PRESS RELEASE
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Award-winning Nissan LEAF goes on sale locally – the world's first purpose-built, mass-produced, all-electric car
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100 percent electric – zero petrol, zero tailpipe
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Judged World Car of the Year and European Car of the Year in 2011
Nissan Australia has launched a game-changing car to the Australian
automotive landscape – the 100 percent electric, zero petrol, Nissan
LEAF.
The five-door family sized LEAF brings Electric Vehicle (EV)
technology into the mainstream with its styling, technology, drivability
and performance.
"Nissan is proud to introduce the first mass-produced, purpose built
electric car to the Australian market in the LEAF," said Nissan
Australia CEO Bill Peffer.
"This car attracts attention for its exceptional green credentials,
its market leading technology and for its ground-breaking EV innovation –
but we're also pleased to point out that it's an entertaining drive.
"We're excited to have LEAF on sale in Australia and heading into people's homes and businesses right around Australia.
"This is just the first EV that Nissan will introduce to Australia. As
a company we are pleased to have LEAF and our upcoming EV range as a
major part of Australia's zero emission future."
LEAF has already been highly-acclaimed globally, winning the 2011
World Car of the Year, 2011 European Car of the Year, 2011-12 Japan Car
of the Year as well as being recognised in non-motoring awards, such as
Time Magazine's Top 50 Inventions of 2009.
Francois Bancon, Nissan's Global General Manager of Product Strategy,
Advanced and Exploratory Planning, is in Australia as part of the launch
of LEAF.
"Several years ago when we started this project, we didn't just look
at improving a conventional powertrain with a small improvement here and
there – we set ourselves the target of zero emission," said Bancon.
"We did this with the Nissan LEAF. There is a market for this car and
after launching it in many places around the world already we are
pleased to have it on sale in Australia."
The Nissan LEAF is priced at $51,500 MSRP and is available now from 13 LEAF- accredited Nissan dealerships across Australia.
An Award Winning Family Car
The front-wheel drive Nissan LEAF utilises a dedicated EV platform
with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and
weight distribution. The highly rigid body design includes a
rigid-mounted battery frame that helps provide greater body rigidity
compared to a conventional compact car, helping it earn it a five-star
Euro NCAP rating.
LEAF provides room for five adults and a good-sized cargo area.
Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides optimum
weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for
five-passenger seating by not intruding into the cabin space.
Nissan LEAF's 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is comprised of 48
compact modules of four cells each, which allows a high degree of
packaging flexibility. The batteries are designed to maximise drive time
and minimise charging time. Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries,
the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in design
applications.
Responsive performance comes from the 80kw (108bhp) electric motor
that instantly generates its maximum 280Nm torque – equivalent to the
torque of a conventional 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine – from a standing
start. The result is rapid acceleration perfectly in tune with the
Nissan LEAF's natural urban and suburban habitat.
The Nissan LEAF is easy to drive. The electric powertrain does not
idle and only rotates when the vehicle is moving. To start the engine,
the driver need only press the start button, and electricity begins
flowing to the motor. Using the electric shift, the driver then selects
'D' range, and the vehicle starts to move.
The Nissan LEAF utilises an independent strut suspension with stabiliser bar in
front and a torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabiliser
bar. Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive
electric power steering system. Braking is provided by power-assisted
front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA),
with braking force is used to repower the battery.
Nissan LEAF's regenerative braking system helps replenish its range.
By applying the brakes or reducing speed by letting off the accelerator,
the electric motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy,
that would otherwise be wasted, into battery energy. To increase
regenerative braking, there is a driver-controlled Eco mode setting,
which can also be used to reduce air conditioning and thus improve
driving range when driving in urban areas.
Because Nissan LEAF does not have an internal combustion engine,
Nissan has incorporated an 'Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians'
system, which is designed to alert pedestrians that a vehicle is
approaching. When driving at low speeds, the system emits a sound from a
speaker at the front of the vehicle.
Pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and the 'approaching sound' automatically turns off above 40km/h.
Driving range
A full charge delivers a potential range of 170 kilometres (NEDC), a
distance which will satisfy the daily driving demands of a clear
majority of customers. Global research indicates that the average daily
mileage for 80 percent of the world's population is under 100
kilometres: the figure in Japan and the UK is under 50 kilometres for 80
percent of the population.
Driving range depends on several factors, including external
temperature, air- conditioning usage, battery age and driving behaviour.
Generally, the more environmentally friendly one drives, the greater
the driving range. A user-friendly onboard screen shows key battery
data, including maximum driving range, power output and regenerated
electricity. An eco-indicator on the meter displays the status of
electricity consumption, giving real-time feedback on the driver's
handling efficiency.
Nissan LEAF has a number of features to help you maximise your range
and keep you charged up. The CARWINGS information system updates the
navigation system with current charging station locations in your area,
monitors the state of charge from your smartphone or computer, remotely
starts vehicle charging, provides connectivity to start and stop the
climate control system in the vehicle remotely via your Smartphone or
computer and reminds you to plug in the car if you forget. CARWINGS is
provided complimentary for three years
The LEAF onboard navigation system is 'smart' enough to tell you based
on destination input and state of charge whether you have the range to
'make it' and if not, search for nearby charging station along the route
It also displays your current range radius, will alert you if you need
to charge, shows you where you can find the nearest available charge
station and displays how much charge you have left and how many
kilometres remain.
The LEAF display screen also has a real time energy usage screen which
shows you how much energy is being used and regenerated, how much
further you can drive, and the real time impact of using climate control
on your range. The multi-function display drive computer measures
energy economy and calculates estimated charging time.
