This week Nissan North America announced that it will begin taking reservations for its zero-emission electric automobile, LEAF, this coming spring. This is based on strong initial demand, with over 22,000 people contacting the company about the car since it was unveiled in August. A fully charged LEAF can travel up 100 miles at a top speed of 90 miles per hour. It seats 5 and has 5 doors. Most importantly, it does not have a gas engine and has zero tailpipe emissions.
To be sure, not all of the people who've shown initial interest will buy a LEAF. Yet Nissan is literally moving the needle in bringing the next generation of low- and zero-emission vehicles to market. Compare LEAF to Chevrolet's entry into the market with its VOLT. The VOLT still runs on gasoline, getting 230 miles per gallon, and can go no farther than 40 miles after charging— less than half the distance of a fully charged LEAF.
Of course, it's already well known that GM had a fully electric and zero-emission car brought to market back in 1996 with its EV1. No need to go into what happened because there are many culprits that sent that idea to scrap heap. Perhaps it was simple timing that worked against it. However, now that the timing is in any auto manufacturer's favor to bring these new vehicles to a public with a growing demand, one would think that GM would be more advanced than it is. GM has the technology but still is not bringing a fully electric car to market.
And let's talk about the name. LEAF symbolizes green, life, and vitality. VOLT sounds like a punishment. How did WATT not make the grade? Note to GM...you were bailed out with taxpayer money. Now it's time to do better in both technology and branding.
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10/09/09 @ 14:09 
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12/18/09 @ 12:53 
