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Nissan Reveals Mass-Market Electric Car

LEAF will compete with EVs from GM, Mitsubishi

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2009 3:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Nissan yesterday unveiled its entry into the electric-vehicle market, the Los Angeles Times reports. The LEAF is a five-seat compact that gets a top speed of 90 mph out of its lithium-ion batteries. The vehicle can go about 100 miles on a full charge, an attribute Nissan hopes will convince Americans to embrace EVs.

The LEAF will also feature connectivity with mobile phones or online computers to allow remote control of charging and other functions. Nissan is reportedly in talks with cities around the US to develop infrastructure for charging the vehicle—though it can be charged at home, the availability of public charging spots will probably be a key deciding factor for motorists considering the LEAF.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn stands next to Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, during the opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn stands next to Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, during the opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, is displayed during an opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.
Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, is displayed during an opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn stands next to Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, during the opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn stands next to Nissan's new electronic vehicle, the Leaf, during the opening ceremony of the company's new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
AClotfelter
Aug 4, 2009 12:39 PM CDT
@shonangreg Most people drive far less than 100 miles/day. These cars will cover 95% of most people's needs, and most families will have a second car they can use for roadtrips.
AClotfelter
Aug 4, 2009 12:38 PM CDT
If you are so worried about the looks, you are missing the point. mainlander is exactly right, aerodynamics are paramount here.
oldgoat
Aug 4, 2009 7:56 AM CDT
I don't think the car looks bad at all. For a 100 mile round trip it would probably work for most people that would be in the market for such a car. It isn't meant for long drives, but instead for the common city commutes of most people.

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