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Nissan Leaf

City Driving: Does It Make Sense To Buy A Nissan Leaf?

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If you commute to work and back each day, there’s one car you will no doubt come across on your travels. The Nissan Leaf is Japan’s flagship electric vehicle. It’s a compact hatchback that looks like a “regular” car and doesn’t sport any unusual styling.

It’s also one of the best-selling electric vehicles of 2015 – a trend that’s set to continue. But, if you’re trying to cut down on your commuting costs, should you consider a Nissan Leaf? The answer is “it depends.”

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Here are some reasons why it may make sense to trade your gas guzzler in for a green Nissan Leaf:

It boasts zero emissions

Carbon emissions may not be at the forefront of your mind, but they should be! Even if you’re not an environmentalist, there’s one train of thought to consider. Vehicles that aren’t good for the environment will get taxed a lot more in the future.

That means the car you drive today could cost you a fortune to keep on the road in the future! Electric vehicles offer zero emissions. As such, many governments encourage people to buy such cars by charging low tax or even none at all!

Financial reasons aside, the Nissan Leaf is a green vehicle. It won’t emit any nasty carbons into the atmosphere, especially when it’s idle. If you abhor petrol and diesel fumes, you’ll love the Nissan Leaf!

It’s perfect for city driving

Electric cars are usually suited to those that do a lot of local, daily driving. So, if you commute to work on the other side of town, the Nissan Leaf is the car is for you.

First of all, it offers plenty of range from a single charge. Of course, if range anxiety worries you, there are some things you can do to increase your range. For instance, only fit good tyres to the car such as the Bridgestone Potenza ones. And you can adjust your driving style for economy rather than speed.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Nissan Leaf does around 84 miles to a single battery charge. So, let’s say your place of work is five miles away from home, and you do around 20 miles of driving on the weekend. You’d only do 70 miles of driving a week, and you only need to charge your battery once a week!

It’s compact size makes it easy to park

In a busy town or city, it’s often hard to find a suitable parking space when you’re out and about. The good news is that parking is no longer stressful when you drive the Nissan Leaf.

It’s a compact hatchback and can fit into even the tightest of spaces! Plus, there’s plenty of technology to lend a helping hand. For example, the car comes with an “Around View Monitor” that gives you a 360-degree view around you. That’s thanks to the cluster of cameras that give a bird’s eye view of your surroundings.
In a nutshell, the Nissan Leaf is your perfect partner for city driving. It might not be the world’s most luxurious car. But, it’s a car aimed at those that want to lead a greener and more frugal lifestyle.

Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi iMiev, Model S, Nissan Leaf

Electric Vehicles Available Now

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Since 2008, we have been covering the electric vehicle market, and things have certainly changed since then.  Back in the day, an electric vehicle startup, Tesla Motors, perked international interest with the Tesla Roadster.  Then dozens of concepts, specialized automakers, and eletrofitters rolled in. I remember when it was only the little guys like ZAP, Think, Tesla, Zenn, etc. We’ve seen exotic supercars and concepts like the Eliica, Aptera, and Lightning GT, and low speed, neighborhood electric vehicles like the BG-100 and REVA. Some came to fruition, some did not.  This international attention  garnered the interested of the major automakers like Ford, GM, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.  These majors not only created concepts, but have begun delivering electric vehicles in mass.  Here are a few fully charged, highway capable 2012 models for the masses that you can order for delivery right now. In the US, these all qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The 2012 Ford Focus EV is one of my favorites because, from the outside, you can’t even tell that it is an EV. The Ford Focus EV is built on the same glider as the third generation ICE model. The EPA rated its range at 76 miles per charge and a fuel economy of 105 MPG equivalent. Production began in December 2011, in Wayne, Michigan.

I had a chance to drive the first model of the  Mitsubishi i-MiEV at the 2010 New York Auto Show. I preferred it too the Mini-E, because it had more natural coasting and braking, and the battery was tucked under the carriage instead of being jammed in the back hatch area. On the Japanese test cycle, the vehicle has a 100 mile charge, but the EPA, the harsh critics they are, rated it at merely 62 miles. Over 20,000 of these little buggies have been sold worldwide. Prices vary widely regionally and so do tax incentives. In the Japanese market, the i-Miev is only $23,000 after subsidies, in Europe and the US it’s about $30,000, and $50,000 in Australia.

I have already spotted a few 2012 Nissan Leafs  in the wild already.  Although, I don’t know why so many people choose the seemingly trademark, “blue ocean” color.  The EPA rated this hatchback at 73 miles-per-charge. After tax incentives in the US, the price is solidly below $30k at $27,000.  Nissan is claiming an increase in range and a pretty significant decrease in price in the next model year.

We are all still wrapping our heads around a company from Palo Alto, California won the Motor Trend Car of the Year with the 2012 Tesla Model S. Not Detroit, Japan, or Germany, but essentially a company founded by a guy who made his first millions from PayPal. The award really means something though: that technology, innovation, and thinking outside the box in the automotive world can really evolve the industry in ways not possible through traditional thinking. Motor Trend states the $50,000 supercar (after US tax credits) “smoothly effortless as a Rolls-Royce, can carry almost as much stuff as a Chevy Equinox, and is more efficient than a Toyota Prius.” This simply was not possible before.

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.

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.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf is Something to Get Excited About

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Nissan Leaf
Simple, stylish and on your show room floors this year, the Nissan leaf is something to watch for in the near future.  In the midst of painstaking delays, vaporware, and just face palming prototypes,  the Nissan Leaf is a breath of fresh air.  Their platform is simple, 100 miles per charge, good electric acceleration, and actually going into production at an affordable price ($25K-$35K).  The Nissan Leaf will be available to US buyers in Fall 2010.  More companies should be this forthright.

Perhaps their gall partially comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that granted the EV Project nearly 100 million dollars to deploy the Nissan Leaf and 11,210 fast charging stations in the US.  Here are the details on the specific Nissan Leaf hot spots from the EV Project site:

In the summer of 2010, charging infrastructure will be deployed in the following major population areas: Phoenix (AZ), Tucson (AZ), San Diego (CA), Portland (OR), Eugene (OR), Corvallis (OR), Seattle (WA), Nashville (TN), Knoxville (TN) and Chattanooga (TN). The Nissan LEAF will be available in those same areas in the fall of 2010 to consumers and fleets.

In February 2010, Nissan announced that 50,000 people in the US had already registered to have first priority.  Time magazine even called the Nissan Leaf one of the 50 best inventions of 2009.  America is ready for a change in transportation.

This is all very similar to the EV-1 project of nearly 15 years ago.  Except with our domestic brands struggling and failing to get the hint that they need to innovate, a Japanese car manufacturer is partnering with our most advanced infrastructure projects.  I for one welcome our new Japanese automotive overlords.