Nissan Making Waves with New Electric Vehicles

With the rise in gasoline prices around the country, the electric car Leaf, rated at 99 miles per gallon, is a relief to those that watch how many mpg their car is performing at. This is calculated by determining a full charge of the Leaf’s 24KW lithium ion battery over seven hours compared to a traditional gasoline car. The Leaf has by far the highest mileage rating compared to any other vehicles of major brand competitors. In comparison, the Toyota Prius comes in second at 51 mpg in city and 48 mpg on highway.

The luxury of saving on gasoline comes at a premium price; the 2011 Nissan Leaf starts at $33,600. Several states are offering taxpayers a credit of up to $7,500, depending on where you reside, for buying an electric car like the Leaf. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated this vehicle as best for the environment. The Leaf releases zero greenhouses gases.

The Nissan Leaf drives much like a regular car and weighs in at 3,300 lbs. What is impressive about the Leaf is the weight distribution of the vehicle. On other gas-electric hybrids, the heavy engine is under the hood and the battery is positioned close to the rear, therefore creating an unsettling driving experience. The Leaf’s engine is not quite as heavy as gas-electric hybrids and is more balanced. The 80KW electric motor is able to output 107 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque. The Leaf takes about 7 hours to fully charge and can travel up to 130 miles. A quick charge port is also available that charges the battery to 80% within a half hour.

Nissan’s dedication to developing innovative vehicles that are environmentally friendly by creating electric vehicles such as the Leaf is crucial to their success. Ingram Park Nissan, the premier Nissan dealership in the San Antonio area, has a full selection of Nissan vehicles. They have made a commitment to finding the right Nissan vehicle for drivers.

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