Leaf: an EV from Nissan (vehicle, 2009, hybrid car, plugs)

[caution]

I'm not in line to buy an EV. I'm not so sure going electric (made mostly by coal in the US) is ready for prime time.

But this new EV from Nissan looks "about right" for the average consumer (unless I missed a price that's insane somewhere in the article)

100 miles
4 hours to charge on a socket like the one your dryer plugs into
a little technology boost to show range, text you when charged, etc.

I can see the folks where I used to live snapping these up, but where I live now, I see more dual-wheel trucks than hybrids.

Anyway, check out the Leaf.

Nissan Turns Over An Electric Leaf | Autopia | Wired.com

[drjones96]

At least it gives you the option to charge with 110V. Albeit twice the charge time.

[wheelsup]

If it had a small diesel to extend the range and boasted mpg of 100 or so it would probably sell. I doubt it will go any above a novelty in its present form.

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

I don't understand why designers of hybrids and other economically efficient vehicles have to make them so ugly. Anyone who has the slightest bit of passion or liking for automobiles cannot possibly like the way this looks. There are ways to make aerodynamically efficient vehicles without making them look like a blind mind was forced to sculpt them out of cheese with his bare hands.

[caution]

good point about putting a diesel in there, or getting them in the US in large numbers. i think we're missing out. as far as looks, i guess the lower end will stick with the "compact car as smug EV appliance" and those of us who want sport will have to shell out for something like a Tesla?

I dunno, I remember seeing the Volt prototype at a car show a while back then frowning at production shots.

I guess it will all sort out..... It's good to see Nissan in the mix though. The more folks making them, the lower the price will go.

BTW, Nissan got a US DOE loan on this one. Ford has lined up for some money on their EV too. As well as others. Most are getting a few billion to put EVs up.

[AlfredB1979]

Originally Posted by iTsLiKeAnEgG

I don't understand why designers of hybrids and other economically efficient vehicles have to make them so ugly. Anyone who has the slightest bit of passion or liking for automobiles cannot possibly like the way this looks. There are ways to make aerodynamically efficient vehicles without making them look like a blind mind was forced to sculpt them out of cheese with his bare hands.

You didn't like the Honda Insight, either?

Must be some new-age pot smoker California design studio thing.

Seriously, GM tried to pawn off the Pontiac Aztek as a vehicle for hip, yuppie 20-somethings were were outdoorsy types.

Don't ask me.

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

Originally Posted by AlfredB1979

You didn't like the Honda Insight, either?

Must be some new-age pot smoker California design studio thing.

Seriously, GM tried to pawn off the Pontiac Aztek as a vehicle for hip, yuppie 20-somethings were were outdoorsy types.

Don't ask me.

I don't like the Prius, Insight, this Leaf thing and a vast majority of econoboxes in general.

[GTOlover]

the only hybrid car or truck I like is the tahoe because it looks like a regular truck not a weird styling experiment like most hybrids do.