Thread: Nissan Leaf - 100% Electric with a 100 mile Range?

That's right. Getting rid of gas may be sooner than you think. Nissan recently announced a new car concept, the Leaf, that is 100% electric, has a top speed of around 74mph and a range of 100 miles. More than enough to get to work and back, run a few errands on the weekend etc. Maybe not going to work for the family vacation, but couldn't you rent a car for that?



The hatchback is powered by a 24kwh Lithium Ion battery that is expected to cost around $10,000 by itself. The total cost is around $25,000-30,000 including the battery, but Nissan plans to lease the battery back to you, which will help with the steep price. If you back out what you'll save in gas each month, the battery lease payment won't seem too bad.

The car can charge to 80% of it's total capacity in 30 minutes with a quick charger, or 100% in 8 hours. Charging will require a 200V outlet, which most Americans do not have in their garage currently. That will most likely involve an electrician and an added expense.

But think about it this way. 24kwh (the capacity of the battery) costs about $2.40 at $0.10 per kwh. So basically, you can go 100 miles for $2.40, or about the price of a gallon of gas at today's gas prices. So figure the car currently gets the equivalent of 100mpg. As gas prices go up, the cost goes down (relative to gas at least).

And for the ultimate in "going green." Combining the all electric vehicle with a renewable energy source like wind or solar power. Imagine having solar panels on your roof that are used to power your home and charge your car.

How far away do you think we are from having that in the mainstream?