LEAF – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Nissan e-NV200 Concept

Nissan has revealed the e-NV200 Concept, which will makes its official debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle and features a full electric drivetrain.

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” commented Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”, he added.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. The e-NV200 includes an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 109 PS (80kW) AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Source: Nissan

January 9, 2012

Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with Ten Exciting Exhibitions

While there is much talk about the forthcoming NAIAS, few are aware about the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon which will also be held on January 13-15 at the Makuhari Messe exhibition hall in Chiba prefecture. The organizers (Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. A.K.A Nismo) promise an exciting event partly because of the showroom which is styled to look like a racetrack complete with spectator stands and everything and partly because, along with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, they have a lot of debuts to make.

In the Nissan corner visitors will feast their eyes on the new edition of Nissan GT-R pure with something called “for TRACK PACK” which is mainly focused to attract motoring enthusiasts who carve the raw experience of a sports car burning rubber on a racing circuit.

A different stand will hold the Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition. It is an anniversary edition (55 years in the making) equipped with smooth aerodynamic body parts complete with LEDs and other S-tune elements. The lowered centre of gravity can only add to the sporty feeling of the birthday boy.

Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition (2012)

Over to the Nismo sector there will be two new concepts: The Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo concept. They both feature a sporty and aggressive look thanks to the refreshing lowering design tweaks.

The Nismo Fairlady Z Version will also take part as the enhanced, more powerful, more fun-to-drive sister of the standard Fairlady Z.

The spotlight however most likely will be on the Nismo LEAF RC – a full on sports car with a carbon fibre body based on the all-electric Nissan LEAF. Hopefully this car will prove that zero-emission vehicles have a future in motor sports.

Finally we have the Autech side of things starting with the. To start off there will be the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R which participated in the 2011 SUPER GT GT500. Back in 2011 it has actually won one of the five prizes that GT-R’s took home that year from the GT500 other representatives include.

The NV350 Caravan Rider is a customized Rider version of Nissan’s NV350 Caravan.

The Elgrand Rider High-performance Spec Black Line – Based on the already acclaimed Elgrand Rider distinguishable for its specific front grille. This Black Line edition encompasses some tweaks on the engine, suspension and body.

Serena Rider Performance Spec Black Line – Fine-tuned body and suspension give the Serena Rider great road manners and a solid stance both literally and metaphorically.

Last but not least we cannot omit mentioning the loads of Nissan/Nismo merchandise, parts and accessories that will be present there.

Source: Nissan

December 22, 2011

Canada to Get Electrified by Nissan

Nissan Canada has announced that now it will be possible for the Canadian people to pre-order the 2012 Nissan LEAF MY12 online. Earlier on only the registered at www.nissan.ca/leaf had the privilege to do so. However reservations are now open to all Canadians who live within the vicinity (65 km) of a certified Nissan LEAF dealer. There are 27 dealers across Canada so quite a few people will have the chance to snatch one.

The first shipment of 40 MY11 LEAFs was ravaged within minutes last summer and the trend has remained as the following 350 units of MY12 LEAFs being reserved this fall. And now numbers are sure to go up as even more people will have the opportunity to order those all-electric rascals .

Here’s what Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada had to say:

“The feedback we’ve received from Nissan LEAF owners in Canada has been incredible with many sharing their journey and experience through social media.” She continues: “As more people live with and share their experience of all-electric mobility, particularly with the Nissan LEAF, more and more Canadians will consider this as an exciting option for their next vehicle. Opening reservations to the broader public is an important step in the roll-out of the car in Canada.”

As of the end of November over 110 Nissan LEAFs have been delivered to customers in Canada and globally, over 20,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold. Their price starts at $38,395 but buyers will be eligible for tax return which varies depending on their area: $8,500 in Ontario, $8,000 in Quebec and $5,000 in British Columbia

This is how to make a reservation online:

On December 12th online reservations opened to those living within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer at leaf.nissan.ca.
A $99 reservation fee (fully refundable) is required to secure a reservation.
After booking a home-charging assessment, customers will receive an invitation to order a Nissan LEAF.
Customers request a quote from a local Nissan LEAF-certified dealer and will continue through the sales process until they drive away in their own Nissan LEAF.

Source: Nissan

December 14, 2011

Twin charging points in Lincoln

Nissan will fund the installation of Lincoln’s first public electric vehicle charging point. The main reason is the latest Top Gear show, where the presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May drove a pair of electric vehicles, including the Nissan LEAF, into the centre of Lincoln in an attempt to find somewhere to charge their cars.

Of course, they made fun on electric cars, because you simply cannot find a place to charge them and if you got lucky to plug your car in, you’ll have to wait … 9 or 10 hours to charge the battery 100%.

