Zoomi Life

Nissan revealed the LEAF electric car in August with announced plans to begin sales in 2010 with a production target date of late 2010/early 2011.  This is further confirmed by the latest announcement that they’ll begin taking pre-orders in North America starting in the Spring of 2010.  Their goal is a U.S. pre-sales target of 20,000 cars before launch.

That’s a pretty big goal, but Nissan claims that over 22,000 Americans have contacted them since the car unveiled in August, so it’s not totally out of reach.  But it’s close, in my opinion.  Although, given the popularity of the much less practical i-MiEV, I guess it’s maybe more plausible than I might think.

Nissan is setting up a new opt-in system where potential owners can sign up to receive updates on when and where they can get a test drive and when they’ll be able to expect delivery in their area. Of course, the opportunity for more marketing won’t be lost either.  Nissan’s own research shows that about 70% of their interested market resides in areas where it will first come in (California, New York, etc.) and at least half of those 22,000 who’ve contacted Nissan say they want to get a LEAF ASAP.

The LEAF is a medium-sized hatchback that seats five adults.  It’s range is 100 miles per charge on its lithium-ion pack at 24kWh with an output of 90kW.  It’s motor is a synch AC with 80kW and torque deliveryof 280Nm (207lb-ft).  It’s top speed is 90mph.

While that’s exciting, the range is based on urban mileage, not on highway commute driving, so it will be considerably less at highway speeds.  Regardless, it’s pretty impressive.

The charging point is under the Nissan logo in the hood and it can be brought to 80% in about thirty minutes on it’s quick-charger and to full in about eight hours on a 200V outlet.

I think that the contemporary look of the LEAF will make it more popular than some of its counterparts.  I also expect that it’s price point will be comparable to similar gas vehicles, as Nissan has promised.  Production will initially be in Japan, but is expected to expand to the Nissan plant in Tennessee as demand rises.

Sources: Green Car Congress, Nissan