Nissan LEAF EV is fun to drive

Over 60 'ordinary' people from around the country have been so impressed by a short spin in a €1.2 million car, that they placed an order for one, writes Trish Whelan.

But they won't be paying that huge sum for their car, just €29,995 which includes a Government incentive when the car goes on sale here in February. The price also includes the cost of the battery.

The first person to order a Nissan LEAF electric car was a woman from Kerry through her local Nissan dealer. She also got to unveil the car at its official launch in Dublin Docks at the end of July.

Nissan Ireland are looking to sell 1,000 units over the next 18 months.

This is the first time a carmaker has attempted to build an electric car from scratch. Cars will be built in Japan until 2013 when production moves to the company's Sunderland plant where it will be built alongside Qashqai and Juke.

Nissan expect Government Departments here will most likely drive a LEAF car. Minister Eamonn Ryan will most likely have one, and ESB boss Padraic McManus as the ESB are involved in rolling out charging points all over the country.

On average, it will cost around €232 (less than €20 a month) to maintain a LEAF EV on the road; a saving of 80 percent on running costs compared to 'normal' vehicles. And it's in Band A for annual road tax as it has no tailpipe!

Just one version is offered. The car's AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h (that's 90mph). The electric motor is 'fuelled' by a laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW.

Standard features include air conditioning, satellite navigation, cruise control and a parking camera and a quick charge socket. It will also have driver/passenger/side/curtain airbags as well as Electronic Stability Control. Smart phone connectivity means you can tell the car when to recharge, to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely by your mobile phone.

The preproduction, and hand built, model I drove last week is almost at production standard. Driving it was a doddle after a few instructions to do with the gearstick which looks like the mouse you use for your computer. The performance from a standstill is really impressive as full power is available from the 'off'. Otherwise, (apart from the demo car being right-hand-drive on Irish roads) it's drives just like an ordinary small car, with hardly a sound in the cabin, or outside which could be a problem for pedestrians who won't hear it coming. The trip computer shows instant/average energy consumption, driving time, and driving range. Maximum speed is 140kmh. And the car seats five in comfort.

Early indications are that insurance costs for the LEAF will be lower than for a 1.6 petrol or 1.6 diesel car.

Whatever your views on electric cars, the LEAF is absolutely a fun drive.