LEAF – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Nissan LEAF Celebrates its Fifth Birthday With Exclusive Spotify Playlist

2016 Nissan LEAF Spotify Playlist Nissan launches special Spotify playlist exclusive for all LEAF fans out there in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the world’s first all-electric Nissan LEAF. All Spotify users now can search for the “100% Nissan LEAF 5th Birthday” playlist and enjoy the special 10 fan-suggested songs that can be streamed on all Nissan vehicles.

As you remember, the first all-electric Nissan LEAF vehicle was unveiled back in December 11, 2010 at the San Francisco Motor Show and since this glorious moment, Nissan has kept its positions as a world leader in electric vehicles with its almost 200,000 all-electric LEAF units sold worldwide.

And with the recently introduced 2016 LEAF, Nissan aims for even higher aims: the vehicle offers best-in-class range of 192 km (107 miles), ensured by the 30kWh battery. In fact, the LEAF S models will still be geared with the 24kWh batteries that provide about 151 kilometers (84 miles) of driving range.

All LEAF models are geared with a 80kW AC synchronous unit that generates 107 hp (82kW) and 187 lb-ft of torque. The vehicles provide high response, fun-to-drive experience and of course, there are no emissions of CO2.

It is good to hear that leading automobile brands are trying their best in order to deliver contemporary, technologically fascinating and ecologically clean vehicles. Hopefully this tendency will not only remain, but it will hit new heights.

So, how do you find the playlist?

Source: Nissan

December 12, 2015

Here Are Nissan’s Plans for More Ecological Future [VIDEO]

2016 Nissan LEAF FUEL STATION OF THE FUTURE The leader in electric vehicle manufacturies, Nissan showed the first glimpse of its ideas for the Fuel Station of the Future concept in partnership with the innovative architects Foster + Partners. In an exclusive 20-second video they demonstrate their final idea about the future. Details for this project will be available in March, next year.

As you might remember, last month Nissan demonstrated the 7kW wireless charging device that can easily recharge overnight the large battery packs. In fact, the 500 km, 60kW pack is already in development in brand’s Research and Development headquarters in Atsugi, Japan.

All these announcements were followed by the 21st UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris next week. This was the place where Nissan introduced its project for innovative Vehicle to Grid system and the advanced second-life vehicle battery that allows drivers to navigate the individual energy hubs with ability to store or return electricity to the grid.

2016 Nissan LEAF FUEL STATION OF THE FUTURE

Provided that the topic about climate change is one of the most important nowardays, and electric motor-powered vehicles are getting more and more popular, it was about time that automobile corporations provided their visions about the cleaner and more green-ish future. We all hope that Nissan is not the only brand that will introduce its ideas about clean energy and we all do hope that we will see a clear and clean future in front of us.

httpv://youtu.be/L27CYA2Tvl8

Source: Nissan

December 9, 2015

Is This The Next Generation Nissan Leaf?

Nissan Leaf Teaser ‘Together we ride to Tokyo’ is what Nissan has to say about this image. The Japanese company also revealed that this is the ‘future vision of car intelligence and electrification’ and that the car from the teaser image will be previewed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Since we know these facts, it is perfectly logical to ask whether this could be the next Nissan Leaf.

And since we have made a highlighted version of the image, which is shown below, it surely speaks in favor of our theory, doesn’t it? However, Nissan might have different plans for the future and might want to introduce a brand new model line which will be based on this concept. In other words, we should be expecting everything.

New generation Leaf or not, this vehicle will definitely be 100% electric, have a shape of a compact crossover and feature exclusive exterior styling and highly technological interior. Furthermore, if we recall facts well, back in September Nissan released a report stating that a new version of the Leaf (which is intended only for Tokyo) will use brand new batteries.

The new battery pack will offer a driving range of up to 400 km (250 miles). Compare this to the current Leaf and you’ll get how big the step forward is. Precisely, the current generation Leaf can go on a single battery charge up to 250 km (150 miles). At last, we should also say that the new battery technology will also be used in vehicles like an electrified crossover and luxurious sedan.

