NISSAN'S NEW “LEAF” – THE WORLD’S
FIRST ELECTRIC CAR DESIGNED FOR AFFORDABILITY
AND REAL-WORLD REQUIREMENTS


Last week, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:
1) Zero-emission power train and platform
2) Affordable pricing
3) Distinctive design
4) Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5) Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

Scheduled for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, the Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.
Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.
And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.
REAL-WORLD CAR


CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data centre, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.
The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.
Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.
“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.
Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterised by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special”. But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume about 50 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.
Through bright trim colours inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” colour theme originates from the Aqua Globe body colour of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognises that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers with a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.
While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programmes under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realisation of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan’s EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

For more information, please visit the Nissan Zero-Emission website:
http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com

Nissan Go Route One to Electric Cars

Not for them the hybrid, or the low-emission variants of its production cars, Nissan is going straight for the electric car market.
And it could be a serious player in 2011.So what backs this confidence in electric?

Nissan has taken an interesting approach to green cars, says the Green Car Guide The casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that the company is not making any effort to turn its cars green. Nissan does not have any hybrids, or even any super-low emission model variants on the market in the UK at the moment. The company has instead chosen to miss out the intermediate stage of low emission internal combustion engine models, and has gone straight for an all-out electric vehicle.

Green Car Guide has test driven the Evo-02 . For a full report click here now.

In-car green technology can help drivers reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions


Occasionally,through these pages we report on products,though not cars, non-the-less help drivers to drive more efficiently.The eco:Drive is one such product. Last reported here on March 27th 2008

Launched in 2008 by Fiat in conjunction with digital agency AKQA, eco:Drive is a free to use tool that helps motorists to understand the impact of their driving style on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Using a USB memory stick plugged into the car’s Blue&Me port, eco:Drive records information about the vehicle and how it has been driven, which can be regularly uploaded on to a computer. Using this information, the system gives a detailed analysis of the driver’s performance, along with suggestions on how to improve efficiency even further by changing driving habits.

We are delighted to report that eco:Drive, a truly interactive tool and not just an advertising gimmic for Fiat, is doing well, and was recently awarded a top award at the Cannes Lions Awards . For more information on eco:drive click here

GM's progress towards ultra-low emission vehicles

GM’s HydroGen4,reportsthe Green-Car-Guide, represents one of the next steps after the Ampera in GM’s progress towards ultra-low emission vehicles. More than 100 HydroGen4 vehicles are now under test, and Green-Car-Guide has driven one, as the European part of the world’s largest fuel cell vehicle fleet starts operation. For a fascinating and full report on this hydrogen-powered but essentially electric vehicle you can go from here to the Green-Car-Guide website

BMW launch its most fuel efficient car yet:the 316d ES saloon

We don't always associate the luxury saloon market with low CO2 emissions. This month,however, sees the launch of the most fuel efficient and the cleanest 3 Series BMW has ever produced. The 316d saloon's performance is made possible by the incorporation of the award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies.


With just £35 Vehicle Excise Duty to pay and 13 per cent benefit-in-kind ranking,the BMW 316d is powered by a 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel engine that records 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. This class-leading economy figure is enough to give the car a possible range in excess of 800 miles between fill-ups. Factor in its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km and the vehicle becomes the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever.

However, every BMW still has to acquit itself in the performance stakes to meet customer expectations. A 116hp output figure and torque of 260Nm from 1,750rpm delivers a zero to 62mph time of 10.9 seconds. When combined with a top speed of 125mph and uncompromised dynamic performance this fulfils the promise of the EfficientDynamics programme. This efficiency comfortably eclipses competitor product from the likes of Audi and Mercedes. Power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox.

The BMW 316d ES Saloon comes as standard with the same specification as the current What Car? Green Car of the Year Executive Car category winner, the BMW 318d ES Saloon. This specification includes air-conditioning, multi-function leather steering wheel, front and rear ISOFIX child seat attachments, front foglights and the complete suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies as standard.

The new BMW 316d Saloon goes on sale in September priced at £23,330 OTR. Further information on this class-leading vehicle can gained at www.bmw.co.uk/bmw316d and for business buyers at www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/316d

Electric cars with a dash of petrol give Vauxhall green drive

There has been a great deal of media coverage lately on an electric future for cars. The UK government is backing the drive to go electric. So ,too,Vauxhall which has been high profile with its electric/petrol car thesoon-to-be commercially produced Ampera scooping What Car's green technology award.

Behind the revolutionary Vauxhall/Opel Ampera Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), to give it its full title,is the Voltec propulsion system.The Ampera is expected to be on sale in Europe late 2011, UK early 2012.

British car magazine What Car? has honoured the Ampera with its inaugural Technology Award, thanks to its innovative and usable approach to green motoring, as well as its ability to overcome the ‘range anxiety’ suffered by users of conventional electric cars.

