Nissan leaf Company Overview Thank you for visiting the Nissan Facebook fan page and for posting your comments. Please note that this forum is not
The Nissan Leaf (also formatted "LEAF" as a backronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car[3]) is a five-door hatchback electric car manufactured by Nissan and introduced in Japan and the United States in December 2010.[4][5][6] The US Environmental Protection Agency official range is 117 kilometres (73 mi), with an energy consumption of 765 kilojoules per kilometre (34 kW·h/100 mi) and rated the Leaf's combined fuel economy at 99 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (2.4 L/100 km).[7][8] The Leaf has a range of 175 km (109 mi) on the New European Driving Cycle.[9]
Deliveries to individual customers began in the United States and Japan in December 2010, in Ireland in February 2011 and the UK in March 2011. As of September 2011 the Leaf deliveries had also taken place in Portugal, the Netherlands, France and Canada. Worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 15,000 units by September 2011.[10] Sales in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Norway are to follow in the second half of 2011, Denmark in early 2012, and global market availability is expected for 2012.[11] According to Nissan initial availability is limited in quantities and to select markets and only for customers who made online reservations. The availability will be increased by the second quarter of 2011, with US production planned for 2012, and UK production planned for 2013.[12][13][14]
The retail price of the 2011 Leaf in Japan starts at ¥3.76 million and US$32,780 in the United States. The price in the United Kingdom is GB£30,990 and around €35,000 in the other European countries where it was launched first. These prices include the price of the battery package. Most countries have applicable tax incentives or subsidies for eligible buyers that reduce the effective cost of purchase below the retail prices listed by Nissan.[15][16][17][18]
As an all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf produces no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions at the point of operation, and reduces dependence on petroleum.[19][20] Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award award,[21] the 2011 European Car of the Year award,[22] the 2011 World Car of the Year,[23] and ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle for all fuels ever.[2
Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.[25] The Altra EV was produced between 1998 and 2002, only about 200 vehicles were ever produced, and it was mainly used as a fleet vehicle for companies such as electric utilities.[26][27]
Unveiled in 2009, the EV-11 prototype electric car was based on the Nissan Tiida (Versa in North America), but with the conventional gasoline engine replaced with an all-electric drivetrain, and included an 80 kW (110 hp)/280 N·m (210 lb·ft) electric motor, 24 kW·h lithium-ion battery pack rated to have a range of 175 kilometres (109 mi) on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's LA-4 or "city" driving cycle, navigation system, and remote control and monitoring via a cellphone connection through Nissan's secure data center to the car.[28] The technology in the EV-11 was previously developed and tested in the EV-01 and EV-02 test cars, built with an all-electric powertrain that used the Nissan Cube (Z11) as a development mule.[29][30] The EV-11 prototype was on display July 26, 2009.[28] A week later, on August 2, 2009, Nissan unveiled its production version at its Yokohama headquarters and committed to begin retail sales in both the North American market and Japan at end of 2010.[31][32]
Nissan says that the car has a top speed of over 150 km/h (93 mph). Its motor is rated at 80 kilowatts (110 hp) and 280 newton metres (210 lb·ft).[36] Unofficially, 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) performance has been tested at 9.9 seconds.[2]
The Leaf uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 86 megajoules (24 kW·h) lithium ion battery pack rated to deliver up to 90 kilowatts (120 hp) power.[37] The pack contains air-cooled, stacked laminar battery cells with lithium manganate cathodes.[38][39] The battery and control module together weigh 300 kilograms (660 lb) and the specific energy of the cells is 140 W·h/kg.[36] Each battery pack costs Nissan an estimated US$18,000 (as of May 2010[update]).[40][41] Under its five-cycle testing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency found the Leaf's energy consumption to be 765 kJ/km (34 kWh/100 miles) and rated the Leaf combined fuel economy equivalent at 99 MPGe (2.4 L/100 km), with an equivalent 106 mpg-US (2.22 L/100 km; 127 mpg-imp) in city driving and 92 mpg-US (2.6 L/100 km; 110 mpg-imp) on highways
The 24 kWh battery pack consists of 48 modules and each module contains four cells, a total of 192 cells, and is assembled by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) – a joint venture between Nissan, NEC and NEC Energy Devices, at Zama, Japan.[43][44][45]
The Leaf's design locates the battery, the heaviest part of any EV, below the seats and rear foot space, keeping the center of gravity as low as possible and increasing structural rigidity compared to a conventional five-door hatchback.[2][45][46]
The battery pack is expected to retain 70% to 80% of its capacity after 10 years but its actual lifespan depends on how often fast charging (440-volt) is used and also on environmental factors.[39] Nissan said the battery has a "lifespan of 5–10 years under normal use".[47] The Leaf's battery is guaranteed by Nissan for eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)[48][49] (see Warranty sub-section below under United States for limitations).
