The cabin is an eclectic mix of new and old design elements with Nissan's own flavour. First detail to stand out is the dash top-mounted speedometer à la Honda Civic and the joystick-like shifter, reminiscent of the one in the 3rd gen Prius. Thanks to its long wheelbase, the car clearly can accommodate five passengers when needed, four in complete comfort.
Hi-tech for everyone
The LEAF will use an electric engine that generates 80 kW (107 hp) and 280 nm of torque (206 lb-ft). This will enable the LEAF to travel 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 10 seconds and allow the compact car to reach 90 mph (145 km/h). The latest-generation lithium-ion batteries will carry the LEAF 100 miles (160 km) before it needs a charge. Eight hours will be the required amount of time for a full reload. In a pinch, less than 30 minutes will suffice to get you going for a little while.
The present or near-future battery that will be labouring in the LEAF is a perfected present-generation unit that weighs in at nearly 300 kg. As you read these lines, Nissan is already hard at work on the next two iterations of their lithium-ion batteries. As weight is the perennial enemy to performance and economy, the future holds smaller, more efficient and durable packs.
The money question
This is one potential reason why Nissan will only lease the storage units (you can purchase the car) even if you show up with a blank check in hand to buy the whole car. Nissan seems to be indicating, without saying it, that when the battery in your car gets "tired", that they will replace it, obviously at a cost. Speaking of money, pricing is still ways off from being formally announced, however the word affordable should match a selling price of about $25,000. Asking, well that's another issue. With government incentives for these types of vehicles in the $7,500 range, so expect a sticker price hovering in the $32,000 to $35,000 range. As for the lease payment, Mr. Ghosn said that it would be no more than the monthly gas bill for an equivalent car. FYI, the lease program is officially for the US. Canada may or may not follow suit.
 |
| The overall shape of the LEAF borrows cues from a number of Nissan and Renault products. |
Hi-tech for everyone
The LEAF will use an electric engine that generates 80 kW (107 hp) and 280 nm of torque (206 lb-ft). This will enable the LEAF to travel 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 10 seconds and allow the compact car to reach 90 mph (145 km/h). The latest-generation lithium-ion batteries will carry the LEAF 100 miles (160 km) before it needs a charge. Eight hours will be the required amount of time for a full reload. In a pinch, less than 30 minutes will suffice to get you going for a little while.
The present or near-future battery that will be labouring in the LEAF is a perfected present-generation unit that weighs in at nearly 300 kg. As you read these lines, Nissan is already hard at work on the next two iterations of their lithium-ion batteries. As weight is the perennial enemy to performance and economy, the future holds smaller, more efficient and durable packs.
The money question
This is one potential reason why Nissan will only lease the storage units (you can purchase the car) even if you show up with a blank check in hand to buy the whole car. Nissan seems to be indicating, without saying it, that when the battery in your car gets "tired", that they will replace it, obviously at a cost. Speaking of money, pricing is still ways off from being formally announced, however the word affordable should match a selling price of about $25,000. Asking, well that's another issue. With government incentives for these types of vehicles in the $7,500 range, so expect a sticker price hovering in the $32,000 to $35,000 range. As for the lease payment, Mr. Ghosn said that it would be no more than the monthly gas bill for an equivalent car. FYI, the lease program is officially for the US. Canada may or may not follow suit.
 |
| With government incentives for these types of vehicles in the $7,500 range, so expect a sticker price hovering in the $32,000 to $35,000 range. |