Should the presenters choose to attempt the journey again in future, they will discover a newly-installed PodPoint charging unit dedicated to them. With two sockets, it would allow both Jeremy and James to recharge their batteries at the same time. Charging will be free of charge to electric vehicle owners. Good!

“The Top Gear programme highlighted the fact that Lincoln does not currently provide for electric cars and we’re really pleased that Nissan is now funding a charging point. We’re committed to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, but know that we can’t do it alone, so it’s great that private businesses like Nissan are getting behind this and putting in the infrastructure.”, commented Councillor Fay Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and Public Protection at the City of Lincoln Council.

“This is excellent news for the electric car community of Lincoln. If the charging point had existed when Top Gear were there, James wouldn’t now be walking around with Jeremy’s name tattooed on his bottom. Still, better late than never.”, commented Top Gear Executive Producer Andy Wilman.

“Research tells us that most LEAF owners will charge their car at home or at their place of work, but drivers like having the ability to ‘top up’ their charge when they are out and about, especially if they are making longer journeys. With its new charging points and the fame generated by Top Gear, Lincoln could find itself becoming a tourist destination for Nissan LEAF owners.”, finished Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer.

Twin charging points in Lincoln Test Vehicle

Source: Nissan

August 5, 2011

2012 Nissan Leaf US

Nissan North America Inc. has announced a number of upgrades for the 2012 Leaf. They are based on feedback from the thousands of owners who already have driven several millions of miles in the first 100-percent electric car for the mass market.

“Many enthusiastic consumers have eagerly anticipated ordering a Nissan LEAF of their own, and now we can make zero-emissions mobility a reality in more markets,” commented Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America.

“In response to direct feedback from Nissan LEAF owners, the features that customers want most will come standard on the 2012 Nissan LEAF – including quick charging and cold-weather features.”, he added.

2012 Nissan LEAF US is priced at $35 200 for the SV trim level, and $37 250 for the SL trim level. The monthly lease price will begin at a highly competitive $369.

2012 Nissan Leaf US:

DC Fast Charge capability standard on Nissan LEAF SL: The vast majority of MY11 consumers have opted for the DC fast charge port, which allows the vehicle to be charged at 480V – reducing charging time to under 30 minutes for charging the vehicle to 80 percent from a fully depleted state. As DC fast charge stations proliferate across the country, Nissan expects this feature to become even more popular. For 2012, fast-charging capability will be standard on the SL trim level.

Cold weather features standard on Nissan LEAF: As the Nissan LEAF rolls out to U.S. markets with colder climates, cold weather features become standard equipment on all trim levels of the Nissan LEAF. These include a battery warmer, heated steering wheel, and heated seats in both the front and rear.

Source: Nissan

July 20, 2011

Nissan LEAF crowned as 2011 European Car of the Year

Nissan’s 100% electric LEAF is the vehicle standing proudly as a 2011 European Car of the Year. The highly-innovative, zero-emissions, affordable Nissan ride has managed to beat all 40 contenders and win motoring’s most important accolade. (more…)

November 30, 2010

Nissan LEAF 100% electric vehicle production started

Nissan has officially confirmed that the production of its all-new Nissan LEAF 100% electric, zero-emission vehicle has started at the brand’s Oppama facility in Japan. Scheduled to hit the dealerships in Japan and United States from December, the eco-friendly family-sized EV will go on sale in selected markets in Europe from early 2011.

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO stated: “This is a significant milestone, not only for Nissan and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also for the entire automotive industry. Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility…and the Alliance is leading the way with cars that deliver exactly that, with the reliability, excitement and performance that consumers demand. The high-quality, innovative Nissan LEAF will radically transform what consumers expect from automobile manufacturers worldwide.”

Along with the manufacturing of the pure EV, Oppama facility is also producing the popular gasoline models Nissan Juke and Nissan Cube.

The lithium-ion battery modules of the Nissan LEAF is manufactured at the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) operation in Zama, Japan, a joint-venture of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and NEC Corporation.

In the near future, the production of the Nissan EV will be further expanded to Smyrna, Tennessee, in the United States and Sunderland, England, in the UK.

October 22, 2010

European price list of Nissan Leaf – Zero-emission vehicle

Nissan International SA informed that Leaf – Zero-emission car is priced under 30 000 Euros ( 25,641 Pounds) and it will hit the European markets in July. The company also announced specific prices for the Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, UK and Portugal.

Nissan Leaf is a compact, zero-emission five-seater, which is fully equipped and features AC, sat NAV, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity. (more…)

May 17, 2010

Nissan LEAF

Nissan Motor unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. (more…)

August 3, 2009

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