In addition to the main battery, the Leaf also has an auxiliary 12-volt lead-acid battery that provides power to the car computer systems and accessories such as the audio system, supplemental restraint systems, headlights and windshield wipers.[50] The small solar panel on the Leaf rear spoiler (in the United States, only comes with SL trim[51]) helps to charge this accessory battery.[
The Nissan Leaf employs an advanced telematics system called "Carwings" which originally was only available in Japan.[76][77] The system sends and receives data via a built-in GPRS radio similar to the connectivity of mobile phones. Carwings is connected any time the car is in range of a cell tower and it makes possible several user functionalities, such as position and possible range on a map and which charging stations are available within range. The system also tracks and compiles statistics about distance traveled and energy consumption and produces daily, monthly and annual reports of these and several other operational parameters. All information is available in the Leaf's digital screens.[76][78] Users' mobile phones can be used to turn on the air-conditioner and heater, and reset charging functions even when the vehicle is powered down. This remote functionality can be used to pre-heat or pre-cool the car prior to use while it is still charging so that less energy from the battery is used for climate control. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries at a set time such as during off-peak rates.[79] The Leaf's SL trim has a small solar panel at the rear of the roof/spoiler that can trickle charge the auxiliary battery.[80]
Due to significant noise reduction typical of electric vehicles that travel at low speeds, the Leaf includes digital warning sounds, one for forward motion and another for reverse, to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of its presence.[81][82] For this purpose Nissan created the Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system, which also will be used in the upcoming Nissan Fuga hybrid, due in 2011. The system developed makes a noise easy to hear for those outside in order to be aware of the vehicle approaching, but the warning sounds do not distract the car occupants inside. Nissan explained that during the development of the sound, they studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists.[82][83][84] The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5 kHz at the high end to a low of 600 Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Depending on the speed and if the Leaf is accelerating or decelerating, the sound system makes sweeping, high-low sounds. The sound system ceases operation when the Nissan Leaf reaches 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) and engages again as car slows to under 25 kilometres per hour (16 mph). The driver can turn off sounds temporarily through a switch inside the vehicle, but the system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle. The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the front driver’s side wheel well.[82][83][85] After the new sounds were publicized, the US National Federation of the Blind commented that "while it was pleased that the alert existed, it was unhappy that the driver was able to turn it off."[8
The first vehicles sold in the US were produced at Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan, which started production on October 22, 2010.[44][89] The plant is said to have an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.[44] In early March 2011, shortly before the earthquake in Japan Nissan stated that 10,000 Leafs would be produced by the end of March, and production would reach 4,000 cars per month.[75] Production for May 2011 was expected to be limited only by parts availability.[90]
Commercial US production is slated to begin in late 2012 at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. This US plant will be modified with a US$1.4 billion loan granted by the US Department of Energy to allow the manufacturing plant to produce the Nissan Leaf and its advanced batteries. The retooled plant is expected to create 1,300 jobs.[91][92] The Smyrna plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles and 200,000 battery packs annually.[92]
The Leaf will also be produced at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England, beginning in 2013.[93] Nissan will benefit from a GB£20.7 million grant from the British government and up to GB£220 million from the European Investment Bank.[93][94] The plant will produce 60,000 lithium-ion batteries a year, and it also is expected to deliver 50,000 Leaf EVs a year.[93] Once production starts at the Sunderland plant, Nissan expects to reduce the Leaf price in the European market by 2013.
Nissan officially introduced the Leaf in a ceremony held at its global headquarters in Yokohama on December 3, 2010.[5] The first US customer delivery took place in Northern California on December 11, 2010[4] and the first delivery in Japan took place at the Kanagawa Prefecture on December 22.[96] Deliveries to individual customers began in Ireland in February 2011, in the UK in March 2011, and in France in August 2011.[97][98][99] Deliveries to corporate customers began in Portugal in December 2010,[100] in the Netherlands in March 2011,[101] and in Canada in July 2011.[102] Sales to individuals are scheduled to begin in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Norway in the second half of 2011, with global market availability planned for 2012.[15][11] As of July 2011, more than 6,000 Leafs had been delivered in Japan,[103] more than 700 units in the UK as of August 2011,[104] and 7,217 units sold in the US through September 2011.[105] Worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 15,000 units by September 2011.[10]
The Leaf does not have the Renault-Nissan's QuickDrop battery swap feature, but the alliance's partnership with Better Place influenced Nissan's distribution plan for the US which was based upon availability of electric vehicle networks.[106][107]
Nissan offers the 2011 model year Leaf in SV and SL trim levels. The SV trim level includes an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle. The SL trim level adds features, including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights for an additional US$940.[17][51] An optional CHAdeMO fast charge receptacle can be added for US$700, but is only available as a factory installed option, only on the SL model, and it is not compatible with the SAE J1772 standard connector now in use in the US.[142] A cold weather package is available, standard in some states, optional in others. The package includes a temperature management system for the lithium ion battery, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, rear seat heat duct and heated outside mirrors.[143] According to Nissan, the 2012 model year is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2011, and the Leaf's exterior and powertrain will not have any significant modifications. Minor upgrades for the 2012 Leaf include a quick charge port that will be standard on the SL trim, and the cold weather package will be standard on all Leafs;[144][145] but pricing for both trims of the 2012 model year Leaf was increased.[119] Nissan explained that these changes reflect customer preferences in the US based on actual orders of the 2011 model in the seven initial launch market states, as the SL trim was chosen by 95% of the buyers, and of those Leaf SLs, 90% had the DC quick charge.
Leaf customers have the option to buy a home charging station through Nissan at cost of around US$2,200 including installation, which was eligible for a 50% federal tax credit up to US$2,000 until December 31, 2010,[17][51] and afterwards the credit was reduced to 30% up to US$1,000 for individuals and US$30,000 for commercial buyers.[148] The charging stations operate on a 240-volt supply and are built and installed by AeroVironment. This one-stop-shop process includes a home assessment by a certified technician to ensure that the buyer's garage is plug-in ready.[51] The Aerovironment charging dock is also available as a cash and carry purchase, with installation by any electrical contractor arranged separately. It was originally available for US$751,[149] but the price was increased in April, 2011 to US$995.
