Nissan Leaf EV Wins 2011 European Car of the Year
The “all electric” Nissan Leaf has won the 2011 European Car of the Year. It was a close victory, with 257 points, against the 248 points of Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Opel/Vauxhall Meriva took the third place, with 244 points. From an initial list of 41 candidates covering all kind of segments in the market the field was narrowed down to the following 7 finalists: Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Nissan Leaf, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. To determine the winner, each of the 58 members from the organization had to allocate a total of 25 points among at least five of the seven nominees, with no more than 10 points for the preferred choice. A written text justificating of the choice accompanies the vote. Those voting comments are available on Car of the Year official website.
The launch of a mass-production electric car in the market has been more awarded -twenty top points- than the sheer appeal of Alfa Romeo Giulietta or the practical originality of Opel Meriva. In spite of the lack of a large recharging network and the limited range, the Leaf represents a technical and commercial bet that might otherwise satisfy many potential consumers, especially where public incentives will come to reduce the paying price. In the history of Car of the Year, the Leaf brings the award to Nissan 18 years after the Micra, the first Japanese model to win.
The Leaf has been conceived atop an specific platform for electric vehicles, with features typical of a conventional compact car: front McPherson suspension, rear torsion beam, front wheel drive and a practical 5-door hatchback body with remarkable aerodynamics. The pack of lithium-ion batteries sits efficiently for space and weight distribution, under the floor and between the axles. Room for 4/5 occupants and a boot of reasonable volume put the practical side to the vehicle. With mechanical noise reduced to the distant buzz of the electric motor, there is a notorious sonic comfort.
Besides the reigning silence, Leaf surprises to first-time driver with the abundant torque and instantaneous response. The AC motor and a kerb weight under 1.6 tons determine a good performance level. The new Nissan is not properly a zero-emission vehicle if the ‘energy path’ is taken in account, but official ratings are very favourable. Range between recharges –up to 8 hours in a home supply point- varies a lot depending on the style of use.
TECHNICAL DATA
Body: 5-door hatchback
Size: 4.45 X 1.77 X 1.55 m. Wheelbase: 2.69 m.
Transmission: Front wheel drive. Automatic clutch. Single gear.
Tyres/wheels: 205/55-16 (6.5 X 16)
Engine: Electric AC syncronous motor.
Power – torque: 80 kW (109 hp) at 2,730-9,800 rpm – 280 Nm at 0-2,730 rpm
Maximum speed – 0-100 km/h acceleration: 145 km/h – 11.9 s.
Short URL: https://greencarmagazine.net/?p=3018
Posted by admin on Nov 30 2010. Filed under Automakers, Electric, Ev's, Nissan, Propulsion Type. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
RSS
Newsletter
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
