Nissan Leaf – first photos of Nissan’s electric car

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

03 August 2009 09:00

Nissan this weekend unveiled the Leaf – its new battery-powered electric car. The Nissan Leaf is pitched as ‘the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car’, a bespoke EV for global sale.

The range of the Nissan Leaf is more than 100 miles – enough for 70% of people’s driving requirements, says Nissan, and it can seat five adults. It’ll be launched in late 2010 in Japan, Europe and the US.

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO, said: ‘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.’

No prices announced yet, but the Leaf will apparently be ‘competitively priced in the range of a well equipped C-segment vehicle.’ Sounds to us like just under £20,000. Government grants are expected in most territories.

Laminated lithium-ion batteries provide a power output of more than 90kW, driving an 80kW electric motor. One of the bonuses of EVs is the instant thrust afforded by an electric motor – in the Leaf’s case, there’s 207lb ft of pull.

A quick charge will restore 80% of the Nissan’s charge in just under 30 minutes; charging at home with a 200v outlet will take around eight hours.

By Tim Pollard