Unlike a plug-in electric vehicle, Ampera’s E-REV system uses an on-board petrol generator to stop the battery from discharging completely, meaning that as well as a 40-mile electric-only range, the car can be driven much further between recharges. With over 70 per cent of European car journeys being below the Ampera’s electric-only range, the majority of drivers will be able to use it with zero exhaust emissions and no petrol consumption, but with the peace of mind of knowing it is capable of undertaking much longer journeys without recharging if necessary.

For a full report Green-Car-Guide.com

Chevrolet has a spring in its step with the low emissions and insurance costing Matiz

Good news all round with the Chevrolet Matiz. Apart from its low CO2 emissions(119 g/km), and low insurance premiums, this already highly affordable motor attracts the cash-for-scrap incentive.To qualify for the scrappage scheme your existing car must have been registered before 31st August 1999. Chevrolet will apply savings of at least £2,000 across its whole model range.

Chevrolet announce that the entry-level Matiz 0.8 S ( with a fuel performance of 54.3 mpg) comes in at £4,295 on the road, provided your car qualifies for the scrappage allowance. It you would not normally buy a new car,the price and economy of the Matiz may change your mind. For more information, you can click here for the Chevrolet website.
Chevrolet Scrappage Scheme

Reduce CO2 emissions and save money,with Michelin energy-saving tyres


We have been banging-on about the significant benefits to you of fitting energy saving tyres to your car. The following tells of a report prepared by Michelin on savings generated by its most recent car and truck tyre ranges since their launch in 2008.

Green Car Guide : Michelin says tyres consume one tank of fuel out of five for cars and one out of three for trucks. The company says its goal is to design tyres that help to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the same high performance in the areas of safety and tread life.

These tyres have reduced overall fuel consumption by 65.6 million litres, the equivalent of 1.3 million full tanks of fuel (based on reductions in fuel consumption of 0.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 4 grams per km). As a result, they have helped to reduce CO2 emissions by 131,000 tonnes, equal to the amount that would have been produced by 73,000 cars in one year.

The company claims that overall fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 66.7 million litres and CO2 emissions by more than 134,000 tonnes thanks to its latest car and truck tyres, which have been on the market for just a year and a half.
The most recent car tyre developed using this technology is the Michelin Energy Saver, of which 23 million units have been sold since its European launch in early 2008.

Car manufacturers recognised the performance of the Michelin Energy Saver in three areas – fuel savings, safety and longevity. As a result, the tyre has been homologated for use on more than 100 vehicles produced by leading car manufacturers in just over one and a half years on the market. Tyres are generally only certified for use on 20 to 40 vehicles over that period of time.
In May 2008, the Michelin truck division brought out the new Michelin X Energy SaverGreen in a single size – 315/70 R 22.5. Since then, the tyre has reduced overall fuel consumption by 1.1 million litres and CO2 emissions by 3,000 tonnes. The tyre alone can help reduce fuel consumption by 500 litres a year per truck. In addition to fuel savings, the Michelin X Energy SaverGreen was also designed to deliver superior performance in two other areas, exceptional longevity and increased safety.
Since 1992, Michelin has developed four generations of fuel-efficient tyres for cars and three for trucks. They have reduced fuel consumption by more than 11 billion litres and CO2 emissions by more than 28 million tonnes worldwide.

Green Car Guide

Two Weeks of the UK Scrappage Scheme lead to 35,000 orders for new cars

The Green Car Guide reports that:

Figures released last week show that more than 35,000 orders for new cars have been taken since the announcement of the£2000 scrappage subsidy two weeks ago. For a fuller report you can click here

But available now!... the all-new Mazda3:CO2 emissions down 19 per cent

-Great value all-new Mazda3 on sale from 18 May, priced from £13,500 (OTR)
-New MZR-CD 2.2-litre diesel engines with 150ps and 185ps outputs
-Fuel economy improved by up to 16 percent, CO2 emissions reduced by 19 percent
-Lower RFL tax bands and reduced BIK liability for company car drivers

Typical 0%, 3.9% and 5.9% APR finance packages available with variable deposits. Details from www.mazda.co.uk

New generation Golf Estate comes even greener,smarter and safer

Orders will be taken this October with delivery early next for the new generation Golf Estate recently unveiled featuring a fresh look, revised engines and the latest comfort and safety technologies. A BlueMotion version of the Golf Estate will also be offered giving additional economy and environmental benefits.

The new Golf Estate will be the fourth generation of the model. The original Golf Estate was launched in 1993 – since then over 1.2 million examples have been produced worldwide.

