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In conjunction with the opening of its new, environmentally-focused global headquarters building in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the Nissan LEAF production electric vehicle. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge, based on an urban driving cycle (US LA4[1]). Nissan LEAF is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

A 24 kWh pack of laminated lithium-ion batteries from Nissan JV AESC delivers output of more than 90kW to power a synchronous AC motor delivering 80 kW (107 hp) of power and torque of 280 N·m (207 lb-ft). Top speed is 140 km/h (90 mph).
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Connectors for quick and regular charge are at the front of the hood. Click to enlarge.

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.

    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.
    —Masato Inoue, Product Chief Designer

Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout. 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. The headlights are designed to split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. The headlights also consume just 10% of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.
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The LEAF in-dash monitor. Click to enlarge.

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system provides support, information, and entertainment. The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power—or “reachable area” in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Mobile phones can be used 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-programed to recharge batteries.

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs. The first of Nissan’s EVs 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.

    Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment—one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride. 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.
    —Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn

Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company 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.

Nissan said that while LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility, it recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan said it is implementing its zero-emission vision through a “holistic” approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.

Nissan offers a suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology.

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