Nissan will officially be the first major automaker to begin widespread sales of an all-electric car. The Nissan Leaf was unveiled to the press for the first time this weekend. The Los Angeles Times notes, "Depending on how you define your terms, the Leaf will be the first mass-market EV sold in the U.S. since the 1920s."
 

Autoblog reports, "Designed as a four-to-five seat, front-drive C-segment hatchback, Nissan says the Leaf is not just for use as a specialty urban runabout, but rather, it was designed as an everyday vehicle - a ‘real car' whose 160-kilometer+ (100 mile) range meets the needs of 70% of the world's motorists." The Leaf looks a bit like a Nissan Versa hatchback, with a shorter nose (electric motors take up less space than gasoline engines) and a roofline reminiscent of the Murano SUV.

Inside, Autoblog says, "The interior is at once handsome and spacious, with what appears to be plenty of room both front and rear for real-sized adults, and the cargo area is very deep, as it is unencumbered by a gas tank assembly (the batteries are mounted beneath the seats within the wheelbase)."

Edmunds Inside Line explains, "The five-seat, electric-blue Leaf hatchback is to be launched in select U.S. and Japanese markets next year to begin what Nissan hopes will become an era of global leadership for the company in a growing EV market." The car has, according to Nissan engineers, "a top speed of 90 mph, a range of 100 miles per charge with a 30-minute recharge where quick-charging stations are available (6 hours with a 220-volt current) and seat cushion-compressing acceleration that will launch it from zero to 30 mph faster than an Infiniti G37, thanks to 207 pound-feet of torque from its 80 kilowatt (107 horsepower) electric motor."

As for final pricing, The L.A. Times notes, "Nissan officials have quietly hinted at a price less than $30,000 retail (that's before any tax credits), the goal being to make the EV a no-cost option. That would be the LEAF's greatest trick." A government tax rebate of up to $7,500 for electric vehicles, signed into law last year, will probably apply to the Leaf, theoretically knocking its price down into the mid-$20,000 range.

Questions & Answers about the Nissan Leaf

 Q: Is there a timeline for the development of sufficient "charging station" infrastructure to make this competitive with ICEs?

A: We're working all the time on developing infrastructure. By the time of mass-production, lots will be in place.

Q: Since the battery is on the front, is there something (reliable) protecting it in case of a collision

A: The battery is actually located under the driver's seat. It has been tested for impact safety.

Q: When plugging the car in will it be possible that the car would be "smart"enough to pull electricity during non peak hours?

A: You can program the car to charge whenever you like. Most people will charge overnight at off-peak times.

Q: How much torque does the leaf have?

A:The exact specs of the LEAF are still under development. It does, however, have 100% torque at 0 RPM!

Q: What is the expected price of the home-installed charge station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?

A:We will provide more info about home chargers when it's available.


Q: Could you post a picture of the LEAF with the hood open so we can view the "engine compartment"?

A: There is no hood since there is no engine to service in the traditional way. Stay tuned for more pictures soon.