Nissan Leaf Highlight

Source: Nissan

October 26, 2015

Nissan LEAF Continues the Fight With the Climage Changes

Nissan LEAF electric vehicle happens to be one of the most successful in brand’s recent years. Something more, Nissan Motor Ltd. today celebrates the incredible amount of sold units in the UK: more than 10,000. Originally launched in 2011, Nissan LEAF electric vehicle showed that electricity and quality can go hand-to-hand, without any serious problems. Oh, well.. the vehicle itself looks amazingly ugly with its strangely placed headlights and the stupidly smiling low grille, that together form a retarded and un-sexy face, but we are here for the functionality, right? And the environmentally friendly ideas, incorporated in vehicles..right?

Nissan LEAF continues the fight

However, since the last year, the number of LEAF sales is increased greatly. Do you remember, when the Nissan team said they will fight the global climate change? It seems, that they not only took it seriously, but they have some incredible success. Only for the first half of 2015, Nissan sold about 2, 964 LEAF electric vehicle units only in the UK. This means three things: People get more and more aware of what is happening to the Earth’s climate; people try to do something about it and lastly, people will do something about it, even if it means to buy an ugly vehicle. This makes me a proud. Nissan LEAF electric vehicle

I am proud that the Nissan LEAF has played such a major role in changing perceptions of EV ownership and I am even prouder that the UK is now the number one market for LEAF sales in Europe.

And to expand even further the LEAF lineup, Nissan recently released Acenta+ model, which offers even wider list of goodies for its owners. There are numerous standard and additional features, as long with new trims. And as you know, Nissan is one of the most trustworthy vehicle manufacturer with more than 17,600 staff operations and about 675,000 units sold across UK, Spain and Russia. These numbers include compact vehicles, crossovers, SUVs, and of course electric vehicles like the LEAF, which is world’s most popular electric vehicle.

Source: Nissan

July 6, 2015

Nissan LEAF Range Expands to Fight Global Climate Change

Nissan Leaf Range - Acenta+ Trim Front View Nissan LEAF range has expanded to four trim grades due to the addition of the new Acenta+ trim level. It will accompany the Tekna, Acenta and Visia models, adding some special standard features. As a matter of fact, this introduction is not something unexpected since the electric LEAF has achieved such great success. Maybe many of us are skeptic about EVs, but after all the automotive industry envision expansion in the electric segment next to the downsizing of he engines. And this is all for the sake of ecology.

Acenta+ grade has been currently released on the marked and can be ordered from today. In terms of additional features it adds, it is positioned in the Nissan LEAF range between the Acenta and best Tekna model.

Faster Charging & Better Driving Range

To go into details, the LEAF Acenta+ is differentiated by a 6.6kW on-board charger which now comes as standard as well as Mode-3 32amp (EVSE) cable. These features were previously only optionally available and now they will help owners charge their EV to the maximum in just four hours.

What is more, the little LEAF is capable of covering the impressive 124 miles with a single charge. Another benefit is that this won’t cost you very much and that you will contribute eco-friendly driving with zero-emissions.

Visually Improved

Furthermore, Acenta+ benefits from some small, but striking visual enhancement like the new 17-inch Autech alloys. They feature distinctive blue highlights on the offset spokes, thus making the Nissan LEAF range even better looking. This new model not only delivers exceptional economy, but also exemplifies Nissan’s progressive technology that preserves the eco system.

Nissan is the undisputed leader in the EV market.

As a matter of fact, we should all stand behind the production of more vehicles like those offered in Nissan LEAF range or in Tesla’s line-up. Changes in the climate are happening worldwide and with fast pace, and we should think on this fact very thoroughly. Because the change depends on every one of us and when it comes to cars what we can do is buying more hybrids and electric cars, instead of polluting performance “beasts”.

