Precisely two years after the Nissan LEAF was shown to the South African public at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), the revolutionary car has become the first ever 100% electric, zero emission vehicle to go on sale in the country. Following major investments both from Nissan South Africa and South African businesses, phase one of full retail sales will commence in November via a dedicated Nissan LEAF dealer network covering Johannesburg and Pretoria. Nissan say a charging infrastructure has been implemented at convenient locations.
Besides its unique body design which features a host of aerodynamically-honed elements and energy-saving measures, the LEAF is built in Japan and available in key global markets; sales have already surpassed the 83 000 mark and internationally, Nissan LEAF vehicles have travelled over 472 500 000 km. Nissan claim, thanks to emission-free driving, a massive 79 000 000 kilograms of CO2 have been saved. Don’t forget the Nissan LEAF has also racked up international accolades, including the 2011 European Car of the Year title, the 2011-2012 Japanese Car of the Year award and the 2011 World Car of the Year honours.
At the very core of the Nissan LEAF is laminated Lithium-ion battery technology. Similar to those found in cell phones and laptop computers, the 192 highly-efficient cells. The battery pack is installed under the floor of the Nissan LEAF, the interior above it capable of comfortably seating five adults. Drawing from the energy stored in the 24 kWh Li-ion batteries the AC synchronous electric motor powers the front wheels via a single speed gear reduction transmission. With 80 kW of power between 3008 and 10 000 rpm and a substantial torque peak of 254 Nm from 0 rpm to 3008 rpm.
Energy consumption is pegged at 150 wh/ km, and with no internal combustion of any sort the Nissan LEAF of course boasts zero carbon emissions. The 0-100 km/h dash is completed in 11.5 seconds and top speed is 144 km/h. Range on a fully-charged battery pack is as much as 195 km. Charging can be done in various ways, each of which offering different charge times. Each Nissan LEAF is sold with a home charger, which is installed by specialised technicians in the owner’s home upon purchase. A normal charge from empty in this manner takes up to seven hours, making it easily possible to maintain charge every evening. Nissan says studies from overseas markets show that over 90% of charging is conducted in this way, as most drivers do not drive more than 100 km per day.
At launch as part of phase one of the Nissan LEAF roll-out, select Nissan dealers in Gauteng also provide Nissan LEAF ‘quick charge’ stations, each of which is free of charge for Nissan LEAF owners. The quick charge units, which are accessible even after hours, provide a specialised electric current which is able to charge the battery pack from empty to 80% in just 30 minutes. A quick 10-minute top-up will give the driver an additional 50km of range. Regenerative braking in the Nissan LEAF also acts as a charging source, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes themselves acting as electricity generators and feeding power back into the battery pack. Similarly, coasting on a downhill also regenerates power, and the Nissan LEAF provides a ‘B mode’ which simulates the sensation of engine braking and increases the rate at which power is regenerated.
The new Nissan LEAF retails as of November 2013 for R446 000 including a 3-year/ 90 000 km service plan linked to service intervals of 15 000 km. Roadside assistance and a 3-year/ 100 000 km mechanical warranty are also included.
