Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Are You Qualified to Own a LEAF?
 As much as Electric Vehicles (EVs) excite the imagination, they are not the panacea for our quest for greener motoring or for our need to wean ourselves off petroleum. Nissan Canada’s Electric Vehicle Project Manger, Ian Forsyth, admits the LEAF “is not for everyone.” In fact, Nissan dealerships will qualify LEAF customers before selling them one of these electric-only vehicles. Potential buyers will go through an assessment to determine whether the LEAF is for them.
Powered by 48 laminated compact Lithium-ion battery modules and an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the LEAF boasts a range of 160 km on a full charge... and that’s why there’s a need for an assessment.
If you’re planning to use the LEAF (or any other electric-only vehicle) to commute to and from work, for trips to the local supermarket, and for errands in and around town, then you’ll probably do just fine with the 160 km range Nissan promises. But if you plan to use the LEAF for longer road trips, then it’s not the car for you.
Learn all about EVs and other green options in the 2011 edition of Automotive Environment Annual, available this July.(JK)
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