Nissan’s first mass produced all electric car, the Nissan Leaf, is expected to have have at least 20 000 customers in the United States before even hitting showrooms in the third quarter of 2010.

We are confident we will have 20,000 reservations for the Leaf by the time it goes on sale, says Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s chairman for the Americas.

The Nissan Leaf is competing against the Mitsuibshi I-MiEV and the Subaru Stella with all three cars powered only by electricity.

In order for the cars to work in a city environment, a recharging grid must be available to bring the Leaf back to life. In the United States, Nissan has worked with authorities to have the infestructure ready prior to launch. The Leafs delivered to US customers will initially be imported from Japan, but starting in 2012 they will be built in Tennessee where Nissan has invested over USD2.5 billion to manufacture 150 000 Leafs a year and 200 000 lithium ion batteries, starting in late 2012.

The Nissan Leaf’s electric motor is capable of 80 kW and 280 N.m of torque, it will manage 160 km on one full charge, which takes eight hours, however Nissan says a 30 minute charge will still provide a range of around 120 km.

As for South African buyers, no news is available on whether the Leaf will make it to SA. If the infestracture can be put in place to support electric vehicles (EV’s) this may open up the market for a number of manufacturers. However, with electric vehicles typically demanding a price premium at this early stage, South Africa may not have a large enough demand to warrant fully imported EV’s. Now if only we had a locally produced alternative…oh yes, some okes in Cape Town are working on something called the Joule.

Nissan has officially unveiled the LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car.

The Nissan LEAF is a medium-sized hatchback which can comfortably accommodate five adults with a range of more than 160 km, which, according to Nissan, should satisfy the daily driving requirements of more than 70 per cent of the world’s consumers who drive cars.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the LEAF is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the US and Europe with Australian sales expected to follow in 2012.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride”, said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

“We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions.”

“It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry,” he said.

While pricing is yet to be announced, affordability will play a vital role in the LEAF’s success, with Nissan expecting it to be priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.

The price will also vary dramatically in different markets where it may qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in countries around the world.

The laminated compact lithium-ion batteries powering the LEAF generate peak output of more than 90 kW, while its electric motor delivers 80 kW and 280 N.m.

The batteries can be charged to 80 per cent of their full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger, while a conventional 200v socket should take approximately eight hours.

“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,” said Masato Inoue, Product Chief Designer.

“The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility.”

The Nissan LEAF will also employ an exclusive advanced IT system connected to a global data centre to provide continuous support, information, and entertainment for drivers.

A dash-mounted monitor displays the LEAF’s remaining power and ‘reachable area’ as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Mobile phone integration also allows the air-conditioning to be activated remotely and set charging functions while an on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

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.

Adapted from CarAdvice