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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg Ghosn says Nissan will immediately begin investing billions building Leaf assembly lines in Japan, Europe, and Smyrna, T.N. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/nissan-leaf-ev-back-story_b_250642.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Nissan_Leaf_BEV.jpgSteve Parker - HUFFINGTONPOST (http://www.huffingtonpost.com) - August 4, 2009

How will the Ford Focus EV compare? --Ed.

Yesterday we caught a glimpse of transportation's future. And you can bet that today the oil companies are somewhat nervous.

Nissan introduced their close-to-production Leaf electric vehicle at their new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, just south of Tokyo, It is the fulfillment of company CEO Carlos Ghosn's dream of bypassing the hybrid craze and being the first major car-maker to go directly to EVs. The company says it will go on sale worldwide in late 2010 (Renault-badged EVs should follow soon after).

Ghosn's (pro: Go-on) determination to move directly to EVs, whether successful or not, is unique among the major car-makers, and he must be respected for that. I like a car company which takes chances, especially in this economic climate. It's exactly what Detroit should be doing -- something bold.

At each of the past few Tokyo Motor Shows, Nissan has displayed their latest lithium-ion (LION) battery technology; the batteries were smaller and lighter at each successive show. This year's show should see the Leaf in production trim.

On my radio show recently, my guest was an original GM EV1 lessor, an NBC-TV network technician who has been an EV enthusiast for years. In line for a Mini E, he found out the day before he was to receive the car that apparently BMW, Mini's maker, took exception with some things he'd said and written on the Web; he didn't get the car, but he's driven several and loves it.

During the interview, I asked him if battery technology was still the biggest obstacle to mass-produced EVs. I was somewhat surprised when he said no; that the latest LION batteries are dropping in price... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/nissan-leaf-ev-back-story_b_250642.html

I'm impressed by Nissan's strategy and curious to see how the LEAF will sell. Predictions anyone?

My guess is it will do well. EVs are the future, hybrids are the present, and fossil fuel powered cars are the past. What I can't understand is why it's taking GM years longer to get the Volt into production, despite its long-term experience with the EV-1. Apparently GM is interested in EVs, while Nissan is committed.

Read Ghosn's remarks -- that he gave unchanged for years -- why hybrids were stupid as a company endeavor because the cars were not cost competitive with ICE only cars. He very closely mirrored Lutz's opinions, including the relentless digs that the Prius was only valuable as a PR stunt.

Neither he or Lutz have really changed their opinions, adverts aside. This is an expensive greenwashing compaign, just like the Volt. They are also constrained in their PR options by being too late and too restrained by Toyota's patent portfolio to belatedly develop a successful hybrid option.

I have nothing against Nissan, but Ghosn is not a reputable EV advocate.

I'm impressed by Nissan's strategy and curious to see how the LEAF will sell. Predictions anyone?

I'm pessimistic. The low range (100 mi) and the duration of the "quick charge" (30 minutes) makes that it will be non convenient for a lot of people who don't have a way to plug it during the night. May be some people having to take the dogs out for a walk, will take the car for a quick charge at the same time.

The Better Place option (swapping batteries with full ones in less than a couple minutes), if available, may make more people more interested, but it will always multiply the visits to the service station.

In my case my commute is 40 mi/day, 80 mi on Wednesday, so I would prefer having my own batteries and charge them at home during off peak hours, but this means I can afford only 60 additional miles between charges. I rarely do more than 100 mi per day but may be a need once every 1-2 months.

Lately I traveled 1000 mi/week during a couple weeks, with 400-500 mi/day twice and 150-250 mi/day four times. In this case I can rent a dyno-juice car.

BEV will make people to have to anticipate their trips depending on their remaining range, which is rarely the case with today's cars. The more the range will increase, the more people will be interested.
At the other side, the money saving may make some people accept the additional restrictions.

Denis.

It's a neat vehicle idea, but I don't know why there is no 110v trickle charge option.

Hi, Indigo -- the charging outlet on the right will take either 110V or 220V input. A full charge from empty will take 16hrs on the 110V and 8hrs on the 220V.

And here is the Renault BEV, or more exactly the 4 Renault BEVs : http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6582495/auto-shows/2009-frankfurt-motor-show-could-ze-renault-ze-concepts-reach-production/index.html

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/auto-shows/2009-frankfurt-motor-show-could-ze-renault-ze-concepts-reach-production/25986562+w750+st0/renault-ze-unveiling.jpg

You can find other pictures and a 8 min video about charge modes here in French (http://auto.nouvelobs.com/actualites/8072/renault/breve.html) or through google translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://auto.nouvelobs.com/actualites/8072/renault/breve.html&prev=hp) (video not translated ;)).

Denis.

Hi Groar:

___I have so many posts to catch up with regarding Frankfurt I do not even know where to start... This is just one of them...
RENAULT-RWE PARTNERS TOWARDS ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY

Today, Renault and German electric utility RWE signed a cooperation agreement to create a large-scale zero-emissions individual transport and travel system in Germany. The objective is to establish electric cars as a viable and attractive transport solution for German consumers.

The partnership was officially launched today by Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and Nissan, and Mr. Dr. Jürgen Grobmann, CEO of RWE. The Renault Nissan Alliance aims to become the world's leading manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. Germany will be one of the major markets for all-electric models. RWE, is one of the leading european utility companies. RWE is currently setting up a powerful charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in major German cities and will subsequently roll-out this infrastructure across Germany.

Through the agreement announced today, the Renault Nissan Alliance and RWE aim to provide consumers with access to zero emission mobility. The partners want the joint market launch to start in June 2011. The Renault-Nissan Alliance and RWE intend to develop the market for EVs and create strong interest for e-mobility.

A joint pilot phase, starting second quarter 2009 and lasting until June 30, 2011, will first take place in Berlin, followed by other major German cities. Starting at the end of 2010, 100 electric Renault preserial vehicles will use the RWE charging infrastructure.

Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and Nissan, said, "The signature of the cooperation agreement with RWE is a major step forward for Renault and the Alliance in Germany. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is committed to become the global leader in zero emission vehicles. Thanks to this partnership with RWE, we will be able to provide German customers with electric vehicles at an affordable price, with performance, roominess, comfort, quality and safety.”

Dr. Jürgen Grobmann, CEO of RWE, said, “We are entering together into new territory with this innovative partnership. Together with Renault, we want to help electric cars make their breakthrough in Germany, with an attractive offering consisting of an electric car, eco-energy and fast charging stations.
___Good Luck

___Wayne