Other options for level 2 charging of the Leaf include the Blink charging dock from ECOtality[150] (also available through the EV Project), the Schneider Electric Square-D,[151] and the not yet released Evr-Green unit from Leviton.[152] A complete list of charging stations is available at Plug In America.[153] It is also possible to have the level 1 charging dock which comes with the Leaf modified to support both 120 volt and 240 volt charging, the latter at either 12 amps (US$239) or 16 amps (US$287).[154][155] The 16 amp modification provides the maximum current draw the Leaf can use, and thus charges at the same rate as the Aeorvironment charging dock. Various adapters allow using the modified unit with a wide range of 240 volt sockets. The modified unit provides the cheapest charging solution for those with a 240 volt socket available and is portable for use at other locations. Possible disadvantages include the lack of UL certification and the potential for theft since the unit is not hardwired
The base retail pricefor the 2011 model year Leaf in the US is US$32,780 before any applicable tax incentives (federal tax credit).[17][51] Nissan also has 36 month lease option for US$349 a month for the SV trim and US$379 a month for the SL trim, plus an initial payment of US$1,999 in both cases.[158] For eligible customers there is a electric vehicle federal tax credit for up to a US$7,500 established by the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The federal tax credit shrinks by automaker after it has sold at least 200,000 vehicles in the US, and then it phases out over a year.[17] Nissan explained that it priced the Leaf lower in the US than in Japan because it wants to achieve higher sales in that market.[17] Other state and local incentives are available and may further decrease the cost. California initially had a US$5,000 statewide rebate for FY 2010-2011 available through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and it was decreased to US$2,500 for FY 2011-2012.[159] Georgia has a US$5,000 tax credit, and Oregon has a US$1,500 tax credit.[51]
The base retail price for the 2012 model year Leaf SV was increased to US$36,020 including a US$820 destination charge, and the 2012 Nissan SL is also priced higher, at US$37,250. Both 2012 model trims include more standard equipment than the 2011 model. These prices do not include any federal or local government incentives or tax credits. The three-year lease for the 2012 Leaf SV was increased to US$369, a US$20 increased over the lease rate for a 2011 model.[1
Nissan began the online-only reservation process on April 20, 2010, charging a fully refundable US$99 reservation fee that allowed customers to secure a place on the list to purchase or lease a Leaf. It limited reservations to one per household[12][13][14] and by July 2010 it had received approximately 17,000 reservations.[161] The carmaker reported that more than 55% of the reservations were from what Nissan calls its primary launch markets in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee, where the carmaker has its US headquarters and an auto factory.[161][162] By September 2010 Nissan announced it had reached 20,000 reservations, and it did not accept any more reservations for the remainder of 2010.[163] In July 2011, Nissan stated that only 48% of Leaf reservations from the initial 2010 process materialized into firm orders.[147]
Firm orders started in August, and deliveries began in select markets and limited quantities in December 2010, with availability increasing throughout 2011, and a full US market rollout scheduled for 2012.[12][13][161] Nissan expects the Leaf to be available in 28 states by the end of 2011.[160] Nissan initially limited Leaf sales among states that are home to the EV Project, which was awarded a grant from the United States Department of Energy and is the largest electric vehicle and infrastructure deployment in the US.[161][164] The first Leaf customer delivery took place in a Nissan dealership in Petaluma, California on December 11, 2010, and it was followed by a commemoration event at San Francisco City Hall Plaza. Nissan explained that the first delivery went to the first person in the United States to place a Nissan Leaf on-line order.[4][165] During the following days similar first delivery events took place in San Diego, California; Arizona; Oregon; and Washington, and Tennessee.[166][167] The first Leaf was delivered in Nashville, Tennessee on December 21, 2010, which completed the first delivery in each of the first launch markets,[168][169] and a total of 19 units were delivered that month.[170] On June 1, 2011, Nissan stated that expects the total number of U.S. deliveries to be between 10,000 and 12,000 by the end of 2011,[171] a drop from its original forecast of 20,000 sales.[172] Cumulative sales through September 2011 reached 7,217 Leafs since its market launch in December 2010.[105]
In June 2011, it was reported that customers were frustrated as sales orders were delayed and there was a lack of communication with customers. Some who had placed reservations were dropped from the waiting list without explanation and some were asked to reapply if they couldn’t prove of arranging the installation of home-charging units that can cost more than US$2,000. Some complained their delivery dates kept moving around.[173]
Nissan reopened online reservations for the 2011 model year Leaf on May 1, 2011 in the seven initial launch states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.[174][175] Starting on July 27, 2011, Nissan opened up the 2012 model year Leaf ordering process to consumers with existing reservations the second group of launch markets, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Then, on August 4, Nissan reopened the reservation process to the general public in the first and second launch markets. By October of 2011 Nissan had also opened orders for the 2012 Leaf to residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, and Ohio. Deliveries of the first batch of 2012 model year Leafs is scheduled to begin in November 2011.[1
Based on the aggregate information compiled until late April 2011 through the telematics systems included in all Leafs and reflecting the patterns of early adopters, Nissan found that the average trip length is 7 miles (11 km) and the average charging time is 2 hours and 11 minutes, with most owners charging on a Level 2, 220-volt charger at their homes. Nissan also found that early adopters are a combination of conscientious environmentalists and tech-savvy individuals.[174][175] Additional information compiled until mid July 2011 and based on the owners profile from more than 4,000 Leaf delivered in the US market, Nissan found that the Leaf the primary vehicle for most owners; 60% of Leaf sales in the country took place in California, led by Los Angeles and San Francisco; Leaf owners drive less than 60 mi (97 km) a day; and the Toyota Prius is the number one vehicle also owned by Leaf buyers, with 19%. The information compiled allowed Nissan to build a profile of the first owners, finding that Leaf buyers are college educated; have excellent credit, with an average credit score of 750, and have a combined household income of US$140,000 a year.[14
The Leaf's battery warranty is for eight years or 160,000 kilometres (100,000 mi).[48][49] The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but does not cover gradual loss of battery capacity, nor does it cover damage or failure resulting from not following the preventive actions recommended in the Leaf Owner's Manual for the lithium-ion battery, such as exposing the car to ambient temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for over 24 hours, or storing the Leaf in temperatures below −13 °F (−25 °C) for over 7 days.[182]
Before the Leaf's market launch, Nissan conducted an e-mail survey in July 2010 among the 16,000 individuals that made a reservation in the US and a sample of other potential customers regarding the terms of the battery pack guarantee. The survey was sent two days after General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Volt's battery was guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 kilometres (100,000 mi).[183][184][185] The multiple-choice survey had a batch of battery warranty related questions focused on the responder's preference between a five-year or 97,000-kilometre (60,000 mi) warranty or an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre (100,000 mi) warranty.[183][184] A Nissan spokeswoman commented that the company wanted to hear from future Leaf drivers to ensure Nissan was meeting the expectations of the marketplace before making a decision on its warranty policy.
whether it is Dunkin' Donuts vs. Starbucks, or the Yankees vs. the Red Sox. So it is not surprising that the simultaneous launch of the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf late last year built anticipation for a grand face-off. Here, after all, were two highly touted new cars, each using electric propulsion in a different way, that would compete for sales to early adopters while piling up environmental bragging rights. Car guys everywhere are betting on the outcome. So who's ahead? So far Nissan has sold 4,806 units of the all-electric Leaf in the U.S., while GM (GM) has moved only 2,870 Volts, which use batteries assisted by a small gasoline engine. Interesting perhaps, except that such early sales figures are virtually meaningless. The sales winner won't be clear until production ramps up. GM intends to assemble 16,000 Volts in 2011 and 50,000 in 2012. Nissan can currently build 50,000 Leafs annually in Japan. Beginning in 2013, it will have the capacity to build 150,000 more at a new plant in Tennessee.
