Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact
lithium-ion batteries, which generate power
output of over 90kW, while its electric motor
delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly
responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in
keeping with what consumers have come to expect
from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.
Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped
vehicles, Nissan LEAF's power train has no tail
pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other
greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF's
regenerative braking system and innovative
lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to
deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100
miles) on one full charge.
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that
this range satisfies the daily driving
requirements of more than 70% of the world's
consumers who drive cars.
And, Nissan's approach makes charging easy and
convenient. Nissan LEAF 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 - ample time to enable an overnight
refresh for consumer and car alike.
REAL-WORLD CAR
The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF
worked to create a competitively priced
real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead
mobility into the zero-emission era. 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.
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous
effect.
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, "This car is
special." But the headlights do more than make a
statement. They are also designed to cleverly
split and redirect airflow away from the door
mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And,
the headlights provide yet one more benefit in
that they consume just 10 percent of the
electricity of conventional lamps, which helps
Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range
autonomy.
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.
CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
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 state-of-the-art 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."
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION
MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in
establishing the era of zero-emission mobility;
however, Nissan recognizes that
internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies
will play a vital role in global transportation
for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is
implementing its zero-emission vision through a
holistic approach, which provides consumers a
comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies
from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the
perfect match, and the only car they will ever
need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical
addition to the family fleet - the optimal
choice for the daily commute, for example.
While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the
company is committed to ongoing innovation in
eco-friendly technologies that increase
efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result,
Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of
automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle
Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research
and investment in FCV technology.
WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner
of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include
partnerships with countries such as the UK and
Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the
USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30
partnerships worldwide.
In these partnerships major efforts focus on
three areas:
Development of a comprehensive charging
infrastructure through public and private
investment,
Incentives and subsidies from local,
regional, and national governments, and
Public education on the individual and
societal benefits of zero-emissions
mobility.
ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
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.