2011 Nissan Leaf
With its forthcoming Leaf EV, Nissan claims to have “the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car.” Unlike previous Earth-friendly Nissans, the Leaf is a standalone model built on a new platform with unique styling. Beneath the large Nissan badge up front hides the center-mounted charging port, which can be accessed from either side. A display shows the remaining distance based on battery charge and also points out nearby charging stations. The Leaf carries what Nissan calls an “advanced IT system,” which it says will supply support, information, and entertainment services. Nissan says the Leaf will be priced like “a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.”
How far can the Leaf drive on a full charge? Reviews say under ideal conditions, without using the heater or air conditioning, 100 miles may be possible if the Leaf is driven conservatively. A recent report by Jalopnik.com documents the problems some Leaf drivers are reportedly experiencing with regard to range calculations that plummet unexpectedly, leaving them stranded. Recharging time is another drawback that makes living with the Leaf different from a conventional car. In an Autoblog.com review, John McElroy writes, "If you can only recharge from a 110-volt outlet, the Leaf is not for you" if you have only one car. Other standard features in the Nissan Leaf electric car include Bluetooth, an iPod interface, satellite radio, Carwings telematics system and 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as the power accessories most drivers expect, such as power windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control and more. The navigation system in the Leaf also illustrates the car's remaining operating range visually on a map, and contains public charging points in its database.
Leaf drives like an ordinary car
Behind the wheel, reviewers say the Nissan Leaf drives remarkably normally, almost like a conventional car. In a 0 to 60 mph track test, Road & Track clocked the Leaf at 9.4 seconds while Edmunds.com recorded 9.9 seconds.
Forget about answering the question "Who killed the electric car?" That's because Nissan is bringing the electric car back from the dead. The Leaf stores its power in a lithium-ion battery pack, making it one of the first vehicles to use this advanced battery technology. Fully charged, the Leaf is estimated to have an effective range of about 100 miles.
For all that, the 2011 Nissan Leaf promises to be a very useful vehicle. An electric car is definitely not for everyone. The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric four-door hatchback available in SV and SL trim levels.
The Leaf SL adds a spoiler-mounted solar panel, automatic headlamps, foglamps, a rearview camera and a cargo cover.
Additionally, every Leaf comes standard with Nissan Connection, a remote vehicle access system that reports battery recharging data and can activate the climate control via a cell phone. The 2011 Nissan Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt synchronous electric motor fed by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan estimates a range of 100 miles, but this depends on driving style, traffic conditions, cruising speed and battery age. The EPA has given the Leaf an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPG-e) of 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway and 99 mpg combined and an estimated driving range of 73 miles.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Because the Leaf's battery pack resides under the floor beneath the seats, the rear seat is quite comfortable for adults. The center control panel features a touchscreen, which controls the standard navigation system as well as special features like cruising range.
Driving Impressions
As an electric car, the Leaf benefits from an abundance of torque available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal.
