Nissan LEAF

Nissan LEAF Severe Weather Test [VIDEO]

We have all been there: it’s minus 15 Celsius outside, snow chunks fall down on you like there’s no tomorrow and you can’t call anyone because your cellphone is dead. It wasn’t dead 3 minutes ago. In fact it had 2 lines of battery on the screen but now it’s over because the reality of the situation is that weather does affect the efficiency of Li-ion batteries. It’s the same frightening story with electric vehicles – what if I run out of juice in the middle of nowhere? Well Nissan are painfully aware of this issue and have gathered members of the media and the public in northern Japan to demonstrate how the LEAF tackles cold weather with a few tricks up it’s sleeve.

At 230 meters above see level in Shibetsu, Hokkaido the thermometers outside showed minus 9 Celsius. The LEAF was tested out on the snow covered tracks for a while and the battery temperature never dropped bellow 5 Celsius. Under more extreme conditions, like in Sweden or Norway, the LEAF‘s battery packs can be fitted with a warming system to preserve maximum capacity. Chief Vehicle Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota shared some tips with the 350 LEAF owners on how to get the most out of their EV’s. For example, pre-warming the cabin before taking a drive will greatly benefit range and efficiency.

Motoring journalists however, seemed more interested on how the LEAF would handle on slippery surfaces such as the powdery track in Shibetsu. A pylon slalom was set up and for what might be a surprise for some, the LEAF coped pretty well. The car’s Vehicle Dynamic Control, which monitors driver input and vehicle function is sure to have helped. Also, because of the center of gravity, which is really low (the battery packs are under the cabin), one might argue that on that surface, the LEAF handled better than any other FF or FR car out there.

Journalist and race driver Takayuki Kinoshita says LEAF proved it’s the one for the road:
“I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future. If EVs can only be usable in certain limited conditions, they will not grow. But I was highly impressed by the key message here, that the LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”

Definitely a point for Nissan there.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGu0cfCuTM&feature=player_embedded

January 23, 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

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

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 Ford Focus Electric teaser

Ford has officially released the first teaser image of its 100% electrically driven Ford Focus, which is ready to celebrate its public premiere at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. (more…)

January 4, 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 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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