The Nissan Leaf five-door hatchback is as close to a unique car as you’ll get: It’s one of two pure electric cars offered in the U.S. for the 2011 model year. And it’s one of only a handful of “electric-drive� cars, which power the wheels solely with one or more electric motors rather than mechanical drive derived from engine torque. It competes with a number of plug-in vehicles just entering the market or soon to come, only one of which—the Coda Sedan—is also a pure electric vehicle. Others are the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle, which provides 40 miles of pure electric range and then another 300 or so miles by using a gasoline engine to turn a generator that provides electric power to its motor, and the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which is essentially a conventional Prius hybrid-electric vehicle fitted with a larger battery pack that gives up to 12 miles of electric range and can be plugged in to recharge it.
Nissan hasn’t release pricing on the Leaf as yet, but the company says its overall cost of ownership will be comparable to, or better than, a gasoline car of the same size. That’s likely to mean a higher purchase cost—more than $30,000, most likely—offset by much lower operating costs (2-5 cents per mile for electricity, versus 6 to 15 cents per mile using gasoline). Energy is stored in a 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the Leaf’s floorpan. It powers an electric motor that drives the front wheels, and should give a range of about 100 miles from a full charge. Recharging takes 6 to 7 hours using 220-Volt power (the same kind used for electric stoves and driers), and Nissan says special fast-charge stations will fill the pack from 20 to 80 percent in less than half an hour. Installation of the home charger costs an additional $1,200 to $1,500.
Nissan claims the compact-size Leaf offers the interior room of a midsize car; its weight of well over 3,000 pounds is clearly more in line with the larger category. Like all electric cars, which can develop peak torque at 0 rpm, it is brisk off the line. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is likely to be in the 10-second range, and top speed will be 90 miles per hour or close. The Leaf includes the ability to pre-heat or pre-cool the car while it’s still plugged in, to reduce the load on the battery. The coarse, velvety upholstery material is made from recycled plastic bottles and home appliances.
The Leaf is the first of several all-electric models expected from Nissan, which has placed a large bet on all-electric cars versus plug-ins that are either adapted conventional hybrids (like the Prius Plug-In) or use a range extending engine (like the Volt) to provide longer travel distances.
at this point, so we were flying blind. The LCD screen had popped up a warning window with the option to search for a charging station. We hit the yes button, and the closest location was multimedia editor Eric Rossi's house that was 5.9 miles away. The car had automatically stored the location the first time it charged there.
Would we make it? Well, that wasn't the goal; we wanted to kill it, so we stuck to side roads, not wanting to push it off a highway. Minutes ticked by. The moderate speeds and cool weather kept the Leaf going and going, and we began to wonder if our 6.4-liter V-8-powered Dodge Challenger chase car would run out of fuel first.
After about four more miles, we reached the final milestone - the elusive turtle mode. The warning voice said, "Power output is being limited." The trip computer display cycled between "Motor power is limited" and "Battery level is low," and an orange turtle icon (or is it a tortoise?) appeared front and center.
The power was indeed limited. The Leaf accelerated at a rate of roughly 1 mph per second, so the fastest I ever got it going on side streets was 30 mph between stop signs. This mode is intended exclusively to get you to the side of the road, not to continue driving. We continued driving.
We got more than another mile out of the Leaf, finally coming to rest at the top of a modest incline having traveled 21.6 miles since the experiment began. The car went into Neutral and wouldn't go back into Drive or Reverse. Cars.com had killed the electric car. The lights and all instruments stayed on, and the air conditioning continued blowing.
At 3:45 p.m. I phoned roadside assistance and pressed 1 to indicate a dead battery, wondering if it represented the conventional battery or EV type. A live operator came on and asked all the relevant questions. She said towing was covered under warranty and we would be towed to a Nissan dealer. I asked if we could instead be brought to Eric's house, a mere 2 miles away. She said yes, any distance less than 50 miles is
With my permission, she used my cell phone to pinpoint our location within feet (creepy) and said I'd get a confirmation call soon. Eight minutes had passed since I dialed. At 4 o' clock an automated call said the tow truck was roughly an hour away. It actually arrived at 4:40 p.m., installed the Leaf's front bumper tow hook and winched it onboard. The driver dropped the car off - practically all the way into Eric's tight garage - and was gone by 5:27.
From the time we ground to a halt around 3:40 p.m., less than two hours had passed. It was a drag, but it was free and otherwise painless. We think falling two miles short of our destination was a realistic scenario for a driver who misjudges his own electric vehicle's range, and it underscored how attractive a roadside recharge would be. With that option, we could have added enough juice to get home in the amount of time it took to complete the paperwork for our tow-truck driver. The car never would have been loaded onto the truck, and we would have shaved another 30 minutes off the experience.
It could have been worse, though. If we weren't so close to Eric's house, we would have had to go to a dealership or other Level 2 charging point where the car would have to remain for a few hours or even overnight. That would have been more inconvenient than any conventional dead battery or empty fuel tank.
A final note: Though we went 21.6 miles at the end, following an estimate of 16 miles, the full range from the previous day's full charge was 72 actual miles after the car had estimated 108 miles. Some of that driving was on the highway, not the easy lower-speed driving we did during the test, but the weather was close to optimal.
Having definitively tested the actual range as opposed to the Leaf's starting and ending estimates, it seems like the EPA-estimated range of 73 miles is much closer to reality than is Nissan's marketing claim of "up to" 100 miles. This has been our suspicion all along.
