Nissan Leaf

Fact Sheet: Nissan Leaf

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The electric car world is buzzing about the affordable Nissan Leaf, set to go on sale later this year.  Here is a quick rundown of all of the facts you would ever need from Nissan, from dimensions, to charging time, to production plants.

NISSAN Zero-Emission Info

Business
LEAF start of sales: FY2010 in US, Japan and Europe
Mass market globally in 2012
Global Partnerships: 30+
N. American Partnerships State of Oregon, with Portland General Electric
State of Tennessee, with Tennessee Valley Authority & Oak Ridge National Labs
City of Seattle, Wash.
Sonoma County, Calif.
San Diego, Calif.
Tucson, Ariz.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Raleigh, N.C./Progress Energy
Washington, D.C.
Reliant Energy
Vancouver, Canada
Mexico City

EV line-up post-LEAF e-LCV, based on NV200 commercial vehicle
Infiniti premium vehicle, a compact, luxury, high-performance 4-seater
4th entry – new concept

Manufacturing
Production Plants: Japan Vehicle: Oppama, starting in fall 2010, production of 50,000 units/yr
Batteries: AESC (Zama) production, capacity of 65,00 units/yr by 2011
Motor: Yokohama
Inverter: Zama

Production Plants: Other Vehicle, Battery: Smyrna, TN, starting in late 2012 (vehicle cap. – 150,000; battery cap. – 200,000)
Battery: Sunderland, U.K., and Portugal

Nissan LEAF Spec Sheet

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 90mph)

Motor
Type: AC motor
Max power (kW): 80kW
Max torque (Nm): 280Nm

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

Recycled materials: LEAF utilizes materials extracted from a wide range of products including plastic bottles and home appliances. The use of these recycled plastic materials makes Nissan LEAF a world-class leader in the use of recycled plastics.

Amp, MINI E, Mitsubishi iMiev, Th!nk

NY Auto Show: Notes from the EV Press Conference

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I had the pleasure of attending the EV Press Conference on the second press day of the 2010 New York Auto Show.  The event was right after Mitsubishi’s press conference, filled with loud indie rock, light shows, and the big reveal of their new crossover.  The EV press event was much more low key, and really a sequence of rapid fire, five minute speeches from five EV companies.  Amp Electric Vehicles, Mini, Mitsubishi, Think, and PEP Stations all gave a quick rundown of their vehicles, goals, and innovations.

First up was Steve Burns, CEO of Amp Electric Vehicles.  Amp does high quality conversions of domestic ICE vehicles to 100% electric drive.  The Midwestern team is currently converting the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox as well as 2007-2009 Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice convertibles.  They brought a converted Sky and Equinox, which were definitely the sexiest looking electric cars driving around at the show.

Amp Sky in front of the Amp Equinox
Amp Sky in front of the Amp Equinox

Anyways, Steve Burns focused on the Equinox, a SUV that truly shows that electric vehicles are just as capable as their internal combustion predecessors. The Amp Equinox crossover has a 150 mile range, 90 mile per hour top speed, and a 0-60 mph acceleration of 8 seconds. Burns attributed this exceptional performance to the Remy electric motor. Remy has made over a billion motors of all sorts around the world, and they are bringing their legacy to the electric drivetrain. It is exciting to see established internal combustion companies adapt and apply their expertise to electric drive applications. The Amp presenters suspiciously omitted the price of their Equinox, so I’ll include it here: $50,000, more than twice the price of a 2010 Chevy Equinox.

Next up, a BMW spokesman gave a short presentation for the Mini E.  He briefed us on the specs for the highway capable EV with a 100 mile range, and “go kart-like handling.”  The Mini E is already being leased to select drivers, and he announced they have extended the lease for another year, with over 50% of the leasers renewing.  More interestingly, he noted BMW’s Project i.  Which will catalyze more applications of electric drive trains in BMW vehicles, like the 1 Series coupe.  They already revealed the BMW ActiveE concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.  The ActiveE will pack a 170 horsepower electric motor in a 1 Series, to give it similar specs to the Mini E, but lets hope they give us some trunk space.

