What is Nissan LEAF?
A car with no oil, no petrol tank, no transmission, no exhaust pipe.
- A car that runs on 100% electricity, an energy source that can be made cheaply and ecologically.
- A car that charges while you sleep, while you shop, while you work.
- A car that embraces recycled materials.
- A car so vastly original, it will change the way we build, drive and think about cars for years to come
The new LEAF offers you the most exciting, practical and stylish way to own an Electric Vehicle. Powered by compact lithium-ion batteries for fast-charging and a range of approx. 175 kilometres, the LEAF is intelligently designed 5 seater family car with regenerative braking, ultra-smooth aerodynamics and even low energy headlights.
The new Nissan LEAF has the performance of a 1.6 litre petrol-engine & can be recharged to 80% battery capacity in around 25 minutes from a fast charging point
There will be just one version of Nissan LEAF available in Ireland fully equipped with features such as 16″ Alloy Wheels, fully automatic Climate Control, Satellite Navigation, Cruise Control, a Rear Parking Camera and a Quick Charge Socket. Safety equipment such as Driver, Passenger, Side and Curtain airbags will be standard along with Electronic Stability Control. Equipment will also include the very distinctive LED headlamps which is a first for Nissan.
Innovative smart phone connectivity will allow an owner to control many elements of the LEAF’s functions remotely – including tell the car when to re-charge, to heat or cool the interior of the car before starting a journey and many more remarkable features.
The Satellite Navigation on the LEAF can connect directly to a Global Data Center via the Telematics System giving owners updates on charging points, driving patterns, etc.
Power comes from the 80 kw AC motor which develops 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h. Thanks to the near instant response from its 80 kw electric motor, Nissan LEAF offers startling performance from a standstill. Furthermore, this performance is delivered in near silence with no vibrations.
The electric motor is “fuelled” by a laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kw. The 48 module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of Nisasn LEAF, thus ensuring a low centre of gravity for near roll free cornering with excellent ride comfort. The battery is produced by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), Nissan’s joint venture with electronics maker NEC.
A full charge delivers a potential range of 175km which will satisfy the daily driving demands of most customers. Global research indicates that the average daily mileage for 80 percent of the world’s population is below 100km and below 50km in Japan and the UK.
Charging
How can I charge LEAF? Emission-free and hassle free? Thanks to cutting edge technology and a global infrastructure, owning and driving a LEAF will be easier, more practical and more fun than you might think possible. To keep your LEAF on the road there will be several ways to charge it up. Overnight at home or at the office for a full charge, or for a quick top-up from one of the many points that will be placed around the country (from supermarkets to shopping centres to the high street, public parking spaces to even petrol stations). Your car will even be able to communicate with you, letting you know via mobile application how its charging is progressing.
Charging the Nissan LEAF
How can you charge your Nissan LEAF?
Most people will charge their electric vehicle (EV) at home. However public charging stations are also becoming available nationwide. Charging is simple – you connect your electric car to a power source and the LEDs on the dashboard will let you know the current status of your charge. To stop charging the lithium-ion battery of your Nissan Leaf just unplug the cable.
Charging your Nissan LEAF at Home
Nissan highly recommends the use of a dedicated home charging unit when charging of Nissan LEAF at home
What is a home charging unit?
A home charging unit is a fixed charging system, consisting of a weatherproof capsule, hardwired to an EV-dedicated line with a charging cable attached to it. The unit allows charging at home at 16 Amps as opposed to the standard cable’s 10 Amps, cutting charge time by 4 hours. The Nissan recommended home charging unit for your electric vehicle ensures:
- Ease of operation thanks to its attached cable – simply plug in and walk away
- Faster charging performance thanks to a permanent 16 Amp current supply (full charge in 8hrs)
- A certified and warranted installation complying with local wiring regulations
How to acquire a home charging unit for your Nissan LEAF?
Once you have purchased your ecar, your LEAF dealer will notify ESB ecars, who will then arrange for an electrical contractor to contact you and discuss the installation of the home charger (free for the first 2,000 ecars sold). A date and time will be arranged for installation.