VW also announce that,drawing on the design language established by the Scirocco, new Golf and fifth generation Polo, the new Golf Estate features redesigned headlamps and front and rear bumpers to lend the car a clean and cohesive look. The use of horizontal lines on the nose helps to create the impression that the Golf Estate is both lower and wider than it really is. Further back, new wheel designs join revised rear lights to lend the car a fresh new look.

The changes continue inside the vehicle with dashboard improvements adopted from the Golf Mk VI, upgraded trim materials and a new range of upholstery.

Like the existing model the new Golf Estate will be available in S, SE and Sportline trims, each boasting a high level of standard specification including air conditioning, a CD player, multi-function computer, electric windows and mirrors, and body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles.

Of course, as you would expect from any car in the Golf family, the Golf Estate will also have a comprehensive array of safety features including ABS, ESP, driver and front passenger’s whiplash-optimised head restraints and six airbags including a deactivation switch for front passenger airbag.

Petrol engines will include a 1.4-litre 122 PS model, giving excellent performance and economy thanks to Volkswagen’s TSI technology which uses turbocharging in combination with a small capacity engine. A new 1.6-litre TDI common rail unit producing 105 PS is set to be a popular diesel choice, while a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS tops the engine range.

Full pricing and specification details will be announced in due course.

CAP records more low emission cars than ever to choose from in the UK

According to CAP ,data provider experts mainly to the motor retail and hire industry, the rush to make greener 'cleaner' cars continues to hot-up, with a record 653 new car variants brought to market in April. This was the highest number ever reported by CAP for a single month. During the first four months of 2009, a record 1,487 new cars have been added.

David Saville, NVD Quality Control Supervisor, said: “This is the highest volume of new variants ever added in a month. At the core of all these new variants appears to be the race to reduce CO2 as manufacturers seek to benefit from new tax rules in the company car market and attract private customers who wish to avoid punitively high VED rates." It seems the drive to provide stronger value for money, and the introduction of more stop/start technology particularly by Volvo and Audi,is responsible for the unprecedented increase in new car variants.

Taking the automotive industry as whole,to include vans,trucks,and motorcycles, new variants came in at 5,482 for the first four months of the year.By comparison,in 2003,just 5,096 new variants were recorded for the whole of that year.

This has got to be a great time to go out there and buy a low emission car that suits both your style and pocket.

CAP describes itself as the premier supplier of independent benchmark data to the automotive industry.
For further detail on the work of CAP click here

Lowest of the low CO2 emissions so far from Vauxhall

Vauxhall has launched its most economical car yet. The company claims a staggering 105g/km of CO2 emissions shaves an amazing 14g/km off the performance of the model it replaces. The latest Corsa ecoFlex 1.3 litre 3-door with CDTi powertrain is also said to deliver a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption with 85.6 mpg on the Government's extra urban fuel cycle underlining Vauxhall's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions still further.

The new Corsa ecoFlex offers many benefits over the outgoing model, including:


-a fourth and fifth gear ratio which generates lower engine revs and improved economy
-a shorter second gear ratio improves driving around town
-highly competitive 13% in Benefit in Kind and VED at £35 pa thanks to low emissions
-low-rolling resistance tyres and wheel changes help improve aerodynamics and save weight, so too,a lower ride height optimised airflow through its front air intakes

Did I say cheap as chips? At under £12k, you can do even better if you qualify for the Government's £2,000 'scrappage' incentive scheme. Worth a look. Further report at Green Car Guide

How to test drive the most efficient no CO2 emissions high performance production sports car on the planet


At the 2009 London Motorexpo to run from 8th to 14th June, Tesla Motors will give potential UK customers free public opportunities to drive its groundbreaking high performance sports car. An interactive display will be located within the superb marble lobby of the Canary Wharf's One Canada Square, for the duration of the 14th Annual London Motorexpo.

Commenting on their attendance Don Cochrane of Tesla Motors said; “We are extremely excited to be bringing the Roadster to Canary Wharf and we greatly look forward to letting people finally experience how good electric cars can really be."

This site has followed the progress of the Tesla Roadster into commercial production over three years. You can click onto the Tesla Motors site at the sidebar to the right of this post.

Attendance at the 14th Annual London Motorexpo is free. For further details click here for the Motorexpo site

Peugeot 407 ducks under 130g/km of CO2 with a revised 1.6 litre HDi engine

The Green Car Guide reports:

Following on from minor revisions last July which included the addition of the 2.0-litre HDi FAP Euro 5 specification engine which is capable of 50.4mpg - 150g/km of CO2, Peugeot have now added a revised 1.6 litre HDi engine which enables the 407 to duck under 130g/km for the first time thanks to a Combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

For the full report click here for the Green Car Guide

Scrooge-like ultra-frugality gives record breaking fuel economy from the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive


The new generation SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive has has proved to be one of the most environmentally-sensitive cars in its market after covering a staggering 970 miles (1,562 km) on a single tank of fuel. An amazing average consumption figure of 97.4 mpg was achieved. This incredible world record breaking feat was recently undertaken by Austrian Gerhard Plattner, an internationally renowned economy-driving champion, who crossed Spain and France to Germany on a single tank of 45.53 litres of fuel. This despite heavy rain causing difficult driving conditions throughout the officially monitored road test.