Product Planning Manager, Brian Arnett gave us the rundown on their plans for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.  Sounds like they are pretty far along already in the east, with 1,400 cars sold to Japanese fleets.  The 80 mile range highway capable EV will retail in Japan this month.  Mitsubishi hopes to introduce the the i-MiEV to the US in Fall 2011.  They are already creating partnerships with companies in the US, like Best Buy (Geek Squad cars), and California Electric (for EV infrastructure).

John Harmon represented Think North America next.  The company plans to begin manufacturing the THINK City in Elkhart, Ind. beginning in early 2011.  The Think City will have a range of 100 miles, and a top speed of 70 mph.  The two seater also has a large cargo area in its recently redesigned rear.

Finally, Brady Blaine, Vice President of Pep Stations, elaborated on their goal to supply America with an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.  This is obviously easier said than done, but the premise is simple.  PEP (Plug-in Electric Power) has designed a simple charging station they hope to sell to malls, rest centers, gyms, and everywhere else people park their cars.  Patrons can park their electric cars, charge up in 1 to 5 hours, and drive away with a full battery.

In summary, the EV press conference characterized how the electric vehicle industry is slowly making its way to the mainstream.  Cars like the i-MiEV, Think City, and Nissan Leaf are practically designed, have ample cargo space, and have more than enough range for 90% of Americans.  These cars will be on our roads, in our showrooms, and charging in our garages within the next year.  The concept cars of two years ago are finally becoming a reality, and I was thankful to see and drive them at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

MINI E, Mitsubishi iMiev

i-MiEV vs. Mini E at the New York Auto Show

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Usually, at auto shows you will find abstract concepts of electric cars that are so far fetched, nobody takes them seriously.  This year at the New York Auto Show, companies like Mitsubishi, Mini, Think, and Amp Motorworks are changing the regular programming by providing press and public test drives of highway capable electric vehicles.  In the 2010 auto show, electric cars like the Mini E and the i-MiEV are already on the road, leased to select test markets and certain fleet and government patrons.

The electric vehicle test drive track is in the EV Pavilion at the back of the bottom floor, but it will surely be a crowd pleaser when the auto show opens up to the public April 2-11.  When I arrived, only 2 electric vehicles, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Mini E, were circling the winding track.  I had to “sign my life away” on some contract that relieved them of any responsibility for any bodily harm I might inflict on myself while I played Dukes of Hazard with the EVs. They also made me swear not to go take it over 15 mph.  It was an indoor go kart track, after all.  Then I was ready to drive some electric powered machines.

Mini E

Ready for Action
Ready for Action

First up was the Mini E.  This mighty mouse has a good amount of power, 200 HP, and that is with a 100% torque electric motor, so it really picks up.  With an electronically regulated top speed of 95 mph, and a 150 mile range (told 100 by the spokeswoman, oddly, perhaps realistically), this car can get you anywhere you need to go, fast.

Here is what I didn’t like.  I sat in the driver’s seat, looked back, and saw this:

This is about neck high, right behind the drivers seat.  It is the battery pack.  Not only is this a two-seater, but it is a two-seater with the storage space of a Vespa.  I contemplated the Mini E’s practicality watching press groups load up the 5-passenger i MiEV.

Moment of truth.

I took the car out of park, following the instructions of the Mini spokeswoman in the passenger seat.  No lurch.  The car does not lurch forward in drive like your typical ICE vehicle.  Once you get moving, drives much like a car in first gear all the time, meaning it is very torque-ee.  You accelerate, let off the gas (electricity) and you rapidly decelerate because of the strong regenerative braking.  I had heard about this being an issue with the Mini E, so it was pretty much what I expected.  It makes me wonder if the big sacrifice in momentum is worth the electricity regained.

Anyway the car accelerated great on the miniature straightaway.  I would love to see what the Mini E could do on an interstate on-ramp instead of an indoor track.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Honestly, I am still uncomfortable pronouncing this one aloud (i Meeve or i Me-ehv).

But I am picking this one as the winner in this EV battle.  Here’s why:

Back Seats
Back Seats

Yes, this is a fully equipped, four door family EV.  The cabin was so spacious, I could not believe they fit a lithium ion battery in there, which is hidden flat under the car.

