Nissan LEAF seats five in affordable, zero-emission car

Nissan designers aimed to make the 2011 LEAF the first affordable, zero-emission electric vehicle that can comfortably seat five adults and travel 100 miles on a single battery charge.

“There’s little debate on the need to reduce vehicle emissions in the future. Nissan is taking an aggressive approach to establishing leadership in zero-emission vehicles, with the LEAF being our first effort,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Under the Hood

The Nissan LEAF

doesn’t have a gas tank, but rather 48 laminated compact lithium-ion battery modules that drive a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that puts out 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

The instant delivery of torque gives the LEAF the feel of driving a conventional V6 engine.

Without a gas engine, LEAF has no tailpipe, meaning there are zero emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gasses.

The LEAF’s battery pack can be charged up to 80 percent of its capacity in half an hour using a quick-charge port and a DC adapter. Home charging through a 220-volt outlet is estimated at eight hours.

Suspension is handled by an independent front suspension system with stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a torsion beam style with integrated stabilizer bar.

Comfort and Convenience

LEAF’s interior includes front bucket seats and a 60/40 split rear seat. In keeping

with its environmentally friendly theme, the seat fabric is made from partially recycled materials, as are the back door trim, headliner, carpeting and other parts.

Nissan’s CARWINGS system is a convenience feature connected to a global data center for a subscription fee that kicks in after 36 months. Drivers using the system can use cellphones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even if the vehicle is turned off. When in the vehicle, the system shows nearby charging stations and “reachable areas,” or places within the vehicle’s range on its current charge.

Controls for cruise control, the stereo and the standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system are incorporated into the steering wheel. The audio system comes standard with XM Satellite Radio, which requires a subscription.

The quiet operation of the electric drive train made Nissan engineers focus on the reduction of wind and road noise, resulting in a quiet ride.

An available solar charger incorporated into a spoiler allows for charging 12-volt accessories in the vehicle.

Safety

The 2011 LEAF includes standard dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seatbelt and occupancy sensors. Also included are front seat-mounted side impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags.

Vehicle Dynamic Control and a traction control system are standard on all models of the LEAF.

Seatbelts including pretensioners, and Nissan’s LATCH system are standard to allow for safe transportation of children and car seats.