Optimised streamlining, weight reduction and modifications to the 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine’s electronic management have given rise to one of the cleanest cars on the market today.Its low fuel consumption figure of only 76.3 mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 98 g/km makes it the Spanish brand's most environmentally-friendly car. In addition, it is the only model equipped with air conditioning and a five-door body option with such a low CO2 emissions.

Keep in touch with all the tweats at SEAT at www.twitter.com/SEATUK

Money saving tips from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)


As more Brits are preparing to spend their holidays in the UK this year, and therefore intending to go for the open road, the IAM offer us these money savings tips:

-Sticking to 70mph, instead of 80mph, can save around four pence per mile; or £20 for the round trip
-A smooth driving style rather than aggressive has been estimated to save 15 per cent fuel consumption
-Top boxes can increase fuel consumption by 20 per cent – if it’s not needed, don’t take it
-Correct tyre pressures reduce wear and helps fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres need replacing more often (itself an environmental problem), can increase fuel consumption by five per cent and can be dangerous. Check the pressure is right and they are tare free
Remember to switch off the air con and heated windows when they aren’t needed. Used together these can increase fuel consumption by 15 per cent

Drive safely.

Would you Adam and ev'ie? Here's a 4 seater all electric car you can buy today

The Citroen C1 'ev'ie' electric car is today launched by the Electric Car Corporation (ECC). As the UK's first 4 seater all electric production car, the ev'ie is being marketed by the ECC as providing the driver with the comfort,performance and standard safety features expected of a petrol engined car. It is clearly a car for city motoring,having a range of 60-70 miles from one 6-7 hour charge delivered via a 13 amp socket at a cost of around 90p. The top speed is handy at around 60 mph.

The launch of Citroen ev'ie is timely with the Government's recently announced policies giving encouragement and financial incentives for all cars 'electric'. The roll-out of a network of 25,000 'juice points in the city, essential for the uptake and viability of the ev has been confirmed by the London's Mayor,Boris Johnson.

The ECC assembles the ev'ie in the UK from donor cars, and 50% of the value of each car comes from the UK assembly which provides employment and technology benefits.

The ambition of Government is to make the UK 'a world leader' in producing and selling electric cars. Being available to buy today directly from the ECC,the C1 ev'ie is expected to show it is leading other electric cars for functionality,performance and style. At £16,850 the price is perhaps not cheap, but affordable taking into account its low running costs.

Insignia ecoFLEX owners will be better off

The ecoFLEX’s reduced combined CO2 figure means that business drivers will pay just 18 per cent Benefit in Kind tax – the second lowest band for a diesel car – down from 21 per cent for the already competitive 2.0 CDTi models. The lower CO2 also mean that all Insignia ecoFLEX owners will be better off by £25 per year due to its lower VED band.

And with all drivers keeping a keen eye on the fuel gauge these days, the Insignia ecoFLEX rewards with an official combined figure of 54.7mpg - a 10 per cent improvement on the 2.0 CDTi model - which puts it among the best in class. It also means that the Insignia ecoFLEX now has a potential range of over 842 miles.

Low carbon car future shines brighter

The Government today continues to reinforce its pledge to support the development of a national network of charging points for electric vehicles. This is seen as critical to the credibility of electric cars being a mass-produced reality in the near future on UK roads.

The commercial production of electric is becoming a reality, and now the feasibility of providing such a network of charging points seems justified with the recent announcement that Elektromotive will have completed the installation of its 100th Elektrobay charging station in London by the end of next month.

There are already 80 Elektrobays in operation in the Capital, with another 40 installed in various locations across the UK. Round-the-clock usage has led to increased demand for electric vehicle charging stations, resulting in additional roadside Elektrobays being introduced across London. Elektromotive has significantly and consistently added to its network since the first unit was installed in Westminster in 2006. The company is currently in advanced talks with cities in the North East and Midlands to expand its infrastructure even further.

Calvey Taylor-Haw, Managing Director for Elektromotive says, “Access to charging stations across the UK will be crucial to the successful shift towards zero-emissions motoring. The Elektrobay is a proven and practical solution to building a network of charging stations, not just in the UK, but around the World. Our aim is to have Elektrobays on every street and in all car parks around the UK, so we are delighted to hear the Prime Minister’s commitment to establishing charging points throughout the country.”

For more information click here for the Elektromotive website