1990's

Electric vehicles move up a gear

The 90's was the decade when electric vehicles really started entering the mainstream and were notable for the early use of lithium-ion batteries in Nissan electric vehicles, amongst other firsts.

1991: Cedric EV - Designed for short-range driving, equipped with an air conditioner, power steering and other conveniences.

1991: FEV A concept car exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show.

1994: Avenir EV Sold mainly to electric power companies.

1995: Fev II Exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

1996: Prairie Joy EV. The world's first electric vehicle equipped with a cylindrical type lithium-ion battery.

1998: R'nessa EV Released in Japan. The Altra EV was fleet-tested and sold in the state of California.

2000's

The electric dream becomes reality

The decade when mass-market electric vehicles became possible, In the 2000's, a new generation of lithium-ion batteries, allied with innovative ideas about urban transportation, paved the way for today's new wave of mass-market electric vehicles

2000: Hypermini - Nissan's ultra-compact electric vehicle, released in Japan.

2005: PIVO - Unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a next-generation concept EV; the world's first vehicle equipped with a laminated lithium-ion battery enabling a more compact layout.

2007: Mixim - Unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by Nissan's "Super Motor" electric motor/generator, it used compaxiact lithium-ion batteries.

2007 PIVO 2 - Debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Its laminated lithium-ion battery has double the capacity of cylindrical batteries, giving it an extended driving range.

2008: Electric Vehicle (Test Vehicle). This all-electric prototype vehicle was equipped with a laminated lithium-ion battery.

2009: Nissan LEAF- An all-electric vehicle powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, designed for the mass market. Launched in 2010 in the United States and Japan, with European launch to follow in 2011.

2009: Land Glider - Exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a totally new concept representing the next generation of electric vehicles.

2010: Townpod - Exhibited at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Designed to offer low emission mobility to a new generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy. More than just a car or a van - it heralds a new era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric vehicles to the masses.

Technical specifications

Recycled/Renewable material

Advanced Electric Vehicle specific IT navigation system

Same safety features and rigorous testing as a petrol/diesel vehicle

Seating capability : 5

Max speed: Over 90mph

Drive powertrain layout: Front motor, front drive

Battery: Laminated lithium-ion battery

Electric motor (power,torque): High-response synchronous AC motor (80kW;280Nm)

Battery capacity/power: 24kWh / Over 90kW

Range: 109 miles (NEDC)

Length x Width x Height : 4445mm / 1770mm / 1550mm

Wheelbase: 2690mm

Braking system: Co-generating + Mechanical

Interior comfort & Convenience

Full Auto A/C with pollen filter

Automatic headlights with "Follow me home"

Automatic wipers with rain sensor

Cruise control with speed limiter

Steering wheel switches (Cruise control, audio, hands free phone, Drive computer)

Keyless entry system (Intelligent Key®)

Push start button

Palm-shift drive selector by wire

Front & Rear power window w/ Driver one touch automatic up/down

6:4 split folding rear seats

Exterior

Front LED head lamps with auto levelling

LED Rear lamps

16" Alloy wheels

Front driving lamps

Privacy Glass from 2nd row

Electric folding outside mirrors

Rapid Charge socket

Audio & IT

Start-up sound

7" Color LCD Touch screen commanding Navigation and Telematics services as follow:

Nissan unique EV Navigation System indicating reachable area and with automatic charging point update - charging start and monitoring by mobile phone or PC

Unique Telematic service allowing for remote connection to vehicle

Temperature Control by mobile phone or PC

Charging start and monitoring by mobile phone or PC

Rear view camera allowing ease of parking

1CD MP3 AM/FM Radio with USB, i-pod®, aux-in connectivity

Hands Free Phone by Bluetooth®, with voice activation

6 speakers

Drive computer with momentary/averaged energy consumption; autonomy range.

Safety

VSP (approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians)

ABS & EBD with brake assistance

VDC

6 Airbags: Front, side, curtain

2 Front 3 points seat belts w/ height adjuster, Double pre-tensioner, load limiter & reminder

3 Rear 3 points seat belts, ISOFIX x2

Options

Rear roof spoiler with solar cells

SAVE £5,000 ON LEAF

You like the idea of reducing your impact on the environment, but you're worried about the impact on your bank balance?

No need for anxiety – a government grant entitles you to £5,000 off, so you can purchase your Nissan LEAF for just £25,990 rather than the normal OTR price of £30,990. This exclusive offer is available to everyone and includes VAT.

Offer Breakdown

Government Incentive - £5,000

Reduced Price - £25,990

Normal Price - £30,990

Grant Details:

A grant to reduce the cost of eligible electric, Plug-in hybrid and hydrogen cars by 25% (to a maximum of £5,000) will be available to consumers and business buyers from January 2011 and will run until 2014. (subject to notifying the technical requirements of the scheme to and getting state aid approval from the European Commission).

The grant will be available at the point of purchase directly from the dealership or manufacturer, so consumers will not be out of pocket or have to go through a separate application process. It will work in a similar way to the Government scrappage scheme; except that you will not have to scrap your old car.

