Heal Earth Now

In the 1920s, electric vehicles overwhelmed America’s street corners. Nissan seems determined to resurrect that epoch. Welcome to the all-electric, 5-seater hatchback, the Nissan Leaf: “Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car.”

The Leaf runs on state-of-the-art, 480-pound lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries. They are charged using an 110v, 220v, 240v or 480v charger. With an 110v charger (U.S. household standard), the Leaf takes an interminable 16 hours to recuperate, but that lessens to a decent eight with the 220v and approximately 30 minutes with the 480v charger. The latter is planned for use in public fueling stations.

The Leaf promises a 100-mile range on a single charge. Nissan notes this meets 70% of the world’s mileage requirements and that 80% of drivers travel fewer than 62 miles per day. Nissan expects the batteries to retain 80% of their storage capacity after five years and stabilize thereafter. These incredible achievements warranted the Leaf the Green Car of the Year accolade by Green Car Journal in 2010.

Nissan does not skimp on interior amenities. Standard features include A/C, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, variable intermittent wipers, trip computer, tilt-steering column, 12v DC power outlet, adjustable driver and passenger seats, 60/40-split rear seats, full power accessories and a navigation system. Blast some bass from the M/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system, equipped with optional XM radio, auxiliary audio jack and USB port. The high-end SL trim adds fog lights, automatic headlamps and a rear spoiler.

The exterior exhibits its own aplomb. Rolling on 16-inch wheels, the Leaf sports LED headlamps (using only 10% power of regular headlamps), dual-power exterior mirrors and chrome accents.

Nissan has affixed its own technological legerdemain. Mobile phones can be used to adjust A/C, heating, and charging functions, even when the vehicle is turned off. The Leaf sports traction control, a security system, and airbags protecting every occupant.

New toys tend to be expensive. However, the U.S. Leaf will cost $32,780, and with tax incentives it may lessen to $25,000. It costs only $3 “fill up.” Nissan predicts an average five-year “real” cost of $28,180, lower than a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic.

The Nissan Leaf debuts soon. Watch the street corners.

Some happy news for Toyota; the Prius was named the Top Green Car by Comsumer Reports. 

Toyota Prius. The Prius ($26,950) received a redesign for 2010 and leads this category for the seventh straight year. It’s still the most fuel-efficient car in Consumer Reports’ ratings, with 44 mpg overall. The Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a steady ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent reliability and crash-test results. The 2010 redesign also gave it a more solid feel and a dedicated EV mode that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds, an advantage in slow, congested traffic.

After all the news of recalls this is one positive thing that can provide a point of pride for Toyota.  After years of being one of the car manufacturers that people can rely on for durability in their vehicles, consumer confidence has dropped considerably.