Batteries

Pre-order of Nissan electric car LEAF in Japan reaches 3,754 units

This exceeds half of its sales target for FY2010, which is 6,000 units, thanks to the highly positive feedback from customers for its "remarkable environmental performance of zero-emission," "affordable pricing for an EV" and its "advanced IT system.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. To-date the Alliance has signed zero-emission partnerships with more than 50 governments, municipalities and companies worldwide. Nissan will introduce the LEAF electric car in Japan, the United States and Europe in December, 2010 followed by global mass marketing in 2012.

The Leaf has a range of 100 miles on lithium-ion batteries. The order books for the model opened in the US on April 20, where it is priced from just $25,280 when federal tax credits are taken into account. The first deliveries to US customers are expected by the end of the year.

The Leaf uses a unique platform that bears a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (recharged through a plug in the nose) as well as an electric motor with 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It takes an 80-percent charge in about 25 minutes with a 220-volt home-charging station.

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