NISSAN LEAF Electric Prototype 2009

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, the Nissan Leaf ushers in a new era of mobility - the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Renault Nissan Alliance's radical transformation 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." The Nissan Renault Alliance has set unique goals for the emergence of the electric car in the XXIst century including a set of partnership contracts with governments, local administrations and electric power supply companies for the infrastructure and economic conditions. see renault - nissan - alliance - electric - car project - 2009 for further details.

The Nissan Leaf shall be produced in Japan Nissan Oppama plant, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennesee, United States. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the United States, the United Kingdom and Portugal, and other sites for investment under study around the world.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90 kW, while its front wheel drive electric motor delivers 80 kW/280 Nm. This will ensure, with Nissan Leaf's regenerative braking system, a driving range of more than 160 km (100 miles) an 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. 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 200 V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

" Our car had to be the world's first, medium-size, practical electric vehicle that motorists could afford and would want to use every day." said Masato Inoue, Product Chief Designer. " The styling will identify not only the Nissan Leaf but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility." Nissan Leaf's frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting-diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design. These headlights are also designed to split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag.

The Nissan Leaf employs an exclusive advanced Information Technology (IT) system. Connected to a global data center, 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.

Dimensions/ Performance: Length 4445 mm, Width 1770 mm, Height 1550 mm, Wheelbase 2700 mm, Seating capacity 5 , Maximum speed over 140 kph (90 mph) Battery capacity 24 kWh

Text Paul Damiens - Photos Nissan

Wallpapers of the NISSAN LEAF Electric Prototype 2009 click to enlarge