Nissan Leaf: a new ZE car
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An Australian release, for the new
Nissan Leaf, is expected in 2012.
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Nissan
6th August, 2009
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the Nissan Leaf, the
world's first affordable, zero-emission car in Japan on Sunday 2nd August 2009. Designed specifically for
a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan Leaf is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five
adults and has a range of more than 160 kilometres (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer
requirements.
Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States and Europe, Nissan Leaf ushers in a new era
of mobility - the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision
for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.
"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."
Key characteristics of the Leaf include:
1) Zero-emission power train and platform
2) Affordable pricing
3) Distinctive design
4) Real-world range autonomy - 160 kilometres (100 miles)
5) Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system
The "Leaf" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in
nature, so Nissan Leaf purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Nissan
expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.
Additionally, Nissan Leaf is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national
tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less
mechanical complexity than a traditional petrol-powered car, Nissan Leaf is designed to be friendly to
the wallet as well as to the environment.
ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Nissan Leaf is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over
90 kW, while its electric motor delivers 80 kW/280 Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive
experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, petrol-powered
cars.
Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan Leaf's power train has no tail pipe,
and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan Leaf's regenerative
braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of
more than 160 kms (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of
more than 70% of the world's consumers who drive cars.
And, Nissan's approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan Leaf can be charged up to 80% of
its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet
is estimated to take approximately eight hours - ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer
and car alike.
REAL-WORLD CAR
"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. The styling will identify not only Nissan
Leaf but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility," said Masato
Inoue, Product Chief Designer.
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.
Nissan Leaf's frontal styling is characterised by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long,
up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design. The
headlights are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus
reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume
about 50 per cent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan Leaf to achieve its
world-class range autonomy.
Through bright trim colours inside, Nissan Leaf provides a pleasing and stylish cabin environment.
An environmentally friendly "blue earth" colour theme originates from the Aqua Globe body colour of
Nissan Leaf's introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard
highlights and instrument illumination.
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more
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CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan Leaf employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data centre, the system can
provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.
The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan Leaf's remaining power - or "reachable area" - in addition to
showing a selection of nearby charging stations.
Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and
set charging functions - even when Nissan Leaf is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can
also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.
"The IT system is a critical advantage," says Tooru Abe, Chief Product Specialist. "We wanted
this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this
vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that
possible."
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan Leaf is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan
recognises that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global
transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision
through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies
from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan Leaf will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For
others, Nissan Leaf will be a logical addition to the family fleet - the optimal choice for the daily
commute, for example.
While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in
eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a
comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing
research and investment in FCV technology.
WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programmes under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships
with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors,
for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.
In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas:
1) Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,
2) Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and
3) Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.
ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
Nissan Leaf is the first in the company's forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the
realisation of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan's EV's
will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA.
Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for
the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.
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