All You Ever Wanted to Know about the Nissan LEAF

We cannot ignore the fact that there has been a huge "green" push over the last few years -- encouraging sustainability, lower emissions, and countless hours researching and testing new technologies. For the car industry, this led to the birth of the Hybrid vehicle and eventually the creation of an all-electric vehicle. The Nissan LEAF (which is FINALLY HERE! by the way..), is the first all-electric vehicle with absolutely no emissions and ZERO GAS. No gas. That means no waiting in line, no worrying about the rising price of gas, and no more abuse of the earth's limited natural resources. Now, we all know that a battery won't stay at 100% forever. There will be times when you have to charge your battery. However, the advanced technology that goes into the Nissan LEAF has created long-lasting batteries with an equivalence of 100 miles per gallon when to compared to non-electric vehicles. Also, we're seeing charging stations begin to sprout up everywhere with even Walgreens adding charging stations to their parking lots!

Here's a Q&A from Nissan's website about charging a LEAF.

    Q: How much will my electric bill go up by recharging my Nissan LEAF™ at home?
    A: This will vary by vehicle usage and your electric rate. We strongly recommend that you contact your electricity provider to discuss special rates or incentives that may be available prior to getting an in-home assessment for your charging dock.
    Q: If I want to "prewire" a new home for a future Nissan LEAF™ owner, what is required?
    A: The home charging dock will require a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit connected to a breaker. The charging dock will need to be hard-wired directly to the circuit by a certified electrician.
    Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
    A: Yes, the home charging dock is weatherproof.
    Q: When plugging the car in, will it be possible that the car is "smart"enough to pull electricity during non peak hours?
    A: You can program the car to charge whenever you like. Most people will charge overnight at off-peak times like their cell phone.
    Q: What is the estimated price of the home-installed charging station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?
    A: The average estimated cost of a standard home charging dock installation in a typical new home is approximately $2,000 plus tax and license fees. Federal tax credits may offset a portion of the costs.
    Q: Is there a timer that allows you to set what time the charging starts and stops?
    A: Yes – you are able to set a charging timer in the car. You will also be able to control the car’s functions and charging from any computer or internet-enabled phone.
    Q: Will the charger be built into the vehicle?
    A: Yes. To charge, you will simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the charger.
    Q: What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and fast charge stations?
    A: It takes about ~30 minutes to 80% at a 480 volt quick-charge station. Starting from a depleted battery, ~7 hours at 220/240V (depending on amperage), about 20 hours at 110/120V.
    Q: Can you install a charging station by yourself or does it have to be installed by a qualified electrician?
    A: Your home charging dock will need to be installed by a professional electrician. But first, we will assist you with a home assessment which will help identify what is needed to make your home Nissan LEAF™ ready.

    Q: How long will it be before you can charge a car anywhere? Like at a gas station?
    A: Nissan is working to encourage third party and government organizations to grow the charging infrastructure. As electric vehicle acceptance grows we expect additional growth. We do believe most people will charge their Nissan LEAF™ at home much like they do their cell phones.
    Q: Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty?
    A: Yes
    Q: Does the navigation system list charging station locations?
    A: The Nissan LEAF™ comes equipped with CARWINGS®. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations, and more.
    Q: If you run out of power will a "AAA" tow truck have a recharger or would you need to be towed to a recharge station?
    A: The car is equipped with a telematics system called CARWINGS® which will help you locate charging stations before this happens. Additionally, AAA has recently announced an EV-charging pilot program
    Q: Are you working with power companies to develop fast charging stations using higher voltage?
    A: We are working with governments and companies to foster a large network of fast-charging facilities. You can join the effort. Check out the advocacy tools on the website as a starter.
    Q: Is the Nissan LEAF™ going to have an onboard charging system of some kind for emergency back up?
    A: Your Nissan LEAF™ will be delivered with a 110/120V Trickle charge cable that works with the onboard charging system. As the name implies this will be primarily used for opportunity charging and is not recommended to be your primary method of charging. For that we have the Nissan home charging dock which uses a 220/240V dedicated line in your home.
    Q: What do I do if I want to go farther than 100 miles in one trip?
    A: The Nissan LEAF™’s CARWINGS® system will be able to show you charging locations along your route.
    Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
    A: Like all lithium ion batteries, the Nissan LEAF™ battery will experience gradual capacity loss over time. We expect the battery to last over 10 years, however, there may be a gradual loss of capacity of 30% or more depending on your driving patterns, and the effect on your battery. The battery can be used afterward for storage applications.
    Q: Will it plug into a regular household outlet?
    A: It will charge on a regular 110/120V 20-Amp dedicated outlet. This is considered a "trickle charge," which means it would charge at a slower rate. For home charging, we recommend a home charging dock on a dedicated 220/240V, 40A circuit.
    Q: I live in an apartment. How would I go about charging the car?
    A: Talk to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
    Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
    A: CARWINGS® is a telematics system in the Nissan LEAF™ which will constantly update to show your vehicle and battery status, as well as charging locations, should you need them.
    Q: You need the infrastructure first. Why would I buy the car when I would be tethered to my home for charging?
    A: Most people will charge their car like a cell phone – at home overnight. We are also actively working with all levels of government and private corporations to grow the public infrastructure.
    Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
    A: A professional evaluation of your home electrical system is part of the overall purchase process. You can start by signing up for Nissan LEAF™ information.
    Q: Since the Nissan LEAF™ solely runs on electricity, would charging from home dramatically increase my electricity bill?
    A: Based on a US average of $0.11/kWh, a full charge will cost about $2.75. It could be even less, if your area has time-of-use rates and you charge at off-peak hours.
    Q: How much will it cost to charge Nissan LEAF™ at a charging station?
    A: The national average electricity cost is $0.11/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from Empty to Full.
    Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
    A: Yes – Nissan is working with all levels of government and private corporations to develop public and work-based charging locations.
    Q: How long does it take to charge?
    A: Most people will charge it like a cell phone overnight at home. A full charge will take ~7h on a 220/240V home charging station. A 480V quick-charging capability will eventually be available in many markets once a standard is set.
    Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
    A: Absolutely. You’ll be able to charge at home, possibly at work and at stations along your route. Options will grow as infrastructure is developed.
    Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy a proprietary power outlet or power station?
    A: For home charging we recommend using a Home Charging Dock wired directly to a 220/240 volt 40 amp circuit to supply power to the vehicle.

