Driving Sports

Nissan held a world-wide unveil this past weekend, showing off the production version of the 2011 Nissan LEAF. The LEAF is the first mass-produced all-electric vehicle that's really ready for prime time, and Nissan plans to have it in dealer showrooms this time next year.

The real news here is that the LEAF is an affordable, usable electric vehicle. It's not a modified golf cart limited to a snail's pace, and it's not a $100,000 sports car available only to movie stars. As reported previously, the LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 100 miles on a charge, to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

The LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW (roughly 107 horsepower), while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm (roughly 206 pound-feet) of torque.  Check that again - torque is twice the horsepower - this little grocery-getter should be fun to drive on city streets!

The new car can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger.  Charging at home through a 220V (clothes dryer) outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for driver and car alike.

Several cities, mostly in the western U.S. and including all the big cities on the west coast, will be the first to receive the LEAF. If you want one, you'd best get your deposit down right now. MSRP is expected in the high 20s, but like all automotive phenomena, look for the dealers to add a premium on the first batch.

For more info: Check out the LEAF in detail here.