LEAF range is courageously making steps towards this and the proof is that since introduction there have been more than 175,000 LEAFs sold around the world. Nissan has also recently entered a second pure EV, the e-NV200, which comes in service to the commercial vehicle sector, and thus additionally expanding Japanese company’s market lead.

Source: Nissan

July 1, 2015

Nissan Invents LEAF EV that Glows in the Dark [VIDEO]

Nissan has just released a very interesting video showing the first car to have to glow-in-the-dark paint scheme. By doing this, the company writes history, being the first manufacturer to partner with similarly innovative inventor, Hamish Scott, to create paint that uses UV energy absorbed during daylight to glow at night. And of course the model to apply this new “color”-approach is the all-electric LEAF.

Hamish Scott is creator of STARPATH. This is a spray-applied coating that absorbs UV energy during the day. When the night falls, the absorbed energy glows for between eight and 10 hours.

The Japanese company not only offers glowing car paint, but also glow-in-the-dark car wraps, both made up of entirely organic materials. Precisely, the Scott used very rare natural earth product called Strontium Aluminate. It is solid, odorless and chemically and biologically inert.

Another very interesting fact about this paint is that if it is made commercially available, it would last for 25 years. Nissan LEAF owners have reported significant savings and are using the saved money for example for solar panels for their homes. This in turn decreases the household carbon footprint and means owners are also effectively charging their vehicle for free.

According to a recent research, 89% of LEAF owners charge their cars at home overnight. And here is the deal: solar panels do not store energy or provide it outside of daylight, but any leftover power which is generated during the day is fed back into the national grid. Homeowners then can get a Government payment for it, which simply means that the overnight charge is already paid for.

One of these lucky LEAF owners is Ian Finch. He has combined the savings offered by running an all-electric vehicle with solar panels to power his home. Here is a fascinating interview with him on LEAF charging using solar energy:

httpv://youtu.be/xM9XRn1amqQ

httpv://youtu.be/nKj2sEpg1xg

Source: Nissan

February 12, 2015

Nissan LEAF Owners to Charge Vehicle for Free in Chicago

You may think that electric cars are too expensive while offering a limited driving range but they do come with numerous benefits – quiet operation, excellent acceleration, no harmful emissions and in some places even tax benefits. Now there’s one more reason to buy an electric vehicle, at least when it comes to Nissan – owners of Nissan LEAF cars will be allowed to charge their vehicles for free in Chicago, IL.

The news comes from Nissan itself. Here’s the deal – by purchasing or leasing a new Nissan LEAF car you get the right to charge the vehicle for free for two years at public locations in Chicago. You must also get the car from a Chicago Nissan dealer. The promotion, called “No Charge to Charge” includes complimentary access to fast chargers that can charge a LEAF battery pack from zero to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

“Nissan LEAF is an attractive option for Chicago car buyers for a number of reasons, such as the available Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate of up to USD 4,000 and significantly lower operating costs than a gas-powered car,” said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure Strategy. “Adding free public fast charging in Chicagoland gives Nissan LEAF an even greater competitive edge over other vehicles, regardless of their fuel source.”

This is not everything – apart from being able to charge their Nissan LEAF at retail stores, tollway oases and other convenient Chicago locations, owners of LEAF cars will also have the benefit of enjoying free one-hour charging sessions at more than 140 level 2 (240V) charging stations.

The Nissan “No Charge to Charge” promotion is also offered in other US cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and Washington, D.C. In the next year, Nissan plans to offer the “No Charge to Charge” program at LEAF dealers in at least 13 additional U.S. markets.

“No Charge to Charge” is now available at Nissan LEAF dealers in the Chicago market. LEAF owners who purchased or leased their vehicle on or after November 1, 2014, in the Chicago market will receive entry into the “No Charge to Charge” program retroactively.

Source: Nissan

November 18, 2014

Nissan Leaf – The World’s Cleanest Self-Washing Car

The 2015 new zero emission hatchback Nissan Leaf was crowned as a cleanest car in the world. Nissan introduced an innovative paint technology that repels mud, water, oil and everyday dirt.