When your battery has 4kWh remaining, the empty warning light will
come on as well as a notification on the screen indicating where to find
all charging stations within range. In the event that the battery
becomes critically low, power limitation mode will automatically
minimise energy consumption and reduce speed to help you get to a
charging dock.
An EV from the ground up
Nissan LEAF is unique – it's not a conversion of a conventional car
but has been designed as an EV from the ground up. And that means the
designers have been able to give LEAF looks that are as distinctive as
its power train, with no packaging compromise, a distinctive profile, a
roomy, futuristic interior and a large luggage area.
Built on an all-new bespoke EV platform, LEAF sits on a generous 2700
mm wheelbase. It is 4445 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1550 mm tall.
Because it is powered by a small electric motor and with the compact
battery packs located under the floor at the centre of the chassis, the
Nissan LEAF's design isn't compromised by the need to house a
traditional engine at the front.
The result is the Nissan LEAF's low-slung, abbreviated front-end
design which is dramatically framed by the vertical blue LED headlights.
These also direct airflow away from the door mirrors to improve the
Nissan LEAF's aerodynamics.
The body was designed using Nissan's 'smart fluidity' principle,
combining visually pleasing flowing lines with aerodynamic efficiency.
The kicked-up roofline blends into a large spoiler while the Nissan
LEAF's wind cheating shape is further helped by the flat, smooth
underfloor.
This underbody (including a large front flat floor cover, motor area
undercover, front undercover and rear diffuser with fins) helps manage
airflow under the vehicle. An innovative vortex-shedding roof-mounted
antenna is one of many design elements utilised to help reduce wind
noise. Other noise reduction features include a quiet- operation
windshield wiper motor, a sound insulation windshield design and a dual-
isolated motor-mounting system.
With the operation of the LEAF powertrain so quiet, engineers have
paid extra attention to management of wind noise in the exterior design,
since it would be more noticeable than with a traditional internal
combustion vehicle.
The rear view is dominated by thin, gently curved, vertical taillights
and is, of course, notable by the total absence of an exhaust pipe.
Inside there is ample space for five adults and the airy interior
houses advanced electronic devices including a flat centre cluster for
the bespoke IT system and a neat and easy to use gearshift selector
inspired by a computer mouse.
Nissan LEAF's charging points are hidden under a small door located in
the front of the vehicle. There are two points, one 240 volt as well as
a 400 volt 'fast charge'.
The five-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles,
aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright
interior environment. Attractive 5-spoke 16-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
mounted with P205/55R16 Bridgestone Ecopia tyres are standard.
The Nissan LEAF is available in five colours – blue ocean, cayenne red, eclipse black, brilliant silver and glacier white.
Distinctive 'EV Touch' Interior
The LEAF is packed with features and EVIT (Electic Vehicle Information
Technology). Accessories are powered by a separate 12-volt battery that
is recharged with the aid of a solar panel on the rear spoiler of the
car.
The roomy Nissan LEAF interior offers a pleasingly modern design
created to provide a unique 'EV touch' with 'simple and human flow.' The
bright, welcoming atmosphere starts with the wide, high tech instrument
panel design, which is dominated by a twin combination meter display in
front of the driver and a centre 'floating' piano black
C-stack with a seven-inch information display.
The digital 'eyebrow' display at the top of the instrument panel
provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while
the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the power meter, battery
temperature gauge, multi-function display, remaining energy gauge,
capacity level gauge and distance to empty display.
The flat panel centre C-stack cluster continues the 'EV touch' feel
with the colour monitor for the standard navigation system, available
RearView Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems.
The display also provides access to the CARWINGS telematics system,
which is connected to a global data centre, (subscription required, free
for first 36 months). Through CARWINGS, Nissan LEAF drivers are able to
use mobile smart phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging
functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down. The system
also displays 'reachable area', as well as showing
a selection of nearby charging stations. An on-board charging timer
can also be programmed to start the charging event whenever desired.
The Nissan LEAF interior also includes comfortable front bucket seats
and a 60/40 split folding rear seat and rear HVAC duct. The seat fabric
is made with partially recycled materials. Recycled materials are also
used for the back door trim, roof trim and headliner, carpeting and a
number of other interior pieces such as the door panels and centre
console storage cover.
The centre console area includes the palm shifter (inspired by a
computer mouse) for the 'by wire' drive selector. The three-spoke heated
steering wheel houses controls for the cruise control, audio system and
standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System.
Five Star Safety Rating
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has awarded the
100 percent electric Nissan LEAF the highest level of car safety
following its performance in the independent organisation's stringent
crash tests. The zero-emission vehicle received a five-star rating, the
first electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction.
Nissan LEAF's safety assessment followed standard Euro NCAP procedure,
with tests for frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact and
whiplash. The car's 48 lithium-ion battery modules, which are housed in a
special compartment beneath the floor, completely withstood all the
impacts.
In addition, the EV's battery system was switched on during the crash
simulations to test the in-built safety measures of the electrical
system, which includes automatic cut- off isolation in the event of an
accident. The car passed those with flying colours, too.
Recycled and recyclable
Nearly 100 percent of the vehicle weight will be recyclable through
the development of recycling technology for parts and components
specific to an EV such as the battery, motor and inverter. During the
car's development, Nissan has also been actively working on using
recyclable materials in its production. Although a difficult process,
Nissan has succeeded in adopting recycled materials in some parts of the
Nissan LEAF by developing colour-shade adjustment technologies and
enhanced quality control of resin materials.
In Japan, Nissan has set up a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation
to 'Reuse, Resell, Refabricate and Recycle' lithium ion batteries from
EVs. In Europe, Nissan with its Alliance partner Renault is studying the
establishment of a similar business with a local partner.
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