NYC rolls out six Nissan Leafs in EV taxi pilot, good luck catching one

New York City's full-on EV taxi blitz may not come until late this year, but the metropolis is taking its first tentative steps into that electric world as of today: it's deploying the six Nissan Leaf cabs promised as part of a pilot program. The half-dozen sedans will spend a year on the road, with officials able to gague the effectiveness of EVs as taxis when they have access to both regular chargers at their home bases as well as fast chargers in Manhattan's Far West Side, Lower East Side and Union Square. Don't expect to hail an eco-friendly cab very often, though -- along with the daunting numerical odds, the Leaf drivers have more liberty than usual to turn down passengers and protect their remaining power supply. If you do happen to find yourself in the back seat, however, you'll likely get a glimpse at New York's cleaner and quieter future.

Via: Autoblog

Source: New York City (PDF)

More Coverage: New York Times

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By: Unknown On 11:02 PM

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New Nissan Leaf comes to the UK with battery leasing option, extended range

NEW NISSAN LEAF: MORE AFFORDABLE, MORE FLEXIBLE

New British-built version boasts over 100 improvementsThree trim levels offer buyers plenty of choiceBattery leasing available for the first timeEnhanced battery warranty gives added peace of mind

The next generation of Nissan's all-electric LEAF has arrived – and for the first time, buyers can lease batteries for the 100% electric car and choose one of three trim levels.

A new pricing structure has been introduced to reflect the three trim levels and the battery-leasing options now available – but things are far from complicated. Cars bought with leased batteries will be known as 'Flex' models and buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of an entry-level Visia LEAF .

The new LEAF features more than 100 improvements over its predecessor – many of which were made as a result of feedback from Nissan's active community of LEAF owners.

Most notably, the car's range has been extended from 109 miles to 124 miles. And its battery is capable of recharging in about half the time of the first-generation LEAF.

The longer range has been achieved by improving the LEAF's aerodynamics and its regenerative braking system and a more efficient E-powertrain. The real world range has also been improved with the introduction of a new heating system which is 70 per cent more efficient through the use of a heat pump in the system.

But that's far from the whole story. New interior trim, the addition of Nissan's Around View Monitor technology and new suspension settings specifically tailored for European roads build on the LEAF's unique driving experience.

The three trim levels available to buyers are Visia, Acenta and Tekna. All models have increased boot space because of the relocation of the charging point and an enhanced interior trim. There is a height adjust facility on both front seats and more foot space for passengers.

At the top of the range, Tekna features a BOSE™ energy-efficient sound system with a subwoofer and seven speakers. In addition, there are 17-inch alloys and LED headlamps.

Whichever route buyers choose to LEAF ownership, peace of mind is assured with Nissan's enhanced battery warranty. The warranty on the previous-generation LEAF's battery covered it against defective materials or workmanship for five years. The extended warranty also protects against capacity loss, with a commitment to repair or replace a battery which falls short of what might reasonably be expected***.

Nissan's announcement of a new era for emission-free motoring continues to drive the electric revolution forward. Owning an electric car has never been more appealing. Some of the benefits are well-known, such as the lack of Vehicle Excise Duty and exemption from the London congestion charge, but it's becoming easier to charge up a Nissan LEAF on the move with more public charging points opening all the time. And of course, the cost of a full battery charge is a fraction of the price of a tank of petrol.

Jim Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: "We are very proud of the new Nissan LEAF, which underlines our commitment to the future of electric motoring.

"With more than 100 improvements over the outgoing model, it really does mark the next stage in the electric motoring revolution. Built at our record-breaking Sunderland plant for British drivers using British roads, we're looking forward to it becoming our next home-grown success story."

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By: Unknown On 9:08 PM

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Nissan drops Leaf price by 2,500 pounds in the UK

LEAF FOR LESS - NISSAN'S PIONEERING EV BECOMES MORE AFFORDABLE

Price reduction of £2,500 makes it easier to join the electric vehicle revolution
Drive a LEAF for just £239 per month
Offer available at all 180 Nissan LEAF dealers in UK

Nissan is making zero-emission mobility more affordable by reducing the price of the all-electric Nissan LEAF by £2,500.

The change comes as part of a global effort to make the LEAF more affordable in the pioneering electric vehicle's three main markets of Japan, Europe and the United States.

In addition to the reduction in the retail price, UK customers can also benefit from offers including low rate finance*. The new price is effective immediately, ahead of the arrival of an updated version of the LEAF.

This is on top of the incentive offered by the government and means a customer can drive away in a brand new LEAF for £23,490, or just £239 per month.

In addition to the new price LEAF buyers will also benefit from extremely low running costs, with a battery recharge costing a fraction of the cost of a tank of fuel. Being fully electric, the LEAF also benefits from zero road tax and is currently exempt for company car 'benefit-in-kind' tax.

An ever-growing number of public charging points also offer quick and convenient opportunities to top up the battery, including a network of rapid chargers. These allow LEAF drivers to charge from zero to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes.

Winner of the World, European and Japan Car of the Year Awards when it was launched in 2011, about 50,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles have been sold world-wide. The LEAF demonstrates that battery-powered cars are ready to make a significant contribution to a world-wide reduction in vehicle emissions.

The Nissan LEAF comes with very high levels of standard equipment. Its standard satellite navigation system incorporates Carwings, Nissan's unique telematics system which allows an owner to control the heating and air conditioning settings and to monitor the charging process remotely via a smart phone.

Other standard equipment includes a rear-view parking camera, rapid charge capability, Intelligent Key, LED headlamps and Bluetooth connectivity. Nissan LEAF has been granted a top 5 star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

"There is no doubt that Nissan LEAF is a revolution and existing customers are passionate in their belief that zero-emission mobility is not the future, but is here now," said Paul Willcox, senior vice president, Nissan Europe.

"Nissan's objective for LEAF has always been to bring zero-emission mobility within reach of the mass-market. Our price reduction underlines that commitment and with no price premium even more motorists will become believers."

Production of the updated model is due to start at Nissan European plant in Sunderland, UK, in Spring 2013.

* Low rate (6.9%) finance available for PCP and HP purchases

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By: Dilusha On 8:33 PM

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