Nissan LEAF Wins 2011 World Car of the Year

The 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan Leaf was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. The award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world's first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.

"It is a great joy that the world's first mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award," said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "This accolade recognizes the Nissan Leaf, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world."

The World Car Award's jurors observed that, "The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turning with almost no body roll and no under-steer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."

The Nissan Leaf is built at Nissan's Oppama, Japan plant. It will also be manufactured at the company's Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the United States in late 2012.

Aiming to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan, with its Alliance partner, Renault, has formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world to not only develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility.

The New York Times: First Buyers of Nissan Leaf Get a Trunkful of Perks

"It just keeps getting better and better," said Justin McNaughton, among the 20,000 people who have reserved a Leaf. "My wife thinks it's funny because at the end of the day, we're just buying a car."

Since Mr. McNaughton, a lawyer in Nashville, paid his $99 deposit, he has been bombarded with government incentivesópromises of a $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 cash rebate from the state of Tennessee, and a $3,000 home-charging unit courtesy of the Energy Department.

When he had questions about the Leaf, the answers came in a 40-minute telephone call from a senior manager in Nissan's corporate planning department.

"You kind of feel like you're one of the chosen people," Mr. McNaughton said.

Precisely! It is all part of an unprecedented effort by federal, state and local governments to stimulate demand for cars that have zero tailpipe emissionsóand Nissan's pre-emptive bid to corner the all-electric market much the way that Toyota dominated the early hybrid market with the Prius.

The government subsidies are shaving thousands of dollars off the Leaf's $32,780 sticker price, while other benefits are piling up, like free parking in some cities and the use of express lanes on highways usually reserved for cars with multiple passengers.

In Tennessee, where a Leaf assembly plant is being built, Leaf drivers will be able to charge their vehicles free at public charging stations on 425 miles of freeways that connect Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.

"It's not the world's first electric car, but the Nissan Leaf is the first fully electric vehicle built for mass production for the global market. To help drivers shift their thinking from gas to green, Japan's third largest automaker has about 30 partnerships worldwide focused on developing an infrastructure of battery-recharging stations to keep electric vehicles on the roads. The car's top speed is more than 90 mph, and its range is 100 miles on a full charge. When it moves, it makes a futuristic sound like the flying cars in Blade Runner."

Nissan Leaf FAQ's

Q: How is it doing in crash test ratings?
A: The Leaf (like all Nissan cars) is built to pass federal safety regulations and our own rigorous internal testing.

Q: What kind of warranty will this car have?
A: The details of the warranty are not yet determined, but our warranty coverage will certainly be competitive.

Q: I live in an apartment how would I go about charging the car?
A: Start talking to your apartment complex about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure.

Q: What kind of battery will be in the Leaf?
A: The Leaf uses a unique laminated Lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 24kWh and a power of over 90kW.

Q: How many charging stations are being planned for Nissan's US facilities so their employees can utilize these cars ?
A: This is still in the planning phase, but we will certainly support our EV owners.

Q: What colors will be available? Is the Zero-Emission side decal going to be included on the production model?
A: There will be a range of colors, to be finalized closer to production. Decal is only part of the concept vehicle.

Q: Could we get a tax deduction for owning one since it's so eco-friendly? LOL
A: No joke! The federal government is looking at up to $7,500 in tax credits for EV buyers! There could be local incentives too.

Q: If I drive 50 miles a day, will it hurt the battery if I "top it off" every night? Will it only take 8 hours from a 110v outlet to charge?
A: Quick-charging, partial charging, and topping-off will not hurt the battery. It does not have "battery memory."

Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
A: The IT System in the Leaf shows you vehicle and battery status, charging locations and tips for efficient driving

Q: Are their designs for future Leafs that will go farther than 100 miles on a single charge?
A: Our vision is to constantly improve our vehicles to meet our customers' needs.

Q: How fast can this car go?
A: We're targeting a top speed of up to 90 mph.

Q: I drive 30k miles a year but never more than 100 miles a day. Would a Leaf work for me?
A: Definitely! You are with the majority: 98% of Americans don't drive more than 100 miles a day.

Q: You need the infrastructure first; why would I by the car when I would be tethered to my home for charging?
A: We are working with all levels of government and private corps to grow infrastructure. You can help by supporting this growth.

