Innovation and technology

OUR EV RANGE

The new LEAF offers you the most exciting, practical and stylish way to own an EV. Powered by compact lithium-ion batteries for fast-charging and a range of approx. 100 miles, the LEAF is intelligently designed with regenerative braking, ultra-smooth aerodynamics and even low energy headlights. Plus, you can even control charging functions via your mobile.
The new Nissan LEAF has the performance of a 1.6 litre petrol-engined & can be recharged to 80% battery capacity in around 25mn.

 

Powered purely by advanced lithium-ion batteries, our all-electric range of vehicles are designed to tackle the challenge of CO₂ emissions - by producing none at all.

So you enjoy a clean, quiet, smooth drive that doesn’t damage the environment. And because we are developing more renewable ways to power, build and recycle every EV we make, the sustainability of our commitment will grow and grow.

Technology has advanced to the point where EVs are now more practical, more powerful, and faster to drive and recharge than ever before. Making them easier to own and more fun to drive. And they look pretty good, too.

Here are some key EV components (and their terminology explained):

     • Connecter box - where the plug is connected to main current

     • Power inverter - changes DC into AC (battery = DC, motor =AC)

     • Transformer - DC-DC converter which changes 400V (from engine) into 12V
        (for the auxiliary, e.g. AC, lights etc)

     • Battery charger - the device that converts AC 220V to DC 400V to charge the battery

     • Electric motor

     • Reducer – this is the speed reduction gear (like a gearbox). The gear ratio is fixed, front
        and reverse

 

We have always worked to make our vehicles more energy efficient. But now we’re taking this strategy to another level.

The Renault-Nissan alliance is leading the global automotive industry in developing zero-emission vehicles for everyone, thus helping address the widespread concerns of global warming. Our advanced, compact lithium-ion batteries are class-leading. And our new partnerships with governments and leading organisations all over the world are helping to make our EVs easier to obtain, own and enjoy.

In the summer of 2009, the first of these cars will be revealed.

And beyond that? More cars, more choice, more to enjoy - all built, powered and recycled by an increased level of renewable energy. And of course, all with zero emissions.

 

The lithium-ion batteries developed for the EVs are more efficient, more powerful and faster to recharge than anything gone before. They have twice the density of conventional batteries, doubling the vehicle’s cruising ability. Their thinner structure allows for more room inside the vehicle itself. Advanced power output gives better acceleration and recharging capabilities are improved thanks to more efficient regenerative braking.

Key points:

     • Lithium-ion batteries are the key component in an EV

     • They have twice the capacity, are half the size and provide 50% higher power output
        compared to a conventional battery of the same weight

     • Their compact design allows for improved vehicle packaging as the pack will be installed
        under the EV’s floor, so cabin and/or cargo space isn’t compromised

     • Their laminated structure offers improved cooling capacity for better reliability

     • Lithium-ion do not experience the ‘memory effect’ which occurs when incomplete charging
        cycles lead to a drastic decline in range

     • Each Nissan battery should maintain 80% of its capacity - even after five years of use

     • A battery pack is composed of battery modules and a battery module is composed of
        four cells