Nissan's greener-than-chlorophyll EV: The LEAF

In person, Carlos Ghosn, CEO and all-around-savior of Renault-Nissan, does not strike anyone as an Earth-hugging counterculture type – the man’s shoe collection is probably worth more than a Brentwood mansion.  You cannot find a bigger arch-capitalist anywhere. So it must be said, Ghosn’s embrace of electric-vehicle technology means something: If EV’s weren’t on the threshold of being practical and profitable, if there weren’t a powerful business case, you have to assume Ghosn wouldn’t go near them.

Instead, Ghosn has thrown his company into a full-on EV mobilization. This first results of that effort debuted Aug. 2, when Nissan unveiled the LEAF, a five-seat compact, all-electric hatchback with lithium-ion batteries (24 kWh energy storage and max output of 90kW), giving the car a top speed of 90 mph and nominal range of 100 miles – a magic number, Nissan figures, in Americans’ driving psychology. The car’s electric motor generates 80 kW (107 horsepower). Depending on how you define your terms, the LEAF will be the first mass-market EV sold in the U.S. since the 1920s.

 The car will be produced in Japan and at Nissan’s facility in Smyrna, Tenn., (release after the jump).

The LEAF will also feature IT connectivity, so that, for instance, drivers can use mobile phones to reset charging or even turn on the air-conditioning. The IT function will also help Nissan monitor the health and wellbeing of it its early fleet of EV’s. Recharging will take less than a half-hour (to 80% charge) using a high-capacity charger, Nissan says, and about 8 hours using a home charger running at 200 Volts. Nissan is working with a half-dozen municipalities and other agencies around the country to develop the quick-charge infrastructure.

With the Volt, Mitsubishi’s IMiev and Nissan’s LEAF coming onto the U.S. market in the next 18 months, the infrastructure issue will begin to dominate the EV debate. Simply put, the cars will become less of a technical hurdle than places to plug them in.

As for the LEAF, the biggest unknown yet is cost. Nissan officials have quietly hinted at a price less than $30,000 retail (that’s before any tax credits), the goal being to make the EV a no-cost option. That would be the LEAF’s greatest trick.

-- Dan Neil

NISSAN UNVEILS “LEAF” – THE WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC CAR 
DESIGNED FOR AFFORDABILITY AND REAL-WORLD REQUIREMENTS

Event ushers in a new era for Nissan and a new era for mobility

YOKOHAMA, (Aug. 2, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car.  Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real world consumer requirements.

NISSAN LEAF

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era.  The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative 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.”

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

1)     Zero-emission power train and platform

2)     Affordable pricing

3)     Distinctive design

4)     Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)

5)     Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

 

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself.  Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.  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.  As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY

Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.  This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases.  A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on 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.

And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient.  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 – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.

REAL-WORLD CAR

The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era.  To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

 

”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,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.

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 that announces, “This car is special.”  But the headlights do more than make a statement.  They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag.  And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment.  An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model.  This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced 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.

“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers.  We also  wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION

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

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need.  For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet –  the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions.  As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS

Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas: 

    1) Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,

    2) Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and

    3) Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility. 

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility.  The first of Nissan’s EV’s 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.

ABOUT NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a global automotive company with vehicle sales of 3.411 million in 2008.  Nissan is present in all major auto markets worldwide, selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and light commerical vehicles.

NISSAN BLUE CITIZENSHIP

Nissan is committed to making a better world through its commitment to corporate social responsibility.  This includes programs that focus on technological innovations that focus on people and care for the planet.  Our vision for zero-emission mobility is an outgrowth of our CSR approach, which we call Blue Citizenship.  Together, we are working with our Alliance partner, Renault, to make a better world through zero-emission mobility.

Comments

[Richard P. McDonough]

I certainly hope this is a better result than the new hybrid. Press releases always run smoothly.

[abby0802]

Thank you, Nissan!!!!

Now will the American auto industry wake up?

[hsr0601]

To my knowledge, It seems that the current fuel cost stretched beyond hybrid to EV world.

[AB]

Could have done this decades ago. Happy to see we're finally doing it.

[Ryan P]

In response to:

"Could have done this decades ago. Happy to see we're finally doing it.

Posted by: AB"

I hate big talker know it all cynics on the internet. If you did just the SLIGHTEST research you would know that NO, it couldn't have. The Lithium-Ion batteries used are NEW TECHNOLOGY. This particular chemistry wasn't even on the market 10 years ago. If Lead-Acid was used you would have a 1000 lbs more weight, shorter battery life, and of course a lot of lead which is a pollutant. If NiMH were used you would have 300 lbs more weight, and immense pollution. If 1st gen lithium-ion were used you would have fires and safety issues.