Another interesting side note: After being charged for three hours at Level 1 - the 120-volt charging cord that usually adds up to five miles of range per hour - the Leaf estimated only four miles. We must have really run that thing down
 |
| Nissan leaf |
Nissan leaf
 |
| Nissan leaf |
The new electric car is a step forward for zero-emission motoring. Just be sure to pack a few warm clothes if you want to avoid Nissan leaf
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
 |
| Nissan leaf |
The Nissan Leaf (also formatted "LEAF" as a backronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car[3]) is a five-door hatchback electric car manufactured by Nissan and introduced in Japan and the United States in December 2010.[4][5][6] The US Environmental Protection Agency official range is 117 kilometres (73 mi), with an energy consumption of 765 kilojoules per kilometre (34 kW·h/100 mi) and rated the Leaf's combined fuel economy at 99 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (2.4 L/100 km).[7][8] The Leaf has a range of 175 km (109 mi) on the New European Driving Cycle.[9]
Deliveries to individual customers began in the United States and Japan in December 2010, in Ireland in February 2011 and the UK in March 2011. As of September 2011 the Leaf deliveries had also taken place in Portugal, the Netherlands, France and Canada. Worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 15,000 units by September 2011.[10] Sales in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Norway are to follow in the second half of 2011, Denmark in early 2012, and global market availability is expected for 2012.[11] According to Nissan initial availability is limited in quantities and to select markets and only for customers who made online reservations. The availability will be increased by the second quarter of 2011, with US production planned for 2012, and UK production planned for 2013.[12][13][14]
The retail price of the 2011 Leaf in Japan starts at ¥3.76 million and US$32,780 in the United States. The price in the United Kingdom is GB£30,990 and around €35,000 in the other European countries where it was launched first. These prices include the price of the battery package. Most countries have applicable tax incentives or subsidies for eligible buyers that reduce the effective cost of purchase below the retail prices listed by Nissan.[15][16][17][18]
As an all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf produces no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions at the point of operation, and reduces dependence on petroleum.[19][20] Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award award,[21] the 2011 European Car of the Year award,[22] the 2011 World Car of the Year,[23] and ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle for all fuels ever.[2
Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.[25] The Altra EV was produced between 1998 and 2002, only about 200 vehicles were ever produced, and it was mainly used as a fleet vehicle for companies such as electric utilities.[26][27]
Unveiled in 2009, the EV-11 prototype electric car was based on the Nissan Tiida (Versa in North America), but with the conventional gasoline engine replaced with an all-electric drivetrain, and included an 80 kW (110 hp)/280 N·m (210 lb·ft) electric motor, 24 kW·h lithium-ion battery pack rated to have a range of 175 kilometres (109 mi) on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's LA-4 or "city" driving cycle, navigation system, and remote control and monitoring via a cellphone connection through Nissan's secure data center to the car.[28] The technology in the EV-11 was previously developed and tested in the EV-01 and EV-02 test cars, built with an all-electric powertrain that used the Nissan Cube (Z11) as a development mule.[29][30] The EV-11 prototype was on display July 26, 2009.[28] A week later, on August 2, 2009, Nissan unveiled its production version at its Yokohama headquarters and committed to begin retail sales in both the North American market and Japan at end of 2010.[31][32]
Nissan says that the car has a top speed of over 150 km/h (93 mph). Its motor is rated at 80 kilowatts (110 hp) and 280 newton metres (210 lb·ft).[36] Unofficially, 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) performance has been tested at 9.9 seconds.[2]
The Leaf uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 86 megajoules (24 kW·h) lithium ion battery pack rated to deliver up to 90 kilowatts (120 hp) power.[37] The pack contains air-cooled, stacked laminar battery cells with lithium manganate cathodes.[38][39] The battery and control module together weigh 300 kilograms (660 lb) and the specific energy of the cells is 140 W·h/kg.[36] Each battery pack costs Nissan an estimated US$18,000 (as of May 2010[update]).[40][41] Under its five-cycle testing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency found the Leaf's energy consumption to be 765 kJ/km (34 kWh/100 miles) and rated the Leaf combined fuel economy equivalent at 99 MPGe (2.4 L/100 km), with an equivalent 106 mpg-US (2.22 L/100 km; 127 mpg-imp) in city driving and 92 mpg-US (2.6 L/100 km; 110 mpg-imp) on highways
The 24 kWh battery pack consists of 48 modules and each module contains four cells, a total of 192 cells, and is assembled by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) – a joint venture between Nissan, NEC and NEC Energy Devices, at Zama, Japan.[43][44][45]
The Leaf's design locates the battery, the heaviest part of any EV, below the seats and rear foot space, keeping the center of gravity as low as possible and increasing structural rigidity compared to a conventional five-door hatchback.[2][45][46]
The battery pack is expected to retain 70% to 80% of its capacity after 10 years but its actual lifespan depends on how often fast charging (440-volt) is used and also on environmental factors.[39] Nissan said the battery has a "lifespan of 5–10 years under normal use".[47] The Leaf's battery is guaranteed by Nissan for eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)[48][49] (see Warranty sub-section below under United States for limitations).
