 80kW (107hp)
Max torque (Nm): 280Nm (208 lbs-ft)

Battery
Type: laminated lithium-ion battery
Total capacity (kWh): 24
Power output (kW): over 90
Energy density (Wh/kg): 140
Power density (kW/kg): 2.5
Number of modules: 48
Charging times: quick charger DC 50kW (0 to 80%): less than 30 min; home-use AC200V charger: less than 8 hrs
Battery layout: Under seat & floor

Additional:
~$10k battery replacement cost.
200+kg (440+lbs) battery weight.
Each "module" is the size of a laptop with 4 magazine-sized cells in each.
3 phase 50kW charger costs about $45k.
Acceleration close to g35 (don't know where autobloggreen got this)

Edit:
Didn't realize there was a thread on this already: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/news...-leaf-100-mile-range-5-seat-ev-announced.html
 
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Nissan's Un-be-Leaf-able Deal (NSANY)

While we're still waiting for an exact dollar figure out of Nissan, the range is getting tighter, with the company declaring that it will be "competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle," which is auto-speak for "small family sedan." In other words, that's somewhere in the $20,000-$30,000 range. One rumor has it that Nissan could apply a sticker price closer to that of the company's Versa model, roughly $15,000, to the Leaf. If true, such a price would undercut even Warren Buffett fave and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) vassal BYD, which plans to charge $22,000 for its F3DM.
 
I noticed Darryl Siry posted a comment in his blog regarding "Nissan's Big Mistake".

I should let him do the posting here, but since he has Coda as a client, maybe he is hesitant.

Darryl Siry's Blog



Unlike most of my friends, I love the hatchback style of the Leaf, but will have to pass on buying one.

It's range is too short, and at 107 horsepower it is underpowered too. I guess my expectations of the Model S have me spoiled.

I think Nissan can fix these problems by adding a "Sport" model upgrade.

Increasing the battery energy from 24 to 35-40 kwh, and increasing the power from 107 to at least 160 horsepower would produce a respectable "No compromises" vehicle.

I know this will increase the cost, but as an upgrade to the base model, only those people who want the "Sport" option need to pay for it.

I really want Nissan to be a success. I just don't see a car with perhaps a 75-80 freeway mile range selling in volume. I think a Sport model is their best hope for success.
 
I hope a lot of people find that it works well for their commute and find the price point acceptable. The performance is probably adequate for most people.
We need more choices like this.

Yes, the range will be an issue for many, but with battery prices what they are I think they are right to keep the pack size relatively small. This is a car for modest commutes and close to home activities. They can rent a hybrid if they need to go on a road trip.
 
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So we are on two issues here. Siry's comment that Nissan is making a big mistake by saing 100 when 70 is more real. (It would be nice if they are secretly underestimating so 100 would turn out to be the real nunber)

And two.

What will people be happy with? I heard that when the EV1 offered the increased mileage at an increased price that most who had gotten used to what it could do turned down that option.
 
Nissan Leaf - batteries sold separately | Nissan | Leaf | CARtoday.com

...New owners will have to lease the 48 laminated lithium Ion batteries at a monthly rate. Nissan is reassuring prospective buyers that this will be cheaper than actually having to install permanent batteries.

“We believe that’s the right strategy, because that way Nissan remains responsible for the longevity and recycling of the batteries, not the customer. Bundling the battery in with the car would also add at least £6000 to the price; the battery lease should cost less than £100 a month,” said a company spokesperson...
Introducing the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle - BusinessWeek
...Key to its success will be bringing down the cost of the batteries, which currently cost around $10,000 per car to make. Sensibly, Nissan plans to lease the batteries to customers rather than try to sell the car at an inflated price...
So do you still get the $7500 rebate if you don't actually buy the batteries?

2011 Nissan LEAF: Batteries - AllCarsElectric.com
...the LEAF's battery is intended to accept several rapid charging scenarios including a 50KW "fast charge" which gives 80% charge in thirty minutes, or a five minute fast-charge which delivers an additional 31 miles of range. These rapid recharge modes will require a special three-phase charger, which at $45,000.00 per unit, is most likely to be owned by commercial or governmental entities in distributed charging stations. In cities which do have rapid charging stations available, the LEAF's Nav/sat GPS screen will be able to direct drivers to the nearest recharge locations, as well as generally indicating "reachable area" based on the battery's level of charge. ...
...Chief executive Carlos Ghosn has suggested that the battery may be leased by customers rather than purchased outright, as a way of keeping the price of the car on par with the gas-powered competition...
 

Has it been confirmed the batteries will have to be leased and there isn't another option? The press releases don't mention this, but there are some quotes from spokespeople. I would prefer the non-lease option. If the batteries are lease only, then I'm not sure I want this car. I suppose it helps reduce sticker shock (maybe that's what they meant when they said "affordable"), but then you are still tied to the manufacturer.