So no, it couldn't have been done decades ago.

[ibillin]

I want to share this on FB etc. Please add share links.

[Miiiiiike]

I how long till the batteries need to be replaced?

Also, how much would the battery cost?

[hal9000]

i just read elsewhere that the cost would be 10k OOPS--- no doubt it will not need much service...this will kill oil companies and service techs ... OOPS sorry.

[Doug]

Saving up my dollars now...

[Jaco]

Stupid idea for a car. Battery gets charged from home from electric produced by a coal burning plant which in turn is going to increase output to meet demand. When the batteries are exhausted, they are then disposed how? in a landfill perhaps. Stupid, Hydrogen power is the way but who wants to foot the bill for development.

[novolakers]

And how am I supposed to use this MIRACLE car ? I can not go to Vegas, San Fran , even Santa Barbara is a dare..
Should I buy another 30 grand car for a trips over 100 miles long , or should I plan the trip year ahead , because I would need to make 10 stops to charge a damn thing ??

[Scott]

This is a good step for the auto industry, looks like an exciting car. I have heard that the batteries will be leased, I would be interested to know what that cost will be.

[Joe T]

FYI it's Smyrna, TN where the cars will be built, not New Smyrna.

Nice article in any case.

[HappyB]

I do hope this pans out and is fuel cell upgradable (EVs will never really "click" until they carry their own power source, let's face it people are lazy look at how many complain about having to plug in the cell phones). I guess the first commercials will show cinderella and FGM pulling the Leaf off a vine?

[Paul Kong]

Your 100 miles limit, does that include using the air conditioner?. How long for a rechatge before I can use the car to continue the journey?

[Larry Butler]

To charge a 24KwH, 200V battery to 80% in 30 minutes will require 192A of DC current, 19.2KwH. This doesn't take into account the battery isn't anywhere near 100% efficient, it's just the math.

Mom isn't going to like hauling out 250A welding cables from the service station then waiting 30 minutes for it to cook these batteries before she has to disconnect the monster cables from it.

It's not going to charge on the weedeater cord anytime soon.

[kevin S]

Somebody will have design a little trailer with gas generator in it for long trips. Otherwise you can't take it anywhere but commuting until the infrastructure is there.

[Tim]

I love reading Dan Neil. Excellent stories and great commentary. I think though that he meant "technical hurdle."

With the Volt, Mitsubishi’s IMiev and Nissan’s LEAF coming onto the U.S. market in the next 18 months, the infrastructure issue will begin to dominate the EV debate. Simply put, the cars will become less of a technical hurtle than places to plug them in.

[Rich]

Electric technology is promising, but I agree with a previous statement. You have to plug this thing in with a 220V charger, using electricity developed from a coal plant, which will not be available after cap and trade.

Wait for VW to come out with their version of the hybrid, a clean deisel hybrid, and you'll have a Jetta that gets almost 70 MPG. We will be dependent on fossil fuels for another century or so, until a new sustainable, economical, energy source is developed. Sorry, it takes time, development and money.

[Maurice]

I suppose this will be very usefull for commuting to work,and plugging in at your parking place,so fully charged at end of shift?

[Cryos]

"I hate big talker know it all cynics on the internet. If you did just the SLIGHTEST research you would know that NO, it couldn't have."

Except that, y'know... it was. Over a decade ago.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/rav4ev/

[Jon]

That's a good start for a large manufacturer. However, the government should be bending over backwards to support the Tesla Motor Co. which is building the best EV's in the world in California.

For example, the Tesla S model is rated for 300 miles, uses a standard electrical connection and can swap batteries in 5 minutes to a fresh backup. They are fully charged in 45 minutes and, Tesla's batteries are recycled.

If you want to check this stuff out, go to:

http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php

Dan Neil here: The Tesla Model S claims are, let's say, highly preliminary. And in some cases, easily misunderstood, as the above comment reflects. For example, it's physically impossible to charge any car with a standard 110 Volt, 15 amp connection in 45 minutes to go 300 miles. Tesla's 300-mile/45-minute charge claim requires 440 V DC current, which means it would require a special charging unit.

And the government just agreed to loan the company nearly half-billion dollars, so I'd say that was being supportive.

[phyllis]

Wow, the large number of negative comments are disheartening especially when we know we gotta start somewhere. I"m excited that these technologies are finally being produced

[Schlomo]

For all the doubters, it's a first step but a necessary one. It's a great effort and I may just buy one-- this car fits my lifestyle and would help offset the fact that my other ride is an Audi Q7 with room for 7...

[Jenna]

Finally. Thank you Nissan.