| 23 December 2009
ZERO EMISSION
The new Nissan LEAF is a fully electric five door hatchback that boasts zero fuel emissions. The LEAF symbolizes Nissan’s direction towards environmental-minded vehicles to do their part in reducing our carbon footprint since the car maker has been focusing more on performance cars lately. The fully electric car runs on a 24kW•h/90 kW lithium ion battery pack and has an estimated cruising range of 160kmand engine as the EV-11 prototype. With a top speed of 140 kmph, reasonable interior seating space for five passengers and decent boot space, car is not only great for city driving and long trips.
Battery packs tucked away under the LEAF’s floor allowed for the car manufacturer to make the most of the interior of the car. The car has charging sockets on its front end for convenience. The battery pack is made of air-cooled stacked modules and can be charged up to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes with a special quick charger that sends 440/480 volt direct current to the battery. Alternatively, it can be charged from a conventional 110 or 220 volt alternating current outlet. Nissan also stated that its LED headlights and rear lamps use only ½-half the energy of conventional auto lighting.
The Nissan LEAF has a futuristic instrument panel and is integrated with an advanced IT system which is linked to a global data centre. It provides around the clock support, information and entertainment for drivers and passengers alike. A sleek display screen mounted on the dashboard displays the car’s remaining power as well as a list of nearby charging stations. Users can manage some of the car’s controls with their mobile phones for functions like turning on air-conditioning, heater, and charging functions even while the vehicle is powered down. User’s mobile phones can be used to turn on air-conditioning, the heater and re-set charging functions even when the vehicle is powered down. A pre-programmable on-board remote-controlled timer enables users to recharge batteries according o their needs.
Noise control is extreme with this car. There is close to zero wind noise in the cabin and a rear wing above the hatch that not only cut interior noise, but feature solar cells that help recharge the car. In fact, the car possibly makes too little noise which might make it hazardous for pedestrians who cannot hear the LEAF coming their way.
Though there is no comparable car sold anywhere in the world to be priced competitively with, the $27,000 price tag is quite reasonable for a car like this.
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