Nissan Leaf’s exterior was treated with a specially engineered superhydrophobic and oleophobic paint, that repels every dirt by creating a protective layer of air between paint and environment. Rain, mud and oil beads are wiped out from the car, leaving the electric machine clean.

The special paint is called Ultra-Ever Dry and it was developed by Ultra Tech International. It’s creators say that Nissan is one of the first automakers to embrace the idea, when the project was just an experiment.

“No matter what the road throws at this LEAF, its Ultra-Ever Dry® exterior coating will throw right back,” commented the Ultra Tech International Inc. Chef Executive Officer Mark Shaw. He presented the benefits of the superhydrophobic technology and how it creates an “umbrella of air”.

“The 100 percent electric LEAF provides the perfect canvas for this new, advanced paint technology,” commented Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.

“This is one LEAF that never has to stop at gas stations – not even for a car wash,” he added.

The full electric Nissan Leaf is available for 2015 in three trim levels: LEAF S, SV and SL, along with options packages including advanced systems such as Around View Monitor and seven-speaker Bose energy-efficient audio and Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant.

Furthermore the Leaf can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in just 30 minutes when plugged into a quick charge port and using a fast charger. Charging at home through a standard 240V socket is calculated roughly to take less than five hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger.

Source : Nissan

July 11, 2014

2014 Nissan Leaf – US Price

Nissan US has announced the pricing of 2014 LEAF starting from $28,980 for the S model. The 100% electric vehicle continues to offer outstanding value, with prices comparable to similar gasoline-powered cars after applicable tax credits.

2014 Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL, along with option packages offering advanced systems such as Around View Monitor and 7-speaker Bose premium audio.

Enhancements for MY2014 include the addition of the RearView Monitor as standard equipment on all models (previously part of the Charge Package) and one new exterior color – Gun Metallic (seven total available colors).

The new driving range is rated at 84 miles and MPGe ratings are 126 in city, 101 on the highway and 114 on combined cycle.

MSRP for the 2014 Nissan LEAF are:

LEAF S	$28,980 USD
LEAF SV	$32,000 USD
LEAF SL	$35,020 USD

Destination and Handling $850 USD

Source: Nissan

January 9, 2014

2012 Nissan Leaf powered by “LEAF to Home” Power Supply System With “EV Power Station”

Nissan Motor Corporation and Nichicon are going to launch “LEAF to Home” Power Supply System with “EV Power Station”. The “LEAF to Home” power supply system can supply electricity from batteries onboard in 2012 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles (EV) to homes when used with the “EV Power Station” unit. The latter is developed by Nichicon Corporation.

In fact, “LEAF to Home” is an industry first backup power supply system. What it can do basically is that it can transmit the electricity stored in the large-capacity batteries of Nissan LEAFs to a residential home.

Other good news is that Nissan will showcase this system in Japanese dealerships in the days to come. The aim is to promote efficient electricity management and the features built onto electric vehicles.

Behind the technology which moves the electricity from the vehicle to home through the EV Power Station Unit, stays the Nichicon. Its innovative technology enables electricity stored in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries onboard a Nissan LEAF to be sent to an ordinary home. This happens through the connection between the car and the home’s electricity distribution panel with a connector linked to the LEAF’s quick charging port.

The EV Power Station system is not big in size. In fact it is as big as an external air-conditioning unit. It can be therefore mounted outdoors. Furthermore, the system can run on various operating modes and has a timer function which can be controlled with a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch panel. More importantly, the electricity is stored or supplied automatically in accordance with a household’s electricity capacity and consumption.

The full charging time for the LEAF EV is as little as four hours. The great news here is that this is half the time, when the vehicle is charged via normal charger. This consequently means that it also can lower customers’ electricity bills.

