xcel
01-24-2012, 11:51 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpgSome fluff to promote the LEAF ;) (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=332288)
http://www.youtube.com/v/_VGu0cfCuTM?version=3Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Jan 24, 2012
2012 Nissan LEAF – $35,200 to start and provides an EPA rated 73 miles All-Electric Range (AER).
Currently one of the world’s first affordable all-electric cars and far more versatile than the slightly more affordable iMiEV, the 90 cu. ft. passenger volume makes it a small mid-size according to the EPA. Its 22 cu. ft. of cargo cap make it the size of a small CUV while comfortably seating five.
The Battery
The Nissan LEAF’s 24 kWh Li-ion battery is comprised of 48 compact modules of four cells each. The batteries are designed to maximize range and minimize charging time. The 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 are said to offer more flexibility in design.
Enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a standard battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and rear HVAC duct on all models. Also, a Quick Charge Port is now standard on the LEAF SL.
LEAF is driven in the “cold”
Japanese journalists were allowed to drive the LEAF on three snow covered test courses in Shibetsu, Hokkaido of Northern Japan to assess the LEAF’s driving performance in extreme weather conditions. Another reason for the press junket was to demonstrate how winter conditions do not effect battery performance.
During the drive event with ambient temperatures averaging just 16 degrees F, the various LEAF’s Li-Ion batteries internal temperatures stayed between 40 and 50 degrees F as expected during heavy use.
In colder climates, a battery-warming system can keep the LEAF’s batteries set to charge to the same level as if outside temperatures were 68 degrees F. In addition, pre-warming the cabin while plugged in adds range that would normally be lost by warming up the cabin from a very cold ambient.
Performance in the conventional sense
“When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal or corners, the LEAF is expressing a gentleness unique to the EV.”
“The footwork of the LEAF is smooth and nimble because the heavy components, such as batteries, are mounted under the floor, and the center of gravity is low and in the middle.”
“LEAF proved it’s the one for the road.”
“I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future.”
“The LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”
While the drive results in terms of cold weather handling and straight up performance was more than satisfactory from those quoted including more than 22,000 LEAFs currently on the world’s roads, there was no mention of range degradation during the colder drives which we know exists.
http://www.youtube.com/v/_VGu0cfCuTM?version=3Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Jan 24, 2012
2012 Nissan LEAF – $35,200 to start and provides an EPA rated 73 miles All-Electric Range (AER).
Currently one of the world’s first affordable all-electric cars and far more versatile than the slightly more affordable iMiEV, the 90 cu. ft. passenger volume makes it a small mid-size according to the EPA. Its 22 cu. ft. of cargo cap make it the size of a small CUV while comfortably seating five.
The Battery
The Nissan LEAF’s 24 kWh Li-ion battery is comprised of 48 compact modules of four cells each. The batteries are designed to maximize range and minimize charging time. The 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 are said to offer more flexibility in design.
Enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a standard battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and rear HVAC duct on all models. Also, a Quick Charge Port is now standard on the LEAF SL.
LEAF is driven in the “cold”
Japanese journalists were allowed to drive the LEAF on three snow covered test courses in Shibetsu, Hokkaido of Northern Japan to assess the LEAF’s driving performance in extreme weather conditions. Another reason for the press junket was to demonstrate how winter conditions do not effect battery performance.
During the drive event with ambient temperatures averaging just 16 degrees F, the various LEAF’s Li-Ion batteries internal temperatures stayed between 40 and 50 degrees F as expected during heavy use.
In colder climates, a battery-warming system can keep the LEAF’s batteries set to charge to the same level as if outside temperatures were 68 degrees F. In addition, pre-warming the cabin while plugged in adds range that would normally be lost by warming up the cabin from a very cold ambient.
Performance in the conventional sense
“When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal or corners, the LEAF is expressing a gentleness unique to the EV.”
“The footwork of the LEAF is smooth and nimble because the heavy components, such as batteries, are mounted under the floor, and the center of gravity is low and in the middle.”
“LEAF proved it’s the one for the road.”
“I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future.”
“The LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”
While the drive results in terms of cold weather handling and straight up performance was more than satisfactory from those quoted including more than 22,000 LEAFs currently on the world’s roads, there was no mention of range degradation during the colder drives which we know exists.