This will not compete with the Mini E on the track though.  It will get you 0-60 in 13 seconds, has a top speed of 80 mph, and has a 100 mile range.  But I could not even fit my backpack into the Mini E with another person in the car.  I could get married, have a couple kids, and take them all to soccer practice in the i-MiEV.  The i-MiEV makes such good use of the space it has, and is just smartly designed for what it is, a family commuter vehicle.

Not only is the i MiEV more spacious, but it rides more comfortably too.  The car creeps forward in drive like a traditional vehicle, and the regenerative braking is much more natural.  The car kind of coasts when you lift off of the accelerator.  The interior space and user friendly drive make the i-MiEV the winner in this EV showdown.

Anyone who happens to be in the area of New York City the next few days should definitely come to the Javits Center to get a first hand experience in these fascinating new electric vehicles that are becoming more and more real every day.  I’ll leave you with a rough video I took of some of the action on the track later in the day:

Amp, MINI E, Mitsubishi iMiev

On Electric Cars is at the 2010 New York Auto Show

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Stay tuned for upcoming articles detailing electric car test drives and press conferences from the 2010 New York Auto Show.

I just test drove the Mini E and the Mitsubishi iMiev, and I can honestly say I was impressed with both, but one was the clear favorite. A thorough review will be coming soon.

I will also write a full review of my test drive of the new Amp Motorworks Electric Equinox. A 100% electric SUV.

Thanks for reading!

Nissan Leaf

More Pricing Details on Nissan Leaf

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Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf, set to be released in select US markets by the end of this year, will be priced at around $25,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.  This will be about $7,500 less than the Chevy Volt after tax credits, which will be released about a month beforehand.  In the upcoming weeks, people will be able to make refundable $100 dollar deposits on the Leaf.  So far there has been an overwhelming interest in this compact four door hatchback with a 100 mile electric range.  Nationwide availability will begin in 2011.  Nissan sounds pretty serious about an electric future, and we think they are right.  Here is their full press release:

NISSAN PRESS RELEASE

NISSAN DELIVERS AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR PURCHASE, LEASE OF ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF

As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax credit)

Lease world’s first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 30, 2010) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF – such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan LEAF.

“Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is in a class by itself.”

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it into a personal charging dock.

• Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers.
• Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable.
• Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.
• Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation. Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes a home assessment.

• The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be $2,200.
• Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000.
Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost less than $3 to “fill up.”
• Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.NissanUsa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Joule

Electric Joule has Vision

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Joule Electric Car
Optimal Energy is a South African firm with a goal that is widely adopted by new-coming EV manufacturers: reduce our carbon footprint with 0 emission vehicles while creating thousands of new jobs.  This pretty much sums up their message in the “Don’t Be a Passenger” campaign.  Here is a nifty, albeit, drawn out 4 minute video on their humanitarian mission:

Kind of reminds me of that Crystal Pepsi commercial from the early 90’s.

Anyways, as much as I love saving polar bears and hugging trees, I’m more concerned about when the rubber meets the pavement. South Africa’s Joule was first revealed at the Paris Auto Show of 2008 and scheduled to launch in 2010 (aka, now). Instead, we have slightly redesigned model, a spiffy youtube video, and a new release date in mid 2013. Will the Joule still harbor the same novelty as it did five years before? Hopefully, if all goes well for Nissan (Nissan Leaf), Mitsubishi (iMiev), GM (Volt), and a slew of other potential EV manufacturers, Optimal Energy’s market share will be overcrowded with more established companies by that point.

This is not to say the Joule is not a capable machine. The Joule is a highway speed electric vehicle, with a top speed of 84 mph, and a very solid 185 mile EV range. The Joule receives its power from a 36-kilowatt lithium-ion battery and the ABS-assisted all-disc braking system will be equipped with regenerative braking to help recharge the battery. However, the car’s acceleration leaves much to be desired at 0-60 mph in 15 seconds. In 2013, will these specs keep up with well know car companies vying for a piece of the EV market pie? The price tag is set at a tentative $33,000 before tax incentives. The Joule will have to rely on its Jaguar inspired looks and hefty electric range to compete at that level in 2013.