The New Nissan Leaf | Electric Car
Forget about answering the question "Who killed the electric automobile?" That's since Nissan is bringing the electric vehicle back from the dead. Sure, the Tesla Roadster has created the electric automobile cool again, but the 2011 Nissan Leaf will be the first, full-electric mainstream vehicle to be put on sale for the American consumer. In contrast to past electric cars (such as the GM EV1), the Leaf may be bought outright rather of leased, so there is no becoming forced to give it back to the manufacturer soon after two years to be studied and then destroyed.The Leaf shops its power in a lithium-ion battery pack, creating it one of the 1st vehicles to make use of this advanced battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries promise better acceleration and range than comparably sized nickel-metal hydride ones. Nissan says recharging at residence with a special 220-volt charger will take 4-8 hours. A commercial quick-charge station can do it in about 30 minutes. Totally charged, the Leaf is estimated to have an successful range of about 100 miles.
For all that, the 2011 Nissan Leaf promises to be a quite useful vehicle. A Leaf will hit the register having a cost tag of about $25,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit (residents of certain states are eligible for further credits as well). Buyers are advised to obtain the $2,200 home-charging station, but even this piece of hardware has its own tax rebate of 50 percent. The Leaf's running expenses need to also be appealing, considering that the cost of recharging need to be a fraction of what you'd pay for a tank of gasoline.
An electric automobile is undoubtedly not for everybody. Long-distance commuters, one-car households and apartment dwellers thinking about a fuel-efficient or green-oriented car should rather contemplate a Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius (be it the regular version or new plug-in hybrid), or even a Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel. But for those that have been waiting to buy a real electric auto, the arrival of the 2011 Nissan Leaf is really a revolutionary event.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric four-door hatchback accessible in SV and SL trim levels.
Normal equipment on the SV consists of 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel and 60/40-split-folding rear seats. Also included are cloth upholstery produced from recycled materials, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, an advanced trip laptop or computer, a navigation method as well as a six-speaker sound system having a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Leaf SL adds a spoiler-mounted solar panel, automatic headlamps, foglamps, a rearview camera and a cargo cover.
Additionally, each and every Leaf comes regular with Nissan Connection, a remote vehicle access system that reports battery recharging data and can activate the climate control via a cell phone. Optional are a house charging station plus a quick-charge port, which permits for charging to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at a public charging station.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt synchronous electric motor fed by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Output is 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. At the exact same time, the power delivery of an electric vehicle is vastly diverse from that of gasoline, diesel or even hybrid vehicles, so take the Leaf's power ratings with a grain of salt.
Nissan estimates a range of 100 miles, but this depends on driving style, visitors conditions, cruising speed and battery age. Actually, even ambient temperature plays a role in determining cruising range, because extreme temperatures are detrimental for battery performance. The EPA has given the Leaf an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPG-e) of 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway and 99 mpg combined and an estimated driving range of 73 miles.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf comes normal with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is optional on the SL.
Due to the fact the Leaf's battery pack resides under the floor beneath the seats, the rear seat is very comfy for adults. The front seat offers no shortage of space for even tall drivers along with the seats themselves are very supportive and comfy, though the vehicle's short range makes sure they'll by no means be enjoyed during a long-haul road trip. The cargo region is on the tiny side for a hatchback, nevertheless, as well as once you fold the rear seats, the cargo floor isn't flat.
The Leaf's cabin is dominated by a split-level instrument cluster comparable to that of the Honda Civic. The center control panel functions a touchscreen, which controls the standard navigation method also as unique features like cruising range. You are able to even program the commence time for the recharging program to take advantage of lower rates for electricity. Interior high quality is about the same as other economy hatchbacks, but overall fit and finish is noticeably a cut above.
Any person who has driven or at least stood next to a hybrid will know how quiet it truly is when operating in electric-only mode. It could be eerie or cool, depending on your point of view. With the 2011 Nissan Leaf, its serenity never ceases, and you can detect only a high-pitched whine under heavy throttle. This quiet creates the adverse side impact of producing wind and road noise far more noticeable at highway speeds, but overall the Leaf is impressively quiet.
As an electric auto, the Leaf positive aspects from an abundance of torque accessible from the very first touch of the accelerator pedal. The Leaf feels sprightly and gets as much as speed with no drama -- as an urban runabout, it undoubtedly excels. Press on the brakes along with the pedal is firm and sure, with out the sort of strange, vague feel indicative of most regenerative braking systems.
With its battery pack mounted low inside the body along with a well-tuned electric power steering system, we've been pleasantly surprised by how nicely the Leaf takes turns. Its responsiveness is typical of that noticed in other well-engineered compact family cars, and in most methods the Leaf feels fairly normal to drive.