In addition to the main battery, the Leaf also has an auxiliary 12-volt lead-acid battery that provides power to the car computer systems and accessories such as the audio system, supplemental restraint systems, headlights and windshield wipers.[50] The small solar panel on the Leaf rear spoiler (in the United States, only comes with SL trim[51]) helps to charge this accessory battery.[
The Nissan Leaf employs an advanced telematics system called "Carwings" which originally was only available in Japan.[76][77] The system sends and receives data via a built-in GPRS radio similar to the connectivity of mobile phones. Carwings is connected any time the car is in range of a cell tower and it makes possible several user functionalities, such as position and possible range on a map and which charging stations are available within range. The system also tracks and compiles statistics about distance traveled and energy consumption and produces daily, monthly and annual reports of these and several other operational parameters. All information is available in the Leaf's digital screens.[76][78] Users' mobile phones can be used to turn on the air-conditioner and heater, and reset charging functions even when the vehicle is powered down. This remote functionality can be used to pre-heat or pre-cool the car prior to use while it is still charging so that less energy from the battery is used for climate control. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries at a set time such as during off-peak rates.[79] The Leaf's SL trim has a small solar panel at the rear of the roof/spoiler that can trickle charge the auxiliary battery.[80]
Due to significant noise reduction typical of electric vehicles that travel at low speeds, the Leaf includes digital warning sounds, one for forward motion and another for reverse, to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of its presence.[81][82] For this purpose Nissan created the Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system, which also will be used in the upcoming Nissan Fuga hybrid, due in 2011. The system developed makes a noise easy to hear for those outside in order to be aware of the vehicle approaching, but the warning sounds do not distract the car occupants inside. Nissan explained that during the development of the sound, they studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists.[82][83][84] The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5 kHz at the high end to a low of 600 Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Depending on the speed and if the Leaf is accelerating or decelerating, the sound system makes sweeping, high-low sounds. The sound system ceases operation when the Nissan Leaf reaches 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) and engages again as car slows to under 25 kilometres per hour (16 mph). The driver can turn off sounds temporarily through a switch inside the vehicle, but the system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle. The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the front driver’s side wheel well.[82][83][85] After the new sounds were publicized, the US National Federation of the Blind commented that "while it was pleased that the alert existed, it was unhappy that the driver was able to turn it off."[8
The first vehicles sold in the US were produced at Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan, which started production on October 22, 2010.[44][89] The plant is said to have an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.[44] In early March 2011, shortly before the earthquake in Japan Nissan stated that 10,000 Leafs would be produced by the end of March, and production would reach 4,000 cars per month.[75] Production for May 2011 was expected to be limited only by parts availability.[90]
Commercial US production is slated to begin in late 2012 at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. This US plant will be modified with a US$1.4 billion loan granted by the US Department of Energy to allow the manufacturing plant to produce the Nissan Leaf and its advanced batteries. The retooled plant is expected to create 1,300 jobs.[91][92] The Smyrna plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles and 200,000 battery packs annually.[92]
The Leaf will also be produced at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England, beginning in 2013.[93] Nissan will benefit from a GB£20.7 million grant from the British government and up to GB£220 million from the European Investment Bank.[93][94] The plant will produce 60,000 lithium-ion batteries a year, and it also is expected to deliver 50,000 Leaf EVs a year.[93] Once production starts at the Sunderland plant, Nissan expects to reduce the Leaf price in the European market by 2013.
Nissan officially introduced the Leaf in a ceremony held at its global headquarters in Yokohama on December 3, 2010.[5] The first US customer delivery took place in Northern California on December 11, 2010[4] and the first delivery in Japan took place at the Kanagawa Prefecture on December 22.[96] Deliveries to individual customers began in Ireland in February 2011, in the UK in March 2011, and in France in August 2011.[97][98][99] Deliveries to corporate customers began in Portugal in December 2010,[100] in the Netherlands in March 2011,[101] and in Canada in July 2011.[102] Sales to individuals are scheduled to begin in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Norway in the second half of 2011, with global market availability planned for 2012.[15][11] As of July 2011, more than 6,000 Leafs had been delivered in Japan,[103] more than 700 units in the UK as of August 2011,[104] and 7,217 units sold in the US through September 2011.[105] Worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 15,000 units by September 2011.[10]
The Leaf does not have the Renault-Nissan's QuickDrop battery swap feature, but the alliance's partnership with Better Place influenced Nissan's distribution plan for the US which was based upon availability of electric vehicle networks.[106][107]
Nissan offers the 2011 model year Leaf in SV and SL trim levels. The SV trim level includes an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle. The SL trim level adds features, including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights for an additional US$940.[17][51] An optional CHAdeMO fast charge receptacle can be added for US$700, but is only available as a factory installed option, only on the SL model, and it is not compatible with the SAE J1772 standard connector now in use in the US.[142] A cold weather package is available, standard in some states, optional in others. The package includes a temperature management system for the lithium ion battery, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, rear seat heat duct and heated outside mirrors.[143] According to Nissan, the 2012 model year is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2011, and the Leaf's exterior and powertrain will not have any significant modifications. Minor upgrades for the 2012 Leaf include a quick charge port that will be standard on the SL trim, and the cold weather package will be standard on all Leafs;[144][145] but pricing for both trims of the 2012 model year Leaf was increased.[119] Nissan explained that these changes reflect customer preferences in the US based on actual orders of the 2011 model in the seven initial launch market states, as the SL trim was chosen by 95% of the buyers, and of those Leaf SLs, 90% had the DC quick charge.
Leaf customers have the option to buy a home charging station through Nissan at cost of around US$2,200 including installation, which was eligible for a 50% federal tax credit up to US$2,000 until December 31, 2010,[17][51] and afterwards the credit was reduced to 30% up to US$1,000 for individuals and US$30,000 for commercial buyers.[148] The charging stations operate on a 240-volt supply and are built and installed by AeroVironment. This one-stop-shop process includes a home assessment by a certified technician to ensure that the buyer's garage is plug-in ready.[51] The Aerovironment charging dock is also available as a cash and carry purchase, with installation by any electrical contractor arranged separately. It was originally available for US$751,[149] but the price was increased in April, 2011 to US$995.
