Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) and - according to the official information - an affordable pricing.

The car is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.

Also thanks to the regenerative braking system the car can deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)

The battery can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

The model is expected for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.

Design

To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

”Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created.

The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces,

The headlights are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag.

They also consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its range autonomy.

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. "Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience."

Interior and connectivity

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment.

An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model.

This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru Abe, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility.

The first of Nissan’s EV’s will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

Additional information is available on the Nissan Zero-Emission website.

(Source: Nissan)