2011 Nissan Leaf

2011 Nissan Leaf


Forget the question, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" That's because Nissan brings the electric car back from the dead. Of course, the Tesla Roadster electric car is cool again, but the 2011 is the Nissan Leaf vehicle electrical power first feature to be offered for sale to the U.S. consumer. Unlike previous electric cars (including the GM EV1), Leaf can be purchased directly, rather than fixed, so that no one is forced to restore the manufacturer After two years of being studied and then destroyed.

Shopping sheets in a pack of lithium ion batteries, making it one of the first vehicles to use advanced battery technology. Lithium batteries promise of better acceleration and range of similar size nickel metal hydride. Nissan says that the recharge at home with a special 220-volt charger will take 4-8 hours. Rapid charging station business can be done in 30 minutes. Fully charged, the sheet is estimated that an effective range of 100 miles.

Course is 100 miles around a third the size of cruise is in a conventional car, Leaf main disadvantage is obvious. Unlike a plug-in hybrid as a Chevy Volt, there is no gasoline engine backup to keep you moving when the batteries are exhausted Leaf. Instead, you will be stuck with a commitment to recharge long enough, and that's if you manage to reach a source of energy available in time. Our take is that the sheet is best suited for drivers to do many routine trips or make shorter trips, and the owners of a household with two cars and a garage.

However, Nissan Leaf 2011 promises to be a very useful tool. Leaf hit the subscription price of about $ 25,000 after the $ 7,500 federal tax credit (the residents of some states are entitled to additional funds, as well). Buyers are advised to buy the $ 2.200 at home charging station, but this unit has its personal tax credit is 50 percent. Operating costs should also be attractive because it leaves the cost of charging should be part of what you want to pay the petrol tank.

An electric car is not for everyone. Passengers long distance for a car and families living in departments interested in fuel-efficient vehicles and green-oriented you should consider a Chevy Volt, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius (either regular or new plug-in hybrid ) or even a Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel. But for those hoping to buy a real electric car, the arrival of the Road 2011 Nissan is a revolutionary act.

Body styles, trim levels and options


The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric four-door hatchback available in the levels of SV and SL trims.

Standard equipment includes the SV 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition / entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt steering wheel and one rear seat 60/40 -split-folding. There is also a fabric made from recycled materials, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, an advanced computer, navigation system and six speaker audio CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and iPod / USB audio interface.

SL magazine adds a rear spoiler mounted on a solar panel, automatic headlights, fog lights, a rearview camera and a cargo cover.

In addition, each sheet comes with a connection of Nissan, a remote vehicle access to the data reports of the battery and can allow climate control via mobile phone. Optional is a charging station in the country and a port for quick charge, which charges 80 percent in 30 minutes in a public charging station.

Engines and performance
2011 Nissan Leaf is powered by a 80-kilowatt synchronous electric motor 24 kWh lithium-ion battery. Output is 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the supply of electric power car is significantly different from that of petrol, diesel and even hybrid cars, so take power with a grain of salt Leaf.

Nissan considers a range of 100 miles, but it depends on driving style, traffic conditions, cruise and at the age of the battery. Room temperature actually plays a role in determining the navigation area, because extreme temperatures are detrimental to battery performance. The EPA has rated the equivalent energy Sheet (MPG-e) to Highway 106 mpg city/92 mpg and 99 mpg combined driving range and an estimated 73 miles.

Security

For 2011, Nissan Leaf comes standard with disc brakes with ABS, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is optional on SL.

Interior Design and Special Features

Because the battery of the blade on the floor under the seats, the rear seat is quite comfortable for adults. The front seat offers no shortage of space for drivers, the same height and the seats themselves are very supportive and comfortable, but short range of the vehicle ensures that you never can be enjoyed 'a long road trip route. Cargo space is a bit small for a hatchback, however, and even if you leave the rear seats, the load floor is not flat.

The interior of the sheet is dominated by a group of two-tier instrument similar to the Honda Civic. The control panel has a center of the touchscreen, which controls the navigation system standard and special features such as cruising range. You can even schedule the start time of the charging system to take advantage of lower electricity rates. The quality of the interior is almost the same as other economy sedan, but in general, and the finish is definitely a step forward.

Guide

Anyone who has driven or at least the next was a hybrid of knowing how quiet it is operating in electric-only mode. It can be scary or cool, depending on your point of view. The 2011 Nissan Leaf, serenity never ceases, and you can only detect a sharp hissing heavy gas. This creates a harmful side effect of quiet to the wind and road noise at highway speeds more, but in general Leaf is amazingly quiet.

Since an electric car, the benefits from a lot of leaf pair, the first touch of the accelerator pedal. Leaves appears to be an exhilarating and speed without drama - such as urban city car, it certainly stands out. Press the brakes and the pedal is firm and sure, and a strange, vague feeling of the most useful indication of braking systems.

The battery is mounted low in the electric power steering and body well-tuned, we were pleasantly surprised by how it transforms the leaf. Its capacity is typical of that seen in other well-designed compact family car, and most of the way, Leaf seems normal enough to drive.

Price $ 32.780