Fuel efficiency and “being green” is all the rage these days when it comes to trends in the automotive world. Carmakers have been paying attention and running full speed with this new way of thinking. The hybrid vehicle has been around for a while now and has definitely made its impact on consumers. There is a new kid in town that will give the hybrid a run for its money - the electric car.
Nissan introduced their first all-electric vehicle amidst heavy anticipation on August 2nd. Nissan says that the LEAF is an electric car for real people - it is affordable and environmentally friendly. One thing right off the bat that the LEAF seems to have over its hybrid competitors is that space was not compromised during production. It is a roomy, 5 passenger hatchback that seems to actually comfortably fit that many people.
Now, what about the “green” specifications of this new electric car? The battery is a lithium-ion battery that is charged from a charging station - kind of like a big cell phone charger. This type of battery provides a similar driving experience to a typical gasoline-powered engine. The LEAF also has zero emissions and a range of 100 miles on a single charge. Just as the name suggests, cars like this can help purify the exhaust-filled air we all breathe every day.
Consumers can get these 200v charging stations installed by a professional electrician at their homes. To gain a full charge, the car needs to be plugged in for 7-8 hours which is plenty of time for an overnight refresher. The car can also be brought up to 80% power on a “quick charge” in about 30 minutes. One downside is the production cost for these batteries. Right now, they cost about $10,000 to produce which could hurt the wallet a bit. Nissan is hoping to lower the cost as production increases in efficiency. In the immediate future though, Nissan is relying on government-backed programs to help ease some of their cost and enable them to keep the actual cost of the LEAF affordable.
Another great feature the LEAF comes equipped with is a system called the Connected Mobility IT System. This system really allows the car to be interactive for both driver and passenger. Through this system, the car will be connected to a global data center that can stream information and entertainment 24 hours a day. The LEAF features a dashboard monitor that not only lets the driver know how much power they have but also how to find the nearest charging station. Visit Nissan's website for more information on this innovative and long-awaited new technology.
As the launch (slated for sometime in late 2010) approaches, more specifications will be released along with detailed information on the cost of the vehicle. It seems however, that Nissan is truly committed to releasing this car as an affordable option for every family and to lead the way into an emissions-free future on our roads.
