Nissan Leaf, Car of the Future?

Jan 11th – Green, Transport

I am a new comer to the world of motoring, having recently purchased my first car. When I first started driving, the first thing that hit me (apart from the neighbours wheelie bin) was how fundamentally old fashioned motor vehicles are. In reality not much has really changed from the beginnings of the car in 1885. We all know that increasing and continuing CO2 emissions are slowly driving our earth towards a dark future, and the motor vehicle in its current form is not helping the situation.

Looking for alternatives, the motor industry turned towards electric vehicles. Due to the technology of the time the vehicles were slow, and took days to charge. Now in 2011, the first viable combustion engine alternatives are hitting our show rooms and roads, and one of our favourites here at Habitables is the Nissan Leaf.

So what makes the Nissan Leaf different to a milk float? Everyone I have mentioned this car to, has been interested up to the point where I say that it is fully electric. However this isn’t a box on wheels like the G-Whiz, this car fits in, vital to its success. It also has 5 seats, and plenty of boot space. The batteries line the floor of the car, and are capable of storing twice the energy in the space of a normal electric car battery. Despite being electric the top speed is impressive too, at 90 mph. And acceleration is said to be 0-60 in 9 seconds.

You are able to charge the car from a normal socket in your home (after your electrical system has been checked by Nissan) or for £1000 have a specifically designed charging point installed at your home. A single charge will give you a range of 100 miles, which is ideal for a city dweller.

Being a design blog, we couldn’t write an article without mentioning the stunning design of the Leaf. It’s interior is towards the top of my list of superb car interiors (yes, I really do have a list) that includes the Fiat 500 and Honda Civic. The all white interior is perfect for the iPod generation, and includes great features such as Sat Nav and an Entertainment system driven by Windows 7 Automotive. The best thing about the drivers bay is that there are only two pedals, with no need for a clutch.

In conclusion we here at Habitables love the Nissan Leaf, with great green credentials and futuristic design. Another top selling point is the low price of only £23,990 thanks to a government subsidy of £5,000. Let us hope that this is a stepping stone towards banishing the combustion engine car to the past.

[Nissan UK]

Posted by at Jan 11th 2011

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  • http://www.libertyvillenissan.com/ used cars Lake County

    It’s a magical post.
    After the popularity of Nissan Leaf in Europe, it spreads around the world.
    No doubt this EV is one glamorous model created by Nissan.

  • http://www.hudsonnissan.com newark nissan brakes

    Great Nissan Leaf presentation.
    I also support you regarding the fact that this Leaf is one future generation model of Nissan.
    It’s interior is looking awesome and it’s zero emission facility is environmental friendly.