I’ve written about the prospect that 2010 will be the year of the electric car. Now that 2010 is nearing, one major automaker has announced its plans to bring a full electric vehicle to the market next year. Nissan is planning to release the LEAF in Japan, the United States, and Europe. This is great news as most of the EV or highly fuel-efficient vehicles end up with a Japanese-only launch. Nissan is spreading the love and allowing those of us in the States to get behind the wheel of an affordable EV next year.

Affordable is an important part of the Nissan LEAF. The Chevy Volt has a large following but with an expected price tag of $40,000 +, it is out of the price range of many Americans, especially given the current economy.

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

The vehicle is a mid-sized hatchback that will seat five adults. Sounds like the Prius is going to have another competitor. Prior to the release of the Honda Insight, media had dubbed the vehicle the Prius-killer. As the June 2009 and July 2009 auto sales figures show, the Insight definitely didn’t kill the Prius.

However, the LEAF is an electric vehicle and not a hybrid. It has zero emissions…it will be able to drive 100 miles…it may end up being the real Prius-killer. Time will tell.

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Filed Under: electric vehicles, nissan

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