Nissan Leaf

The Nissas Leaf is expected to go into production in 2010.  With a range of 100 miles and an estimated cost of about $28,000 the vehicle promises to be one of the leaders in the next generation of automobiles.    Nissan may have a battery lease program in order to help keep the price down.   While requiring about 8 hours for a full charge at 220 volts, Nissan claim that it can get an 80% charge in less than an hour.  The transmission is joy stick controlled shifting and accelleration is drive by wire.  While a test drive was not available at this time, the car is expected to be very peppy off the line with 100% engine torque available at 0 rpm.    The five passenger vehicle is sleek and stylish.   Nissan has let out limited specs at this time as exact specs are still being modified.

Motor:  24 kW (est)               

Top speed: 90 mph

0-40 mph: 4 sec (est)

Regenerative breaking:  Yes

Batteries: Lithium ion magnesium

Range on full charge: About 100 miles