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The digital "eyebrow" display at the top of the instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the power meter, battery temperature gauge, multi-function display, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance to empty display.

The flat panel center C-stack cluster continues the "EV touch" feel with the color monitor for the standard navigation system, available RearView Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems. The display also provides access to the CARWINGS telematics system, which is connected to a global data center, (subscription required, no charge for 36 months). Through CARWINGS, Nissan Leaf drivers are able to use mobile phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down. The system also displays "reachable area," as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be programmed to recharge the batteries.

The Nissan Leaf interior also includes comfortable front bucket seats and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. The seat fabric is made with partially recycled materials. Recycled materials are also used for the back door trim, roof trim and headliner, carpeting and a number of other interior pieces such as the door panels and center console storage cover.

The center console area includes the palm shifter (inspired by a PC mouse) for the "by wire" drive selector. The 3-spoke steering wheel houses controls for the cruise control, audio system and standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System. XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink Universal Transceiver standard on Nissan Leaf SL models. One interior color is offered, Light Gray.

A Dedicated EV Platform, Innovative Battery Design

The front-wheel drive Nissan Leaf utilizes an all-new dedicated EV platform with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The highly rigid body design includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity compared to a conventional compact car. Leaf rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175.0-inch overall length, 69.7-inch width and 61.0-inch height.

"Dimensionally, the Nissan Leaf falls in between our Nissan Altima and Nissan Versa, and like those vehicles provides room for five adults and a good-sized cargo area," said Castignetti. "Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides optimum weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for five passenger seating by not intruding into the cabin space."

Nissan Leaf's 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is comprised of 48 compact modules of four cells each, which allows a high degree of packaging flexibility. The batteries are designed to maximize drive time and minimize charging time. The new battery was developed by the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a joint venture of Nissan and NEC. Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in design applications.

Range is rated at 100 miles/charge based upon US EPA LA4 City cycle conducted in laboratory tests. (Battery capacity decreases with time and use; actual range will vary depending upon driving/charging habits, speed, conditions, weather, temperature, and battery age.)

The Nissan Leaf offers a number of charging options. A 220V charge port is located in the front body, along with a port for the portable trickle charge cable (110V). The available Quick Charge Port allows charging to 80% capacity in 30 minutes at public charging stations. There's also an available photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for car accessories.

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system. Braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Leaf's standard regenerative braking system helps increase range. By applying the brakes or reducing speed by letting off the accelerator, the electric motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy that would otherwise be wasted into battery energy. To increase regenerative braking, there's a driver-controlled Eco mode setting, which can also be used to reduce air conditioning and thus improve driving range when driving in urban areas.

Because Leaf does not have an internal combustion engine, Nissan has incorporated an "Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians" system, which is designed to alert pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching. When driving at low speeds (below 16 mph), the system emits a sound from a speaker at the front of the vehicle. When the vehicle's speed reaches 19 mph, pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and the "approaching sound" automatically turns off. If the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph, the sound comes on again.

Two Well-Equipped Models

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is offered in two well-equipped models, the Leaf SV and Leaf SL. Standard features include a 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, front door map pockets, passenger seat map pockets, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage and electric parking brake.

Other standard equipment includes an AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability and 6 speakers, auxiliary input jack ad USB Connection Port for iPod and other compatible devices, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge door release, two cupholders, two bottle holders, variable intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet and remote keyless entry system with remote windows down and hatch release.

The Nissan Leaf SL model includes a photovoltaic spoiler panel spoiler, fog lights, auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.

Low Maintenance Costs

A Roadside Assistance program is offered for 36 months at no charge, as is service for the CARWINGS telematics system. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

In addition, Leaf is expected to offer a lower total cost of ownership than comparable internal combustion engine-equipped vehicles. With less complexity (due to no engine, transmission or exhaust system), maintenance costs are projected to be lower. In addition, the cost-per-mile of electric vehicles is projected to be 20 - 30% of the cost of fuel (based on 15,000 miles, $3/gallon fuel and $0.11 kWh for electricity for similarly sized vehicles, U.S. Energy Information Administration figures for cents per kWh).

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is scheduled to commence sales beginning in December 2010 in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee. The anticipated release date for Texas and Hawaii is January 2011, spring 2011 for North Carolina, Florida, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Georgia, then followed by the rest of the United States in late 2011.

Initial Nissan Leaf production is sourced from Oppama, Japan, with battery production at Zama, Japan.

Nissan Leaf: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications