The Nissan Leaf 100% electric car produces no greenhouse gas emissions and uses no petroleum based fuels, unlike the Chevy Volt and other hybrid vehicles. The Leaf is not a hybrid but a true 100% electric car.
The Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award and the 2011 European Car of the Year award. An estimated 25,000 of the electric cars are set for 2011 production. Customers can place orders online, reserving their Leaf for future delivery.
The Nissan Leaf is estimated to get between 62 and 132 miles per charge with an average estimate of 99 miles per charge depending on driving conditions. Driving conditions most likely to affect actual mileage are outside temperature, hills and inclines, and starts and stops.
The Leaf has 48 lithium-Ion battery modules with 4 cells per module. The battery is located under the floorboard of the vehicle, enhancing the car's center of gravity. The 24kw lithium-ion battery pack produces 107-horsepower and top speeds just under 90 mph.
Choose the Leaf SV Standard or SL with Options
The Leaf is available in two models, the SV and the SL. With a starting price of around $33,000 the estimated cost of the either vehicle after current tax savings and rebates is under $28,000.
The Leaf seats 5 adults and has adjustable front and back seats, and to make the vehicle even "greener" also includes seat covers made of partially recycled fabric. Besides driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, the Leaf also includes as standard safety equipment, roof-mounted side-impact air bags for front and rear-seat occupant head protection.
This alternative fuel vehicle is one of the safest cars on the road.
Standard features on the basic 'SV' model, include 4-wheel power-assisted front and rear disk brakes, a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, and independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar. The exterior of the vehicle includes energy saving LED headlights, UV-protective front windshield glass, a rear spoiler, and 16” aluminum-allow wheels.
Standard bells and whistles on the Leaf also include key-less and Push Button Starter, a built-in Bluetooth hands-free phone system, CD/MP3/WMA/Satellite Radio Ready audio, six speakers and a USB connection for iPod and other USB powered devices.
The dash also features a 7-inch screen navigation system, and engine readout color display giving you not only maps at your fingertips, but engine, battery and system readouts.
In addition to the standard advanced navigation system, the vehicle's internet /smart phone connectivity allows the vehicle to be remotely preheated or cooled. Imagine getting into a pre-warmed vehicle without having to let a gasoline engine run while the car heats up!
The Leaf also comes with a standard three-year roadside assistance plan. Automatic on/off headlight control however is only available on the SL model as an option.
The Nissan Leaf Harnesses the Internet with Home Connectivity
Options on the SL include the HomeLink® universal transceiver. The HomeLink Universal Transceiver built into your vehicle can be programmed to operate up to three remotely controlled devices around your home, such as garage door openers, light, or home security systems.
Another interesting and energy efficient option on the SL is photovoltaic solar panel rear spoiler. The Nissan Leaf solar panel spoiler converts sunlight into power to charge essentials without draining the battery. The spoiler does not charge the vehicle's main batteries, but can be used to trickle charge an accessory battery.
The Nissan Leaf may not be the last version of an all-electric car but it does represent bringing the idea of cars that use no petroleum fuels to average drivers. The Leaf has removed the stigma that hybrid or electric cars are only for environmentalists. The economy of the vehicle speaks for itself, and you get to save the planet while you pick up the kids at school.
Rebecca Yeaman - Rebecca has been providing instruction, training and consultation in end-user computer software applications since 1989. Her expertise in ...