I’m excited to see more and more people enjoy the Nissan LEAF and move towards sustainable options. This growing technology will completely change the automotive industry. The Nissan LEAF is both sustainable and practical. Its charge is long lasting, it has amazing styling, and it offers a lot of space and comfort! Stop by our dealership today to test drive the all-new Nissan LEAF.

P.S. Ever thought of electric aircraft? http://www.txchnologist.com/volumes/aviation/move-over-electric-car-the-electric-airplane-is-coming

Nissan Leaf Wins 2011 World Car of the Year

Brian Carolin accepts the WCOTY award

NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 20, 2011) - Today, at the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. Today's award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world's first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.

"It is a great joy that the world's first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year," said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world."

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, "The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."

The World Car of the Year competition was launched in 2004, with winners chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America.

Nissan LEAF is available in Japan, the United States and select European markets and will be released in other global markets in 2012. The vehicle is currently built at Nissan's Oppama, Japan plant. It also will be manufactured at the company's Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the United States in late 2012 and at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom by early 2013.

Aiming to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan, with its Alliance partner, Renault, has formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world not only to develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility. Nissan is also taking a comprehensive approach to encourage to the world to more sustainable mobility such as improvement of charging service, infrastructure deployment, the promotion of the use of recycled materials and overall energy management system including second-life use of lithium-ion batteries.

Check out our Nissan Leaf Blog

Nissan Donates Two Frontiers to Boy Scouts

Press Release from NissanNews.com

02.23.2011 , NASHVILLE, Tenn.

NISSAN DONATES TWO FRONTIER TRUCKS TO SUPPORT SCOUTING IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Pickup Trucks to Benefit Boxwell Scouting Reservation

The Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America today received two 2010 Frontier King Cab trucks donated by Nissan North America, Inc. The Frontier is a no-compromise pickup forged with premium hardware, extraordinary power and the type of off-road athleticism that the Boy Scouts will appreciate.

The Franklin-based corporation donated the Smyrna-built trucks to the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America for use at the Boxwell Scouting Reservation. The trucks were personally handed over today by Steve Lambert, president of Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation, to Hugh Travis, Scout Executive for the Middle Tennessee Council. The two Radiant Silver and Super Black King Cab trucks are valued at over $36,000.

“We deeply appreciate Nissan North America for their generosity and their commitment to the Middle Tennessee community, especially our local youth,” said Travis. “They’re more than just a good corporate citizen; they’re also great neighbors. We’re proud to have them here in Middle Tennessee.”

Hundreds of thousands of local youth have attended summer or winter camp at Boxwell, which has been located on Old Hickory Lake in Wilson County since 1959. The 1,100-acre property offers swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. Boxwell is nationally accredited with an "A" rating and is one of the premier camps in the South.

