As promised, Nissan is moving forward with an emissions-free, electric-powered five-passenger sedan that will have a range of about 100 miles (160 km) and a 90 mph (145 km) top speed.
To be called the LEAF, the front-wheel-drive hatchback will have laminated, compact lithium-ion batteries mounted under the floor that can deliver 90 kilowatts of power. Power will be delivered to an electric motor that delivers the equivalent of 107 horsepower and 208 pound-feet of torque. The Japanese manufacturer believes its power and 100-mile (160 km) range will fill the daily needs of 70% of the world's motorists.
Recharging the battery at home with a 220-volt line will take about eight hours. Charging through a conventional 120-volt line will take about twice that. A 50-kilowatt, direct-current quick charger could restore the battery to 80% of capacity in 30 minutes. The price was not announced, but Nissan said it will be competitive with well-equipped, conventionally powered compact cars.
The battery pack will be leased separately by Nissan rather than included in the vehicle’s price. The manufacturer said the lease plus the cost of the electricity will be less than what gasoline would cost for conventionally powered cars. Sales will begin in the United States, Japan and Europe in late 2010. Nissan hopes production will reach 200,000 units at the worldwide rollout in 2012. Nissan acknowledges that the car’s maximum 100-mile range will restrict it mostly to around-town and commuter-car use, but it hopes to extend the LEAF’s range through partnerships with governments and businesses that will develop a broad and convenient charging infrastructure. Why the name LEAF? “ Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience,” the company literature explained.
Source : Examiner, by Nick Yost, August 2nd, 2009
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