The 2010 Nissan Leaf: No gasoline needed

October 19, 10:49 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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The 2010 Nissan Leaf

www.ultimatecarpage.com

It’s coming, it’s
coming! It will
be here soon!
Oh, just wait a
little bit it’s not
ready yet as
there are just a
few technical
difficulties to
work out!

Enough of the
talking in circles!
Nissan’s all electric
vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, will have its worldwide launch in 2010 and full
production will be in 2012. Motor Trend Magazine states that the Leaf
“…could be the most significant vehicle of the century.”

Other automakers such as Ford, Honda, and Toyota have tried their hand
at gas-electric hybrids. Others such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes
have been perfecting their clean diesels. And down the road, Chevy will
offer the Volt. However, Nissan will be the first manufacturer to offer an
entirely electric vehicle at an affordable price.

The leaf will have a 100 mile range in-between charges, and Nissan claims
that this will cover the needs of 90 percent of drivers worldwide. To obtain
this range, the leaf uses an electric motor powetain on a modified front drive
C segment hatchback platform. 192 lithium-ion flat type batteries are housed
below the floor and in-between the wheels to provide balanced weight
distribution for handling and maximum space efficiency.

The battery pack will supply power to an 80kW (107 hp and 210 ft-lb. torque)
electric motor. Recharging the batteries can be done at home with 120 volt
current in 16 hours or with 220 volt current in 8 hours. A special high voltage
charger will provide an 80-percent charge in about 30 minutes.

The leaf looks high tech on the inside but on the outside much like the
hatchbacks that we see today. Nissan wanted the leaf to look like a real
car rather than a toy. Thus, it is capable of transporting 4 or 5 people and
it has a top speed of 87 mph. The car’s front headlights bulge out and the
side mirrors have a unique shape to help direct wind around the sides of the
car. On the hood, the Nissan logo lifts up for access to the standard and quick
charging ports. The car’s solar panel roof provides power for various accessory
fans.

The leaf will sell for about $25,000 (the barriers will be leased) in
predetermined markets that already have or are building charging stations.
These markets include Portland, Oregon, San Diego, California, Seattle,
Washington, Phoenix/Tucson, Arizona, and parts of Tennessee near
Nissan’s manufacturing headquarters. At first, about 30,000 Leafs will
be built in Oppama, Japan, and by 2012, about 150,000 additional cars
will be built in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Will this all electric vehicle be a success or will it possibly be a leaf that
withers? Well, much depends on how Nissan markets the car and how much
the company gets the word out. One other small factor could also influence
the car’s success and that is the price of gasoline.

Details of the Leaf include (Source: Motor Trend Magazine):

Vehicle layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-Passenger, 4-Door hatchback

Motor: 107 hp, 207 lb.-ft. torque, AC electric

Transmission: One speed automatic

Curb weight: 3400 lbs.

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length, width, height: 175.0 inches, 69.7 inches, 61.0 inches

0-60 mph: 10 seconds

EPA City/Highway fuel economy: 350 mpg

Co2 Emissions: 0

Look for the Nissan Leaf to make a quiet driving impression. See
this all electric vehicle in the Slideshow below!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.