“Nissan is supportive of organizations that benefit the environment as well as those who help educate our young people – and Scouting is committed to both of these priorities,” said Lambert. “The Nissan Frontier trucks will be put to good use at the Boxwell Scouting Reservation.”

The Middle Tennessee Council continues to be the area’s largest youth-serving organization, serving more than 37,000 youth and adult volunteers in our core programs and up to 10,000 youth in our school-based Learning for Life program.

About Middle Tennessee Boys Scout of America
The Middle Tennessee Council continues to serve nearly 38,000 youth and adult volunteers in a 37-county area extending from the Tennessee River to the Upper Cumberland Plateau and Ft Campbell, Kentucky. Visit www.mtcbsa.org for more information.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.comand www.InfinitiUSA.com.

Contacts:

Kim Brisson
(615) 463-6279 Office
(615) 260-4174 Mobile

Stephanie Valdez Streaty
Nissan North America

Federal Tax Rebate for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

We are all trying to live a green lifestyle and be as eco-friendly as possible and there's no denying that the all-new Nissan Leaf is changing the way we travel. Check out this recent article posted on Automotive News about a Federal Tax Rebate for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. 

Bill would hike cap on number of EVs eligible for U.S. rebate 

Written by Lauren Abdel-Razzaq of Automotive News

DETROIT -- Two Michigan congressmen want to expand the number of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles eligible for a federal tax rebate, one day after President Obama reiterated his commitment to put 1 million EVs on the road within four years.


U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., proposed legislation in the House today and his brother, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., plans to introduce a similar bill in the Senate that would increase the per-manufacturer cap on the $7,500 tax credit from 200,000 vehicles to 500,000. 


The rebate was started as part of the Recovery Act of February 2009. It is currently available on five vehicles -- the Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla Roadster, the Nissan Leaf, the CODA sedan and the Wheego LiFe. It is phased out after a manufacturer sells 200,000 units. 


General Motors Co. has said the cap could hinder future sales of the Chevrolet Volt, which sells for $41,000, with delivery, before the credit.


To jumpstart EV demand, the White House also wants to change the $7,500 tax incentive currently available for buying an electric car into a rebate that consumers could use at the time of purchase. 


Obama has pledged to expand research and development in batteries and electric drivetrain, technology, including a 30 percent increase in federal grants.


“With more research and incentives, we can break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015,” Obama said in his State of the Union Address.


The administration also is extending initiatives to improve electric vehicle infrastructure in U.S. cities. As many as 30 communities across the country would be able to receive grants of up to $10 million each to install public charging stations, electrified parking space access and fleet conversions.


Vice President Joe Biden visited Ener1 Inc., a lithium-ion battery manufacturer in suburban Indianapolis today, to jumpstart the administration's efforts.


Ener1 Inc. won a $118.5 million grant as part of the Recovery Act to expand production of batteries for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.


The grant allowed the supplier to add 120 jobs at its Indianapolis plants in 2010, according to a White House statement.


“Green vehicles represent the vanguard of automotive innovation, but they have to be economical for consumers and profitable for manufacturers,” Sander Levin said today in a statement. “Raising the cap on this credit will help carmakers reach the demand and production scale necessary for long-term viability.”


Read more: Autonews.com/

AIADA says Leaf is The People's Electric, Ready to Claim Power

Check out this recent article posted on AIADA's website.
(American International Automobile Dealers Association)

The People's Electric, Ready to Claim Power

The Nissan Leaf, a mildly futuristic four-door hatchback, arrives as so much a pioneer that the systems necessary to keep it moving down the road are still being put in place. The process is a bit like the progression of the first transcontinental railroad: tracks are being laid as a locomotive sits steaming impatiently behind. According to the New York Times' Jerry Garrett, the Leaf's equivalent of those unfinished tracks is a public charging infrastructure, the lack of which is probably the most serious limitation of all purely electric cars. Fast-charging stations, a necessity for longer treks, are few and far between now, but a network of them are planned to begin operating within the next year or so. At a starting price of $33,630, the Leaf is by far the least expensive battery-electric car produced in significant numbers. Garrett writes that the tendency is to drive it gingerly, but the Leaf can be driven vigorously. Its electric motor - just 107 horsepower, but with 207 pound-feet of torque - accelerates the 3,400-pound car to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Click here for a photo gallery of the Leaf. Click here to read Jerry Garrett's in-depth review of the Nissan Leaf at the New York Times.

When the Roads are Rather Frightful...

Let's face it, we all have places that we have to be. Whether you need to go to work, school, or run errands around town, there is a time when you have to venture out into the winter weather. But how do you know if your vehicle can handle the roads and keep your family and yourself safe? I've done some research and have compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts for driving in the winter time. I hope that it will help you to stay safe this season when you are traveling.

