Does the Nissan LEAF live up to its claim of 100 miles per charge (MPC)?
We've been hearing for over a year now that the new, all-electric Nissan LEAF will be capable of attaining a range of 100 miles for every full charge of its battery back. The skeptics claimed this range was unlikely or only obtainable with strict, hypermiling while driving.
Now that the car is set to be unleashed to the public and several "real" folks have had a chance to drive the car for an extended period of time, it seems that the claims of 100 MPC are actually quite realistic.
Nissan Motor Company recently announced the forthcoming release of its new electric vehicle sedan that will likely go about 100 miles on a single charge.
The company suggested the car would be officially unveiled on August 2 in Japan and would hit US and Japanese salesrooms in 2010. The car would be equipped with a computer system, labelled the EV-IT, that would provide key data to the driver such as a navigation map with the driving radius within its current range as well as the ability to calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.
The driver will also be able to monitor the cars data online or via cell phone, checking things like the state of the battery charge as well allowing the owner to remotely switch the charging function on/off or set the air conditioner timer.
Nissan has been one of the leading car manufacturers in developing an electric car these last few years and this move might just push it to the lead if they can come up with a viable product. However, note that this industry has historically been long on promises and short on a product when it comes to electric vehicles.
More information should be forthcoming in August on Nissan's EV Website, www.nissan-zeroemission.com.
The Aptera electric car from Aptera Motors out of Carlsbad, California, might just change the way you think about electric vehicles. Featuring a revolutionary design, focused on aerodynamics and safety, the Aptera glides smoothly and efficiently along on its three, concealed tires. Officially classified as a motorcycle, the company insists safety is a priority and claim to have "raised our standard beyond the requirements of a typical passenger car."
In addition to focusing on crash test results, both computer simulated and real-life test, the car also features a driving position that allows 180 degree rear sight, cameras in lieu of side view mirrors that then project an image on a display panel and large LED indicators for other drivers to see.
The Aptera electric vehicle is actually set to be released in two varieties--all electric or a range extended hybrid model. The all-electric model is estimated to have a range of about 120 miles while the series hybrid, featuring an onboard gasoline motor that will charge the batteries while driving, is set to provide about an 600-800 mile range.
Aptera expects to begin production of the vehicle beginning late 2008, although it looks like it will only be available in California, at least initially. The Aptera will likely sell in the $27,000 - $30,000 range.
UPDATE: The Aptera electric vehicle has been modified and so has their website.
The Roadster is packed with a 248hp electric motor capable of 13,500 rpms and a two-speed transmission. Performance is extraordinary with a 0-60 time under 4 seconds and a top speed of over 130 mph. The car definintely goes, and unlike gasoline powered cars, the peak torque begins at 0 rpm and stays powerful up to 13,000 rpm.
Read more: Tesla Motors Electric Car
The time for electric vehicles may have finally arrived. After the ill-fated, but much loved GM EV1 was pulled from the market in 2003, the electric vehicle has been put on the back burner. In its place in the last few years hybrids have been getting most of the attention and, seemingly, research and development dollars. Proponents of alternative fuel vehicles are also exploring ethanol and possibly hyrdogen as the next answer to a sustainable source of fuel to power our vehicles. This may all be changing soon as several smaller companies are making great leaps forward in producing a viable electric powered vehicle.
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