Quick Look: 2011 Nissan Leaf

Presenting, the future of motoring, the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is what Nissan calls “the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car”. It is a small, 5-passenger, plug-in electric vehicle with a maximum range of 100 miles. The vehicle is designed with a commuter in mind; 70% of commuters travel less than 70 miles per day. Let’s take a closer look at it.

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Facts:

(in random order)

• Low-resistance conventional (non-run-flat) tires.
• No spare tire.
• Ability to pre-cool or pre-heat the car from your cell phone.
• LED lights all around.
• Heated seats and steering wheel are standard.
• Batteries are located under seats and floor.
• There is a small solar cell in the functional rear spoiler. Larger solar batteries were not implemented due to costs.
• The Leaf chassis is not shared with any other vehicle. It is dimensionally similar to an equally boring Nissan Versa.
• The Leaf will be available in the spring of 2010.
• The price is expected to be between $25000 and $28000, depending on tax credits.
• The Lithium Ion batteries are not replaceable (at least not by Joe’s Fish, Chips, and Auto Batteries) or serviceable.
• The Leaf is produced in Japan, but the batteries are made in Smyrna, TN.

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What’s in a Name?

(Written by my wife Stephanie)

I can understand the connection with being environmentally friendly as the impetus for naming Nissan’s new electric car Leaf.  Yes, Leaf conjures up images of lightness and green but connected to that is also an association with fragility, lack of strength and power – things you do not want in a car.

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Charging:

• An electrician has to install the 240v charging station in your house. Nissan is working with various communities to have the process streamlined so that the customer does not have to worry about permits, inspections, etc.
• The Leaf can be “quick charged” from 0 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Quick charging is not recommended for daily usage as it will shorten battery life. Quick charging is limited to 80% of battery capacity due to heat built up.
• The home-use 240V AC charger charges the Leaf from 0 to 100% in less than 8 hours.
• The car comes with a standard 120v plug which is located in the trunk for on-the-go charging.

My Opinion:

I applaud the research, the technology and the engineering that went into the design of the Leaf. I am a carguy, but I also believe that we should all do our part in protecting and preserving the environment. While I don’t think that driving electric cars is the right way to do this, it is a trend that will continue to swell.

My question is why cars such as Leaf or Prius have to be so damn boring? This car has no soul, no personality. It is an appliance designed from the get-go to be recycled after it performed its duty in life. I seriously doubt that in the year 2055 Barrett-Jackson will be auctioning off a mint condition Leaf.

Update: Last night I realized what I really like about the Leaf – it is simple. There is no fancy adjustable suspension system, no 30-way adjustable seats, frankly it has nothing that is not necessary for daily commute. You may say that “well, it’s a cheap economy car so it is not suppose to have this.” Granted, but with every new model that comes out, especially a halo car like this, the manufacturer is compelled to throw in a few extras. Not with the Leaf however. Besides the electric power-plant there is nothing on this vehicle that not already on the market; the digital dash, fancy nav system, it is all already out there and proven. Good job for not going overboard, Nissan.

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Interesting stuff:

(in random order)

• Seat fabrics are made out of recycled plastic.
• 90% of the car is easily recyclable.
• Headlights have a special patented design which splits the airflow over the side mirror in order to reduce air resistance and noise.
• Wheels look a bit like those on a 90’s 300ZX.
• Plugs for 120v and 240v are standardized throughout the industry.
• Charging station locations can be found using the navigational system.
• In comparison to a conventional car, the Leaf (and most EVs) requires minimum service; tires, wiper blades, grease points, hydraulic brake system.
• There is no conventional emissions system on the Leaf as there are no emissions, but the vehicle does still have a typical OBD2 connector – for what, I don’t know.
• Extreme heat and extreme cold will affect the maximum driving distance.
• The heavy batteries installed are installed in the floor, thereby reducing the center of gravity and yielding better driving dynamics.
• The Leaf still has a conventional 12v automotive battery.

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