2012 Nissan Leaf powered by "LEAF to Home" Power Supply System

The EV Power Station : Specifications

When charging Nissan LEAFs
Input voltage:	Single-phase, AC 200V (±15%), 50 Hz/60 Hz (±5%)
Input current range:	AC 0-36A
Output voltage range:	DC 50-500V (CHAdeMO Protocol)
Peak power output:	6kW
Conversion efficiency:	90% or more (at rated output)
Power factor:	99% or more (at rated output)

When supplying power to households
Input voltage range:	DC 150V-450V
Input current range:	DC 0-30A (Limited by cable specifications)
Output voltage:	Single-phase three-wire system (AC 100V x two-phase) AC100V (±6%), 50Hz / 60Hz AC 200V (±6%), 50Hz / 60Hz (Max.±2%)
Output current range:	AC 0 – 30A
Peak power output:	6kW (Single-phased, AC 100V·3kW x two-phase)
Conversion efficiency:	90% or more (at rated output)
External dimensions:	650 mm (W) x 350 mm (D) x 781 mm (H) (excluding projecting parts)
Mass:	Approx. 60 kg

Source: Nissan

May 30, 2012

Nissan at Geneva – What’s in store?

Nissan is offering some insight of what they have in store for us, the people at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Among the many production vehicles that will take part next month in the show, are also four premiering concepts – first seen in Europe are the e-NV200 and Juke Nismo concepts while first ever are the INVITIATION, on which we had news recently here, and another concept that is still a hard kept secret and a surprise, Nissan say.

The e-NV200 is based on the already successful NV200 which the small difference of being 100% electric. The e-NV200 is the next phase of Nissan‘s dominance on the EV market which began with the multi-award winning LEAF.

The Juke NISMO concept was fist seen on the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show back in December and now it will be in Europe for the first time. NISMO is Nissan’s motorsport branch which has taken up enhancing everyday mainstream production vehicles to give them that unmistakable feel of a NISMO performance car. They have certainly went the extra mile with the Juke and left it with with an outstanding character and plenty of grunt.

Production vehicles that will be making an appearance at the Nissan booth in Geneva represent a versatile bunch: From Pixos and Micras to Jukes and Qashqais and even Pathfinders and Navaras. The LEAF and the mighty GT-R will also be there to enchant the public. The common thing however, is that all participants will feature a minor MY2012 Innovation or a special edition.

The other thing that can be found in every single model is the shared Nissan DNA which is the reason for the company’s success – despite the economic downturn, Nissan in Europe enjoyed its best year in 2011. Sales were up by 25 percent in comparison to 2010. Who knows how much is that number going to climb this year.

Source: Nissan

February 7, 2012

Nismo March Concept Debut [VIDEO]

Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 is over and Nissan have managed to leave a long lasting impression from their presentations. Along with the Nismo Juke and Nismo LEAF electric car, a Nismo March Concept made a surprise appearance appearance and feedback is turning out to be good.

In comparison to the standard version, the Nismo March Concept is not strikingly different. In fact the only mechanical bit introduced to a tuning kit is the suspension. Other then that the ride is lowered, the wheels are lightweight and the bumpers, sideskirts and door mirrors are sort of new. The inside has underwent some design changes as well but nothing specific. Yet, the overall result is rather pleasant – we have a sporty little bumblebee with nice color patterns and a good road stance.

Officials are still not sure if they are going to give the Nismo March a green light unless public response ends up being positive (which it most probably will). It was the same story with the Nismo Juke – last year a concept and this year a production debut.

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 ran through Sunday, and featured some 367 exhibitors and 630 vehicles. Nismo and Autech Japan jointly showcased there a booth that looked like a race circuit compleate with audience stands and everything. Other vehicles displayed included the Fairlady Z, various kinds of vans and other icons such as the GT-R.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lnozbyujzc

Source: Nissan

January 17, 2012

Tag: LEAF

Nissan LEAF continues the fight

Faster Charging & Better Driving Range

Visually Improved