Nissan Announced 100-Mile Range LEAF Electric Car

August 2, 2009 - 10:23 pm | 22 views

Technology.am (Aug 2, 2009) — Nissan unveiled a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. This is the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world.

nissan-leaf Nissan calls it the Leaf (Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car).

The LEAF EV uses an advanced lithium-ion battery pack (48 modules, 90kW) and has electric motors which deliver 80kW (107 HP). The combo allows the LEAF to have a driving range of 100 miles and a top speed of 87 mph.

The LEAF is a fully electric vehicle and doesn’t have an “extended range” gasoline engine/generator like the Volt. The company will initially market the vehicle in U.S cities which have taken the initiative to provide charging station for EVs including Phoenix, San Diego, Raleigh, and Seattle.

The LEAF has a quick charging mode offering a full recharge in under 30 minutes, but which requires a very high power three-phase circuit.

The company describes three charging scenarios. In the home charging cenario, the car owner can make trips up to 50 miles distance from their home. In the destination charging scenario, the car owner can charge making their total daily range closer to 200 miles. In the pathway charging scenario, the car owner plugs in at charging stations they find as they drive around.

The LEAF EV also includes a navigation system which shows whether the desired destination is within the current range of the battery pack. The navigation system will also know the location of charging stations and can direct the driver to one as required. Further the navigation system may be able to determine the greenest route to take.

Nissan expects to market the LEAF in the U.S., Europe, and Japan next year. Pricing has not been announced till date.2

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