Other options for level 2 charging of the Leaf include the Blink charging dock from ECOtality[150] (also available through the EV Project), the Schneider Electric Square-D,[151] and the not yet released Evr-Green unit from Leviton.[152] A complete list of charging stations is available at Plug In America.[153] It is also possible to have the level 1 charging dock which comes with the Leaf modified to support both 120 volt and 240 volt charging, the latter at either 12 amps (US$239) or 16 amps (US$287).[154][155] The 16 amp modification provides the maximum current draw the Leaf can use, and thus charges at the same rate as the Aeorvironment charging dock. Various adapters allow using the modified unit with a wide range of 240 volt sockets. The modified unit provides the cheapest charging solution for those with a 240 volt socket available and is portable for use at other locations. Possible disadvantages include the lack of UL certification and the potential for theft since the unit is not hardwired
The base retail pricefor the 2011 model year Leaf in the US is US$32,780 before any applicable tax incentives (federal tax credit).[17][51] Nissan also has 36 month lease option for US$349 a month for the SV trim and US$379 a month for the SL trim, plus an initial payment of US$1,999 in both cases.[158] For eligible customers there is a electric vehicle federal tax credit for up to a US$7,500 established by the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The federal tax credit shrinks by automaker after it has sold at least 200,000 vehicles in the US, and then it phases out over a year.[17] Nissan explained that it priced the Leaf lower in the US than in Japan because it wants to achieve higher sales in that market.[17] Other state and local incentives are available and may further decrease the cost. California initially had a US$5,000 statewide rebate for FY 2010-2011 available through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and it was decreased to US$2,500 for FY 2011-2012.[159] Georgia has a US$5,000 tax credit, and Oregon has a US$1,500 tax credit.[51]
The base retail price for the 2012 model year Leaf SV was increased to US$36,020 including a US$820 destination charge, and the 2012 Nissan SL is also priced higher, at US$37,250. Both 2012 model trims include more standard equipment than the 2011 model. These prices do not include any federal or local government incentives or tax credits. The three-year lease for the 2012 Leaf SV was increased to US$369, a US$20 increased over the lease rate for a 2011 model.[1
Nissan began the online-only reservation process on April 20, 2010, charging a fully refundable US$99 reservation fee that allowed customers to secure a place on the list to purchase or lease a Leaf. It limited reservations to one per household[12][13][14] and by July 2010 it had received approximately 17,000 reservations.[161] The carmaker reported that more than 55% of the reservations were from what Nissan calls its primary launch markets in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee, where the carmaker has its US headquarters and an auto factory.[161][162] By September 2010 Nissan announced it had reached 20,000 reservations, and it did not accept any more reservations for the remainder of 2010.[163] In July 2011, Nissan stated that only 48% of Leaf reservations from the initial 2010 process materialized into firm orders.[147]
Firm orders started in August, and deliveries began in select markets and limited quantities in December 2010, with availability increasing throughout 2011, and a full US market rollout scheduled for 2012.[12][13][161] Nissan expects the Leaf to be available in 28 states by the end of 2011.[160] Nissan initially limited Leaf sales among states that are home to the EV Project, which was awarded a grant from the United States Department of Energy and is the largest electric vehicle and infrastructure deployment in the US.[161][164] The first Leaf customer delivery took place in a Nissan dealership in Petaluma, California on December 11, 2010, and it was followed by a commemoration event at San Francisco City Hall Plaza. Nissan explained that the first delivery went to the first person in the United States to place a Nissan Leaf on-line order.[4][165] During the following days similar first delivery events took place in San Diego, California; Arizona; Oregon; and Washington, and Tennessee.[166][167] The first Leaf was delivered in Nashville, Tennessee on December 21, 2010, which completed the first delivery in each of the first launch markets,[168][169] and a total of 19 units were delivered that month.[170] On June 1, 2011, Nissan stated that expects the total number of U.S. deliveries to be between 10,000 and 12,000 by the end of 2011,[171] a drop from its original forecast of 20,000 sales.[172] Cumulative sales through September 2011 reached 7,217 Leafs since its market launch in December 2010.[105]
In June 2011, it was reported that customers were frustrated as sales orders were delayed and there was a lack of communication with customers. Some who had placed reservations were dropped from the waiting list without explanation and some were asked to reapply if they couldn’t prove of arranging the installation of home-charging units that can cost more than US$2,000. Some complained their delivery dates kept moving around.[173]
Nissan reopened online reservations for the 2011 model year Leaf on May 1, 2011 in the seven initial launch states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.[174][175] Starting on July 27, 2011, Nissan opened up the 2012 model year Leaf ordering process to consumers with existing reservations the second group of launch markets, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Then, on August 4, Nissan reopened the reservation process to the general public in the first and second launch markets. By October of 2011 Nissan had also opened orders for the 2012 Leaf to residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, and Ohio. Deliveries of the first batch of 2012 model year Leafs is scheduled to begin in November 2011.[1
Based on the aggregate information compiled until late April 2011 through the telematics systems included in all Leafs and reflecting the patterns of early adopters, Nissan found that the average trip length is 7 miles (11 km) and the average charging time is 2 hours and 11 minutes, with most owners charging on a Level 2, 220-volt charger at their homes. Nissan also found that early adopters are a combination of conscientious environmentalists and tech-savvy individuals.[174][175] Additional information compiled until mid July 2011 and based on the owners profile from more than 4,000 Leaf delivered in the US market, Nissan found that the Leaf the primary vehicle for most owners; 60% of Leaf sales in the country took place in California, led by Los Angeles and San Francisco; Leaf owners drive less than 60 mi (97 km) a day; and the Toyota Prius is the number one vehicle also owned by Leaf buyers, with 19%. The information compiled allowed Nissan to build a profile of the first owners, finding that Leaf buyers are college educated; have excellent credit, with an average credit score of 750, and have a combined household income of US$140,000 a year.[14
The Leaf's battery warranty is for eight years or 160,000 kilometres (100,000 mi).[48][49] The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but does not cover gradual loss of battery capacity, nor does it cover damage or failure resulting from not following the preventive actions recommended in the Leaf Owner's Manual for the lithium-ion battery, such as exposing the car to ambient temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for over 24 hours, or storing the Leaf in temperatures below −13 °F (−25 °C) for over 7 days.[182]
Before the Leaf's market launch, Nissan conducted an e-mail survey in July 2010 among the 16,000 individuals that made a reservation in the US and a sample of other potential customers regarding the terms of the battery pack guarantee. The survey was sent two days after General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Volt's battery was guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 kilometres (100,000 mi).[183][184][185] The multiple-choice survey had a batch of battery warranty related questions focused on the responder's preference between a five-year or 97,000-kilometre (60,000 mi) warranty or an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre (100,000 mi) warranty.[183][184] A Nissan spokeswoman commented that the company wanted to hear from future Leaf drivers to ensure Nissan was meeting the expectations of the marketplace before making a decision on its warranty policy.
whether it is Dunkin' Donuts vs. Starbucks, or the Yankees vs. the Red Sox. So it is not surprising that the simultaneous launch of the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf late last year built anticipation for a grand face-off. Here, after all, were two highly touted new cars, each using electric propulsion in a different way, that would compete for sales to early adopters while piling up environmental bragging rights. Car guys everywhere are betting on the outcome. So who's ahead? So far Nissan has sold 4,806 units of the all-electric Leaf in the U.S., while GM (GM) has moved only 2,870 Volts, which use batteries assisted by a small gasoline engine. Interesting perhaps, except that such early sales figures are virtually meaningless. The sales winner won't be clear until production ramps up. GM intends to assemble 16,000 Volts in 2011 and 50,000 in 2012. Nissan can currently build 50,000 Leafs annually in Japan. Beginning in 2013, it will have the capacity to build 150,000 more at a new plant in Tennessee.