For further details click here http://www.esb.ie/electric-cars/electric-car-driving/steps-to-buying-an-electric-car.jsp
Charging Nissan LEAF out and about
A charging cable is delivered with your Nissan LEAF, allowing you to charge the car at public charging stations (on-street parking, shopping centres, etc.) in about 8 hours on 220V – 16 Amp. The cable has a 7-Pin Mennekes Plug on one end and an EV plug which connects to the Nissan LEAF’s socket. All Nissan LEAF’s are equipped with a unique navigation system which displays the closest available charging station for your Nissan LEAF – and even updates to find new ones as they become available.
Rapid charging [Direct Current 50 KW]
This charging method allows you to achieve 8O% battery charge in around 30 minutes. The rapid chargers are displayed on your Nissan LEAF’s satellite navigation screen. From March 2011, all Nissan EV accredited dealers will have a rapid charger at their dealership.
Public charging infrastructure
The ESB established ESB ecars in 2010 to roll out the charging infrastructure for electric cars and vehicles across Ireland and to support the introduction and demand for electric cars nationally.
Critical to the take up of electric cars is the provision of conveniently positioned charge points across the country and in homes. ESB, as the single owner/operator of the electricity distribution system, is responsible for implementing this across Ireland. Currently the charge point infrastructure is building to become a comprehensive network of public and domestic charge points. ESB ecars targets are to install 2,000 home charge points, 1,500 public charge points and 30 fast charge points nationwide. The progress can be viewed on the electric car charge point map on http://www.esb.ie/ecars
Own It
The Nissan Leaf gives a new dimension to the driving experience thanks to all new technology. This new technology requires specific tooling , training and safety conditions for technicians performing any maintenance or repair services to the Leaf. Only dedicated Leaf Authorised repairers have been given the necessary technical and safety training required to carry out maintenance and repairs to your Nissan Leaf. What’s more, our qualified service technicians use only certified genuine Nissan parts to maximise the lifespan of your car. Your Nissan is a technologically advanced vehicle, so as part of every service our technicians will check for, and apply software and component upgrades, free of charge. We guarantee that Nissan aftersales will see to the needs of your vehicle. For us, and for Nissan drivers only optimal performance and safety is good enough.
Q. What is LEAF?
- 5 seater passenger hatchback
- FAMILY car
- No exhaust pipe
- No CO2 Emissions
Q. How much does LEAF cost?
€30,595 after Government incentive
Q. Does this price include the battery?
YES - No separate monthly battery leasing charges will apply
Q. How much is it likely to cost to charge the LEAF overnight?
0.01c per minute at night-saver electricity rates. Equivalent to €1 per 100km. Average annual mileage of 20,000km will cost only €200 !
Q. What type of battery is used?
Powered by an advanced Lithium-Ion Battery
Q. How far can the LEAF drive on one charge?
Average range on one charge is 175km
Q. What are Electric Vehicle (EV) consumer benefits?
- Clean – No CO2 Emissions – cleaner environment
- Quiet – No engine Noise
- Low running costs – Fewer moving parts so lower service and maintenance costs – Estimated driving car 100km will cost in the region of €1 (average family 1.5 litre diesel car 100km will cost in the region of €8 – Diesel car fuel costs are calculated for 1.5 litre diesel vehicle returning 5.2litres per 100km @ €1.54 per litre.)
- At Home Charging – no inconvenience of having to stop at service stations
Q. What is the top speed of a LEAF?
140km per hour
Q. Is LEAF front or rear-wheel drive?
Power comes from the Front Wheels
Q. How much is the Road Tax?
Currently lowest bracket road tax at €160.
Q. How much will it cost to get a domestic charging unit installed in my home?
ESB will install domestic charging units free of charge for the 1st 2,000 customers
Q. Will I have to lease the battery separately for LEAF?
When you buy / lease a LEAF you buy/lease the car and battery as a complete unit. No separate monthly lease charges for the battery
Intelligent Telematics
Nissan has developed an IT system for Nissan LEAF connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center to support Electric Vehicle driving 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This helps to provide a stress free experience through ground breaking features and is achieved via the following: Maximum range display With a simple touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge. The system can also calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination. Update on charging stations The navigation system will point out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range. Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed. Timer function The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be pre-set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favorable electricity rates and ensure your car is fully charged for you in the morning. EV remote control and monitoring function The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of LEAF via an online website or a smart phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the smart phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.