To find out more information about the Government incentive please click here.

CHARGING YOUR NISSAN LEAF AT HOME

Nissan highly recommends the use of a dedicated home charging unit when charging of LEAF at home.

What is a home charging unit?

A home charging unit is a fixed charging system, consisting of a weatherproof capsule, hardwired to an EV-dedicated line with a charging cable attached to it. The unit allows charging at home at 16 Amps as opposed to the standard cable's 10 Amps, cutting charge time by 4 hours.

How to acquire a home charging unit for your LEAF?

Prior to purchasing your Nissan LEAF your Electric Vehicle Relationship Manager will introduce you to British or Scottish Gas - the home charging installer in the local area.

A technician from British or Scottish Gas will provide a free, no obligation, home inspection to see if your home can support a home charger. They will ascertain the best location for a charger and provide you with a detailed quote.

Charging LEAF out and about

A 6-metre cable is delivered with your Nissan LEAF, allowing you to charge the car at public charging stations (on-street, parking, shopping centres, etc) in about 8 hours on 220V - 10 Amp.

The cable has a domestic plug on one end and an EV plug which connects to the LEAF's socket.

All Nissan LEAFs are equipped with a unique navigation system, which displays the closest available charging station for your LEAF - and even updates to find new ones as they become available.

In case there isn't a public charging station nearby, it's possible to use your cable to charge your Nissan LEAF from a domestic socket.

As the cable draws a constant 10 Amp, you must ensure that the socket and household wiring complies with the latest electrical wiring standards and regulations. If you are unsure about the suitability of a charging socket, please contact a qualified electrician for advice.

Rapid charging [Direct Current 50 KW]

This charging method allows you to achieve 80% battery charge in around 30 minutes.

The rapid chargers are displayed on your Nissan LEAF's satellite navigation screen.

From March 2011, all Nissan EV accredited dealers will have a rapid charger at their dealership

Zero Emissions

At Nissan, we are investing in a portfolio of 'green' technologies including clean diesels, efficient internal-combustion engines, hybrids and the centrepiece of our product strategy: zero-emission vehicles such as electric cars and fuel cell vehicles.

Nissan's passion is captured in the word 'zero' emission. We are preparing a line-up of cars that will be totally neutral to the environment, beginning with the electric car. With zero carbon-dioxide emissions and zero particles, our electric car will be the most environmentally friendly mass-produced car on the market. We are developing a range of high-quality electric vehicles that are safe, well engineered, attractive, affordable and fun to drive.

Creating a zero-emission society will involve mass production, supplying thousands of cars to markets around the world. Collaboration with countries, local governments, electricity providers and many other specialists will be required to help develop the necessary infrastructure and to make the whole system work. Zero-emission leadership is our commitment, and we are taking all the initiatives and making all the necessary investments to make it happen. Zero-emission mobility is our passion, a true breakthrough and a key to our future.

Carlos Ghosn. President and CEO.

What are low emission vehicles?

Low emission vehicles are eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicle (EVs) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) that have no tailpipe emissions of CO2 or other gases.

At Nissan, we believe the potential for low emissions vehicles is extremely promising. We are taking a holistic approach working with countries, local governments, and other sectors to help develop the necessary infrastructure and to make low emission mobility a reality.

What are the Electric Vehicles benefits?

There are many benefits to own an electric vehicle.

Electric vehicles are one of the most environmentally-friendly vehicles because they emit zero tailpipe emissions.

Electric vehicles can be recharged at home and therefore bring the convenience of not having to go to gas stations.

Without an engine, EV drivers can be freed from external sounds such as engine noise and enjoy a quiet drive.

They can benefit consumers not only by charging their surrounding environment, but also though low running costs. Running costs are expected to be from around £1.40 per 100 miles (by charging at night using off peak-rates) - a fraction of its petrol or diesel counterparts.

How are EVs different from hybrids or gasoline engines?

Electric vehicles are often confused with hybrid vehicles, which run on a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. The difference is that electric vehicles require no gas, have no tailpipe, and therefore are free from emissions.

How do you charge an EV?

To charge your electric vehicle, you'll need to have an appropriate plug at your home or work parking space, or a charging station nearby.

What is the latest charging infrastructure plans?

Local infrastructure varies from region to region. The best way to find out what is happening near you is to contact your local authority or check these independent sites - www.newride.org.uk or www.ev-network.org.uk

Are there environmental benefits from EVs?

An electric vehicle powered from today's grid mix has up to 40% fewer CO2 emissions than a conventional vehicle. This saving will increase as the UK electricity generation mix decarbonises

How much will it cost to run one of these cars?

An electric car will cost approximately 1.3-3p mile - petrol and diesel cars can cost more than 10 times that. There are also other benefits for these cars like zero vehicle excise duty, a 100% discount from the central London Congestion Charge and other local and tax benefits. Drivers will need to register with Transport for London to receive the discount from the Charge.

How much incentive will I receive?

LEAF is eligible for a grant of £5,000 until the 31st of March 2015 - subject to a review on 31st March 2012.