Nissan Leaf electric car to be launched in the US, in 2010

Nissan has unveiled its new electric car, the 2010 Nissan Leaf, which it plans to launch in the Japanese, European and American market in 2010.

The 2010 Nissan Leaf is a five-seater that has the shape of the Versa but is longer than the sedan, measuring 175 inches in length.

It is equipped with an 80 Kilowatt AC Electric Motor and is run by a 24-Kilowatt hour Lithium-ion battery unit, the same battery that is used in cell phones and laptops.

Nissan Leaf electric car photo

According to Nissan, the 2010 Nissan Leaf will have a driving range of 100 miles and a top speed of 87 mph or 140 km/h. The battery unit is placed beneath the seat and floor.

“Using a direct-current quick charger, the Leaf’s battery pack can be recharged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. Recharging at home, with 200-volt AC service, will take less than 8 hours. Regenerative braking is also a key factor in extending the Leaf’s range,” said Nissan.

The company is in talks with the government and utilities to install charging station in major markets that would use a three phase 200-volt of direct current supply.

The 2010 Nissan Leaf also features an IT system that shows a navigation map and the distance that the car can travel with the remaining battery charge.

The driver can also check the state of charge online or on a cellular phone, find charging stations within range, or use a timer function to turn on the air conditioner or begin charging using cheaper electricity available at night.

The 2010 Nissan Leaf has LED headlamps which help save power and are also designed in a way to redirect the airflow around the front door rear view mirrors.

The interiors of the 2010 Nissan Leaf are spacious with a deep cargo area and a two-tier instrument panel with digital screens. The shift lever of the 2010 Nissan Leaf has in it’s place a knob that can be moved forward or backwards for drive or reverse mode.

Owners of the 2010 Nissan Leaf will be able to use their mobile phones as a remote control for the air conditioning system of the car.

Nissan plans to use its plant in Smyrna, Tenn to assemble the units of the car. The US government recently provided funds to the company to build a battery-making operation in Tennessee.

As per Nissan, the 2010 Nissan Leaf will be priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment car, like the Sentra, which means the price tag will display a value somewhere near $30,000.

The 2010 Nissan Leaf will be sold in select markets, such as Oregon, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Diego, Seattle, Sonoma, Tennessee, Tucson, and Washington D.C, by 2012.

The company plans to launch two more electric cars, which will be based on the same platform by 2011.

Nissan has said that electric vehicles will contribute 10 per cent to global demand for vehicles.