Posts Tagged ‘Nissan LEAF’

In March, the United States spent $39.3 billion on oil imports, the highest level in nearly three years. Net oil imports represented 65 percent of the U.S. trade deficit.

These statistics were the central focus of a meeting between Nissan Leadership, PEW Clean Energy Program, and U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander on Monday. Coming together at the Nissan American Headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, the group stressed the crucial component of electric vehicles (EVs) to a clean energy economy in the United States.

In addition to the obvious implications on environmental sustainability, the groups were unanimous in their opinions that EVs are also a key factor in economic sustainability. As EVs increase in popularity due to environmental reasons, they also become vital in attracting jobs and investment.

Estimates state that as many as 22% of all active vehicles will be electric by 2030, with senators pushing an ambitious goal of 25% by the year 2020. Nissan is hoping to see momentum from the recently introduced “Promoting Electric Vehicles Act”, which uses 2 competitive grant programs to assist companies in switching their vehicle fleets from gas to electric.

Scott Becker, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America, summed up Nissan’s immediate vision for EVs:

Nissan wants to be part of the solution in addressing our nation’s energy challenges, and is committed to leading the way in zero-emission mobility and supporting policies that will establish the clean energy economy. The Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it will be manufactured in Tennessee starting next year.

See the full press release in the Nissan Media Newsroom and stay tuned here and on Facebook for the latest news on Nissan’s clean energy initiatives.

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How far can the Nissan LEAF actually go on a single charge? Nissan has released its own estimate but everyone knows that mileage may vary depending on driving habits, terrain, and speed. Motor Trend finally decided to put the question everyone was asking to rest by testing the LEAF first hand.

Motor Trend’s Benson Kong reported a display of 106 miles on the LEAF’s range estimate display when fully charged. The farthest anyone from their team had traveled on one charge up to that point was 58 miles, and Kong was skeptical to say the least. He proceeded to drive at a steady pace for the first half of the trip of 44.7 miles. During this period, which was mostly through very heavy Los Angeles traffic, he averaged 5.2 miles per kW-h with the indicated remaining range displaying 56 miles.

The next morning, he commuted another 42.6 miles at higher speeds. The final numbers, as reported by Kong, were as follows:

-    Final trip distance: 87.3 miles
-    Indicated range left: 13 miles
-    Average energy use, according to the Leaf: 4.9 miles per kW-h
-    Total energy appropriated for full recharge from 208-volt, 30-ampere supply: 21.45 kW-h
-    Total time needed for full recharge: 6 hours, 4 minutes
-    Total actual driving time: Around 3 hours
-    Driving style: Careful but not hypermiling
-    Transmission drive mode: Normal Drive

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With rising fuel costs on everyone’s mind, the push for electric cars has never been stronger. Currently, the 2011 Nissan Leaf is the most affordable all-electric car on the market. The editors at Edmunds Inside Line recently added the Leaf to the fleet for their long-term road test.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by 48 compact lithium-ion battery modules that feed an 80kW AC motor, producing 107 horsepower. The Inside Line team will test the Leaf’s driving range of 73 to 100 miles, during commuting in and around their Santa Monica location.

The Leaf is offered in two trim levels, starting with the base SV that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery made from recycled materials, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The crew at Inside Line received the fully loaded SL-trimmed model, which includes a spoiler-mounted solar panel, automatic headlamps, foglamps and a rearview camera.

On paper, the 2011 Nissan Leaf seems to be hitting all of its marks in terms of usability and affordability. How will it do when it comes to range and operating costs? We’ll be working to answer those over the next six months. – Mark Takahashi Associate Editor

We will definitely stay tuned for more results!

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Nismo 370Z Coupe

This year, Nissan will be sending nine vehicles to the Tokyo Auto Salon including the LEAF Aero Style Concept  and the Nismo GT-R RC (Racing Competition). As Motor Trend reports, the event is the Japanese equivalent of SEMA, where big-name tuning firms, motorsport brands and aftermarket accessory specialists congregate to show off their wares.

Perhaps Nissans most anticipated new vehicle to show, is the new race car package from Nismo. the Nismo GT-R RC was developed for circuit driving and features slick tire-compatible suspension, lightweight components and special safety equipment and devices – like a welded roll cage that meets the FIA standard, a 120 liter safety fuel tank made by ATL and air jacks. It will compete in production races held around the world before officially going on sale following its Tokyo debut.

The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America.

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