The Nissan Leaf five-door hatchback is as close to a unique car as you’ll get: It’s one of two pure electric cars offered in the U.S. for the 2011 model year. And it’s one of only a handful of “electric-drive� cars, which power the wheels solely with one or more electric motors rather than mechanical drive derived from engine torque. It competes with a number of plug-in vehicles just entering the market or soon to come, only one of which—the Coda Sedan—is also a pure electric vehicle. Others are the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle, which provides 40 miles of pure electric range and then another 300 or so miles by using a gasoline engine to turn a generator that provides electric power to its motor, and the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which is essentially a conventional Prius hybrid-electric vehicle fitted with a larger battery pack that gives up to 12 miles of electric range and can be plugged in to recharge it.
Nissan hasn’t release pricing on the Leaf as yet, but the company says its overall cost of ownership will be comparable to, or better than, a gasoline car of the same size. That’s likely to mean a higher purchase cost—more than $30,000, most likely—offset by much lower operating costs (2-5 cents per mile for electricity, versus 6 to 15 cents per mile using gasoline). Energy is stored in a 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the Leaf’s floorpan. It powers an electric motor that drives the front wheels, and should give a range of about 100 miles from a full charge. Recharging takes 6 to 7 hours using 220-Volt power (the same kind used for electric stoves and driers), and Nissan says special fast-charge stations will fill the pack from 20 to 80 percent in less than half an hour. Installation of the home charger costs an additional $1,200 to $1,500.
Nissan claims the compact-size Leaf offers the interior room of a midsize car; its weight of well over 3,000 pounds is clearly more in line with the larger category. Like all electric cars, which can develop peak torque at 0 rpm, it is brisk off the line. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is likely to be in the 10-second range, and top speed will be 90 miles per hour or close. The Leaf includes the ability to pre-heat or pre-cool the car while it’s still plugged in, to reduce the load on the battery. The coarse, velvety upholstery material is made from recycled plastic bottles and home appliances.
The Leaf is the first of several all-electric models expected from Nissan, which has placed a large bet on all-electric cars versus plug-ins that are either adapted conventional hybrids (like the Prius Plug-In) or use a range extending engine (like the Volt) to provide longer travel distances.
at this point, so we were flying blind. The LCD screen had popped up a warning window with the option to search for a charging station. We hit the yes button, and the closest location was multimedia editor Eric Rossi's house that was 5.9 miles away. The car had automatically stored the location the first time it charged there.
Would we make it? Well, that wasn't the goal; we wanted to kill it, so we stuck to side roads, not wanting to push it off a highway. Minutes ticked by. The moderate speeds and cool weather kept the Leaf going and going, and we began to wonder if our 6.4-liter V-8-powered Dodge Challenger chase car would run out of fuel first.
After about four more miles, we reached the final milestone - the elusive turtle mode. The warning voice said, "Power output is being limited." The trip computer display cycled between "Motor power is limited" and "Battery level is low," and an orange turtle icon (or is it a tortoise?) appeared front and center.
The power was indeed limited. The Leaf accelerated at a rate of roughly 1 mph per second, so the fastest I ever got it going on side streets was 30 mph between stop signs. This mode is intended exclusively to get you to the side of the road, not to continue driving. We continued driving.
We got more than another mile out of the Leaf, finally coming to rest at the top of a modest incline having traveled 21.6 miles since the experiment began. The car went into Neutral and wouldn't go back into Drive or Reverse. Cars.com had killed the electric car. The lights and all instruments stayed on, and the air conditioning continued blowing.
At 3:45 p.m. I phoned roadside assistance and pressed 1 to indicate a dead battery, wondering if it represented the conventional battery or EV type. A live operator came on and asked all the relevant questions. She said towing was covered under warranty and we would be towed to a Nissan dealer. I asked if we could instead be brought to Eric's house, a mere 2 miles away. She said yes, any distance less than 50 miles is
With my permission, she used my cell phone to pinpoint our location within feet (creepy) and said I'd get a confirmation call soon. Eight minutes had passed since I dialed. At 4 o' clock an automated call said the tow truck was roughly an hour away. It actually arrived at 4:40 p.m., installed the Leaf's front bumper tow hook and winched it onboard. The driver dropped the car off - practically all the way into Eric's tight garage - and was gone by 5:27.
From the time we ground to a halt around 3:40 p.m., less than two hours had passed. It was a drag, but it was free and otherwise painless. We think falling two miles short of our destination was a realistic scenario for a driver who misjudges his own electric vehicle's range, and it underscored how attractive a roadside recharge would be. With that option, we could have added enough juice to get home in the amount of time it took to complete the paperwork for our tow-truck driver. The car never would have been loaded onto the truck, and we would have shaved another 30 minutes off the experience.
It could have been worse, though. If we weren't so close to Eric's house, we would have had to go to a dealership or other Level 2 charging point where the car would have to remain for a few hours or even overnight. That would have been more inconvenient than any conventional dead battery or empty fuel tank.
A final note: Though we went 21.6 miles at the end, following an estimate of 16 miles, the full range from the previous day's full charge was 72 actual miles after the car had estimated 108 miles. Some of that driving was on the highway, not the easy lower-speed driving we did during the test, but the weather was close to optimal.
Having definitively tested the actual range as opposed to the Leaf's starting and ending estimates, it seems like the EPA-estimated range of 73 miles is much closer to reality than is Nissan's marketing claim of "up to" 100 miles. This has been our suspicion all along.
Another interesting side note: After being charged for three hours at Level 1 - the 120-volt charging cord that usually adds up to five miles of range per hour - the Leaf estimated only four miles. We must have really run that thing down
Nissan leaf
No comments:
Post a Comment