Nissan‘s Leaf will be the UK’s first practical-sized fully electric vehicle.
Due in spring next year, it will compete with the likes of the existing Toyota Prius hybrid along with Vauxhall‘s range-extended Ampera and other emerging low-CO2 cars such as Toyota’s Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Now that the coalition Government has confirmed the £5000 subsidy remains for electric vehicles (up to £43m until March 2012), the vehicle stays reasonably priced at around £24k.
The Leaf will take eight hours to charge fully overnight at your house, giving it a rang of 100 miles. However, alternative (and expensive) technology that is set to become more widely available at service stations will charge the car to 80% in 30 minutes for those on-the-go. Nissan acknowledges the car isn’t for everyone, for example, someone living in a top floor flat, but it believes it will suit 80% of people’s needs.
The Leaf, much like the Vauxhall Ampera (BusinessCar, 13 July), is near-silent at start-up while power is instantaneous despite the lack of any revs due to the electric engine.
It has plenty of power, too – apparently equivalent to a 1.6 110hp petrol car, although Nissan says torque matches a 2.5-litre V6. It’s not the most forgiving on B-roads but body control is good and steering responsive. The interior, which will have just one high-spec trim, will be available in a dark and light colour.
Along with satnav system, the touchscreen enables the driver to control when the car starts and finishes charging, and displays how much energy/miles are left. Charging points are highlighted on the map, and stations can be added if they don’t appear.
Below 12mph, the car, which is naturally extremely quiet, will make an audible sound to warn pedestrians in urban areas that it is passing.
The Leaf is a viable option for fleet drivers who don’t do countless long journeys. It’s a practical, affordable five-seater, five-door hatchback with zero-emissions – an excellent green message if ever there was one.
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