Nissan has confirmed that order books for its all-electric Leaf model will open in selected European markets this summer, with the first batch of cars, all left-hand drive being delivered in late 2010.
The revelation came as Nissan released details of its planned display at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, of which the Leaf will form an important part.
The Leaf, a C-segment, medium sized hatchback is built on an all-new bespoke EV platform developed by the carmaker and sits on a generous 2700 mm wheelbase.
Dubbed the ‘world’s first affordable, zero-emission car’, the carmaker has released more details of what the it will be like. According to Nissan it will be 4445 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1550 mm tall. With an in-house developed compact electric motor in the front of the car driving the front wheels, the AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph).
A full battery charge delivers a range of approximately 160km, which Nissan says will suffice for 80 per cent of customers who drive less than that on an average day.
The electric motor is ‘fuelled’ by a Nissan developed laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW. The 48 module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of LEAF. Regenerative energy reclaimed under braking and coasting is fed directly to the battery to ensure minimum waste of energy.
Using a DC 50kW quick charger, the battery can be charged to up to 80 per cent of its capacity in under 30 minutes. Until quick charging posts are commonplace, however, it is expected that most owners will charge their vehicles either at home or at work using a domestic 220~240V and 16 amp system. A full charge from 0 percent to 100 percent under these circumstances takes about eight hours. The recharging socket for normal charging and quick charging is conveniently placed on LEAF’s nose under a ‘fuel filler flap’ adorned with the Nissan logo.
Along with the new electric model, the carmaker will also showcase updated versions of its Qashqai, Navara and Pathfinder models as well as its new compact crossover, the Juke when the Geneva Motor Show opens to the public on March 4.
