Leaf

LEAF is Nissan's C-segment family car offering all the space and practical benefits of any of its conventional rivals... but with one notable difference. It is a pure Electric Vehicle (EV), promising zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs. LEAF is the first purpose-designed mass-produced EV from any major motor manufacturer and is just the first in a range of EVs due from the company and from Nissan's Alliance partner Renault.

Built on an all-new bespoke EV platform, LEAF sits on a generous 2700 mm wheelbase. It is 4445 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1550 mm tall. Power comes from an in-house developed compact electric motor in the front of the car driving the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph).

A full battery charge delivers a range of approximately 160km, which will suffice for 80 per cent of European customers who drive less than that on an average day.

The electric motor is ‘fuelled' by a Nissan developed laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW. The 48 module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of LEAF. Regenerative energy reclaimed under braking and coasting is fed directly to the battery to ensure minimum waste of energy.

Using a DC 50kW quick charger, the battery can be charged to up to 80 percent of its capacity in under 30 minutes. Until quick charging posts are commonplace, however, it is expected that most owners will charge their vehicles either at home or at work using a domestic 220~240V and 16 amp system. A full charge from 0 percent to 100 percent under these circumstances takes about eight hours. The recharging socket for normal charging and quick charging is conveniently placed on LEAF's nose under a ‘fuel filler flap' adorned with the Nissan logo.

Order books will open in selected European markets in the summer with the first batch

of cars, all left-hand drive and due in late 2010