Let's Start with the Don'ts of Traveling in Inclement Weather:

• Don't drive when you are fatigued. Make sure you are fully rested and alert when you get behind the wheel, or try carpooling with a friend. 
• Don't let your gas tank get below half-full. A low tank can lead to the gas line freeze-up, so make sure you make a stop at the gas station before parking your car overnight.
• Avoid using cruise control. It can be dangerous to use this feature on wet, icy, and sandy surfaces. 
• Don't warm up your vehicle in a garage or enclosed area.
• Don't stop on a hill. It is difficult to start going on a sloped surface, especially when it is icy. Also, avoid stopping in most situations. Determine if it is possible to safely coast forward as you wait for the light to change without having to fully stop.
• Don't spin your wheels if you get stuck in the snow--it will dig your vehicle deeper into the snow. 
• Don't leave your car unless you know where you are (if you get stranded). You are more likely to be found on the side of the road than if you are walking through a storm in an unknown area. 
• Don't feel pressured to always keep up with the speed limit. Use your own judgement and go slower if the weather is harsh. Police are likely to pull an aggressive driver over in the winter time, even if he is driving at the speed limit or below.

Now, the Do's:

• Make sure your car is in good working condition. Get a tuneup, check the tires, brakes, battery, coolant, and wipers.
• Always carry supplies for emergencies: flashlight and batteries, non-perishable foods, tire chains, cell phone, compass, first aid kit, ice scraper, matches, reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth to attract attention. 
• Clean off your car fully before driving anywhere. Make sure your lights are uncovered and you have full use of your windshields and mirrors. 
• Carry sandbags in the back of your car for added weight.
• Accelerate and Decelerate slowly. Rushing is very dangerous this time of year--watch out for black ice and out-of-control drivers. Don't try to speed up a hill either. 
• Always look ahead. Be aware of other drivers and of upcoming traffic signals. 
• Always, always, always buckle up! Although it is state law to wear a seat belt, it is even more important to do so in the winter time. You may be the safest winter driver in the world--but there are others on the road, too. This is an easy way to keep you and your family safe.
• Slow down before turning or going on curves. Sure, your car may do fine on that curvy mountain road on a sunny day in May, but it can be very hazardous in the winter. Slow down, make sure no other vehicles are coming your way, and proceed with caution.
• Keep both hands on the wheel, preferably at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. 
• Though the normal following distance is 3-4 seconds, this should be increased to 8-10 seconds in the winter to ensure that you have ample space to stop. 
• Be aware of your location and have specific directions when traveling in the snow. 
• Stay home if at all possible and use caution when traveling.

Enjoy the beautiful snow and have a happy, safe remainder of the winter.

Please comment with any additional Winter Driving suggestions that you may have!

Check out these links for additional tips:

Weather.com        AAA      CarTalk.com      The Chicago Tribune

The Nissan LEAF has arrived!

the day has finally come. the first run of Nissan LEAF™ vehicles are now being delivered to their rightful owners. to see how they are being received, just use the video link below and witness 100% electric history in the making. see videos   best-in-class mileage the EPA not only rated the 100% electric Nissan LEAF™ as a "Best in Class" for energy efficiency* but also gave it a "Best for the Environment" rating for tailpipe emissions* as well as making it the most energy efficient vehicle in the market. and with an MPG equivalent of 106 city/92 highway for a combined 99 MPGe, it's easy to see why. learn more win a Nissan LEAF™, it's now on tour it's official. the drive electric tour, sponsored by the 100% electric Nissan LEAF™, is now in full swing. to learn more about the tour and how to win your very own LEAF™, just use the link below. learn more Nissan LEAF™ has an online brochure there's much more to the 100% electric Nissan LEAF™ than you might think. to see it all, just check out the LEAF's dynamic online brochure. it describes bumper to bumper every innovation that makes up this historic car. see brochure become a Nissan LEAF™ panelist as a member of the Nissan LEAF™ Online Research Panel, you'll be invited to participate in special surveys. your opinions will help us better bring this historic vehicle to market. join now

FAQs q: does the battery location prevent the backseat from folding down? a: not at all - the battery is located in the floor of the car and won't interfere with interior space. q: what kind of stereo system does the Nissan LEAF have? can it play my iPod® Touch? a: the LEAF audio system is integrated to the unique navigation system and will support AM, FM, CD (w/WMA/MP3 capability) and USB interface for iPods and other MP3 players.   to see more, click here.

INNOVATION FOR THE PLANET. INNOVATION FOR ALL. NISSAN LEAF™