Q: How sure are you of the 100 mile range? I would hate to be stranded at work. My drive to work is about 60 miles round trip.
A: The 100-mile range is based on EPA testing & a rating system involving real-world driving conditions.

Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
A: A home evaluation is part of the purchase process. You can start the process by signing up for leaf news.

Q: Where will the Nissan Leaf be built?
A: First models will be built in Japan, and later in Tennessee for mass production.

Q: Where are the batteries located? Will they take up a lot of the hatch space?
A: The battery is located in the floor of the vehicle, so it has a minimal intrusion into the interior space

Q: How long does the "quick charge" take, and would it be available for home use?
A: Quick-charging will charge the battery to 80% in about 26 minutes. This will be available at public stations only.

Q: Is the Leaf front wheel drive? AWD?
A: Front wheel drive.

Q: Does this vehicle have a drive train or is it motors in the wheels?
A: It has a drive train.

Q: Any discussions with Zenn and their Zennergy system using EEStor ultracapacitors?
A: This is not part of our current program.

Q: What kind of front headlights do you use?
A: LED headlights and taillights. LEDs use far less power than conventional lights.

Q: Can the leaf be towed by lifting the front and leaving the rear wheels on the ground?
A: Yes, it can be towed this way.

Q: I heard rumors about an iPhone app to monitor the vehicles charging status and activate AC remotely. Is this in the works?
A: We're working on a web-based system for control of car functions. It will work with any web device.

Q: What generates cabin heat without engine coolant?
A: The Leaf uses a safe and enclosed electric heater, like a space heater.

Q: I know the range is roughly 100 miles, but is that doing 70mph for 30 miles a day, or more like 25-35mph?
A: The 100-mile range is in standard driving conditions: some highway, some city.

Q: Since the Leaf solely runs on electricity, would charging from home dramatically increase my electricity bill?
A: Home charging will still cost money (on average, 90 cents/charge), but just think: no paying for gas!

Q: What can I do as a consumer to help bring your vehicle to this market?
A: Keep encouraging your local government to support green technology and an EV charging infrastructure.

Q: How much would it cost to charge the car at the charging station?
A: It should cost around $0.90 to "fill the tank", making it 3x less expensive than gas to travel the same dist.

Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Certainly! Our Zero Emission Total Solution is committed to a wide charging network for home, work and the road

Q: What distance does it cover on a single charge?
A: 100 miles.

Q: How long will the battery last? Can it be recycled?
A: The battery will last around 5 years. We are investigating post-automotive applications for it.

Q: Is this an electric Versa?
A: There are some similarities with the Versa in the body shape, but the Leaf is a true individual.

Q: How much does the heater reduce the range of the vehicle?
A: Running the heater or a/c will have a small impact on the range, just as it will in a gas-powered car.

Q: Sounds great, but do we need to worry about a mess down the road from these batteries?
A: We are working on "second-life" uses for batteries. As more details are available, we will share them.

Q: Has anyone considered solar panels on the vehicle for recharging the battery?
A: There are a lot of decisions yet to make. At this point, we can't say if solar might be a future possibility

Q: What is it: a compact or full size?
A: The Leaf is a compact, 5-door family sedan, with seating for 5.

Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: A full charge will take 4-8 h on a 220V outlet (like a dryer uses). Quick-charging will be avail at stations

Q: What is the difference between this and a hybrid?
A: No tailpipe! The LEAF runs on 100% electricity, while a hybrid uses a combo of electricity and gas.

Q: What is the 0 to 60? What is its top speed?
A: No exact 0-60 at this point, but it accelerates like a V6. We're targeting a top speed of more than 85mph.

Q: It's great to cut down on vehicle emissions, but shouldn't i worry about the power plant used to generate the electricity too?
A: Even in its dirtiest form, the grid is 60% cleaner than gas. And it will get cleaner over time, unlike gas.

Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
A: Absolutely. You'll be able to charge at home, at work and at stations along your route.

Q: The electric motor is smaller than a gas engine. The gas tank is gone and the battery under the floor. Much more luggage space?
A: No gas tank means a lot more leg room in the back seat. It's very spacious.

Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy an proprietary power outlet or power station?
A: Home charging req's a 220V line + an Electric Vehicle Service Equipment unit (to protect from surges) for approximately $500.