As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts.....a number of companies are developing hybrids, plus-in hybrids, and electric cars. Today's post is on the 2010 Nissan Leaf which is scheduled to delivered to dealers in the fall of 2010. It is an electric car that is scheduled to be sold in the United States, Europe and Japan.
The Leaf uses a front mounted electric motor driving the front wheels....with 80 kws of power and 280 nm of torque. It is powered by a 23 kwh lithium ion battery. Nissan estimates that the crusing range if 100 miles before the batteries will need to be recharged.
The Leaf has no engine to recharge the batteries so after 100 miles the Leaf will need to stop at a recharging station. The somewhat similar Chevrolet Volt will travel 40 miles on battery only before the gasoline motor turns on to recharge the battery....but it has an estimated range of 300 miles before it will need to be refueled.
The Leaf has a top speed of approximately 90mph (145 kmh). A special quick charger option can recharge in battery up to 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes.
Pricing has not been announced but it is anticipated that the Leaf will sell for approximately $30,000 USD plus options. Nissan will probably receive U.S. government approval for the $7500 income tax credit.
The Leaf has an interesting feature that will allow the owner to remotely turn on the air conditioning or heating.
It appears that electric revolution in automobiles has started....the first salvos are being fired.
Hi Pete ... it certainly seems electric rules the waves, or car journeys and batteries.
ReplyDeleteAn article on the batteries would be interesting .. as I know nothing about the variants of car batteries .. but did hear of one battery maker here in the UK who's on a high ...
The Leaf looks like a good town car .. run about particulary in our suburban towns - school runs etc
I wouldn't like to wait 30 mins for a charge up though!
thanks for the information ..
all the best Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that electric cars will be one of the major leaps in automobile technology.
Your correct about the Leaf....it is a vehicle for most commutes but cannot be driven for long distances. The recharging network has to be built.
Currently, if someone does not have easy access to an electrical connection....this vehicle will not work for them.
Thanks for your suggestion on batteries! The development of new battery technologies has allowed automobile manufacturers to build electric and hybrid vehicles.
Peter Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI don,t like it! Over priced, and not very impressive. I would rather ride around on a tractor!! Please do not order me one.
Thanks,
Dr. Bob Feel Good
Hello Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteThe electric cars will be expensive when they first roll out due to the cost of the development and batteries.
I would suspect as production ramps up and they achieve quantity of scale that the prices will drop.
I am not a fan of the Leaf but I brought it up to show that another electric cars is on the horizon.
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great little car for younger people. I can't see myself in the Leaf. But than again, nothing is made for everybody.
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
IMperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Giovanna,
ReplyDeleteThis would be a good car for a younger person! So many of the college age buyers are into green vehicles. Also, the price point of the car is in the younger buyers price range.
You never know....BMW maybe coming out with an electric vehicle also!
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
The 2010 Nissan Leaf may be sold at a higher price, but I believe that the prices will drop next year. Besides, I am sure people will start buying the said model once they realized its positive effect on the environment. They may also buy used cars Redding dealers usually sell. Additionally, I am from Redding and a huge fan of Redding Nissan car deals. Definitely, I will reserve for 2010 Nissan Leaf here in Nissan Redding, California area.
ReplyDelete