All-electric powertain, 100-mile nominal range on an 8-hour charge, driving characteristics of a regular gasoline model

The Nissan Leaf at Windsor Nissan in East Windsor, NJ is the first all-electric car available to the mass U.S. market. It’s all-new for 2011, with two available trim levels and a driving range of up to 100 miles on a single charge.

Nissan has broken new ground with the Leaf, which is the company’s first all-electric subcompact. Unlike the Tesla roadster, this electric car has room for five, and it’s being built on a much more massive scale-20,000 are planned to be built in 2011, with 50,000 available in 2012. With a reported MSRP of $33,600, it’s much more affordable than the nearest competitor, the Chevrolet Volt, which stickers at over $41,000.

The Nissan Leaf at Windsor Nissan in East Windsor, NJ is the first all-electric vehicle to be built on a massive scale by one of the major automakers. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt or Toyota Prius, the Leaf runs on electric power only, with four doors and room for five. Two trim levels are available: the SV and upmarket SL. Motivation for each comes in the form of a 107-hp 80kW AC electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan claims this combination allows for a 100-mile range between charges, which can be done via either a 110-volt or 220-volt household outlet. At 110 volts, a complete recharge takes around 20 hours, while a 220-volt outlet achieves a full battery in just 8 hours. Both trims come only with a single-speed transmission that is said to function like a regular automatic. A total of 48 battery packs are located centrally in the chassis, which helps provide a good balance and decent handling. And with torque from the electric motor always instantly available, the Leaf is no slouch-Nissan compares its performance to that of a similar car fitted with a 2.5L gasoline engine. City streets with stop-and-go driving are where the Leaf is most at home, although it’s capable of 90 mph-albeit at a significantly decreased range. Braking is achieved via standard 4-wheel power assisted disc brakes, which are also regenerative, providing power back into the system. On the outside, the Leaf features unique styling and “Zero Emissions” markings, as well as special aerodynamic underbody panels and diffusers to help reduce parasitic drag. Inside, the Leaf features a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 4-way passenger’s seat, both of which are adjusted manually. In keeping with the Leaf’s green status, the seats are made of partially recycled fabric. Safety features include those that you might expect on any small car on the market today. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and an antiskid system are all part of the package, as well as dual-stage front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Both the SV and SL come with navigation as standard. The SL features Nissan’s Intelligent Key and push-button start, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power locks, power windows and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls. SL models add a rearview camera, fog lights, a roof-mounted solar panel to charge batteries that run accessory items, automatic headlights and an available “quick charge” port that can bring the batteries to 80% charge in just 30 minutes. Nissan’s CARWINGS system allows remote connection into the Leaf’s computer via cell phone, which can monitor charging status, start a charge and even activate heating and air conditioning systems to prepare for an upcoming drive.