Nissan Leaf – Japan's first induction to the electric car war!

It seems that electric cars are the new fad for Green People!В  Electric cars have been around for quite some time, in fact GM was the first company to launch a real production model with the EV1 back in 1996.В  Imagine that, as I am posting this, that was 13 years ago the first real production electric vehicle was launched....

The problem with this and all EVs is the cost, weight and endurance of the batteries as well as the simple thought of how to recharge these massive batteries.В  The good news is, just as calculators and cell phones have gotten smaller, so have the batteries that power these electric vehicles.В  That is what Nissan is counting on as they launch their new Nissan Leaf.

The Nissan Leaf is a great looking electric car by EV standards.В  It is a five door small hatchback which will turn people's heads as it drives by.В  Some of the features include:

  • Zero tailpipe emissions
  • 100% torque off the line
  • 100% electric - no gas
  • Competitively priced
  • Speeds of up to 90 MPH
  • 5 passengers, 5 doors
  • Advanced airbags, audio and other amenities

The launch for the "general public" has not been announced, but Nissan just built an agreement with San Diego's Gas & Electric company to launch their fleet in early 2010.В  Here is what they had to say:

"As the region becomes a pioneer launch site for these advanced vehicles and the charging infrastructure, San Diego will continue on its course to become "plug-in ready" and a national center for clean technology, fostering less dependence on fossil fuels, new "green" jobs and a healthier environment," said Debra L. Reed, president and chief executive officer of SDG&E.

In late 2010, Nissan will begin delivering to fleet operators and select members of the public the LEAF, a zero-emission, all-electric five-passenger, compact vehicle capable of achieving 100 miles on a single charge. Charging of the advanced lithium-ion battery is expected to take eight hours with a 220-volt line and also will be capable of charging through a standard 120-volt outlet. The vehicle may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

"Nissan, through partnerships with SDG&E and others, is fast becoming a global leader in zero-emission vehicles," said Mark Perry, director of product planning and strategy of Nissan North America. "Nissan and SDG&E have a shared belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure is one of the best solutions to reducing CO2 emissions. This partnership is an important step in making zero-emission a reality in San Diego."

SDG&E is collaborating with eTec, the San Diego Regional Clean Fuels Coalition and local organizations to provide the critical mass needed to not only assess electric vehicle viability and charging infrastructure needs, but customer needs and education. Over the next six months, charging station locations will be identified and initial infrastructure installation begun during the summer of 2010 with final infrastructure in place by spring of 2011.

"Increasing the supply of electric vehicles and creating the infrastructure to better utilize renewable resources fits with SANDAG's overall energy strategy for the region," said Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, chair of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). "The strategy calls for reducing overall consumption as well as cutting our dependence on foreign oil - electric cars will help us accomplish those goals."

It is great to see Electric Vehicles soon becoming mainstream and you can expect all of the other major manufacturers to start to get in line soon.Generate Free Energy
Make your own Solar Panels!
Eliminate your Power Bill!
Run your car on water!!
Join the Green Eco Club!

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December 22, 2009  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in: Electric Vehicles (EV), Green Vehicles

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