Irish consumers will be among the first in Europe to get their chance to see and test-drive the Nissan Leaf this August. The world’s first affordable mass produced electric vehicle makes its European public debut when it is publicly launched at Grand Canal Dock in Dublin.
The car will then embark upon a Roadshow Tour of the country for the month of August where it will be on display at various venues around the country including:
* Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dublin – Friday 6th August and Saturday 7th August
* Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork – Friday 13th August
* Headford Road Shopping Centre, Galway – Sunday 15th August
* Blanchardstown Shoppping Centre, Dublin – Friday 20th and Saturday 21st August.
Interested parties will be able to reserve test-drive bookings in the Leaf at each of the display venues over the course of the month of August giving them the opportunity to be among the first in Europe to test drive and experience zero-emission motoring for themselves.
Amid strong global demand for the world’s first affordable mass-produced, zero-emission electric vehicle, Nissan International has opened order books for Nissan Leaf in Portugal and the Republic of Ireland, since 23rd July 2010.
Nissan Leaf goes on sale here in Ireland in February 2011. The price of Nissan Leaf after government incentives is Eur29,995 in Ireland and includes the battery. This means that despite its advanced technology, Nissan Leaf will be no more expensive to buy – and considerably cheaper to run – than a conventional compact family hatchback. Running costs for the fuel efficient cars are anticipated at less than Eur1.20/100km in Ireland representing almost an 80% saving on an average 1.5 litre diesel family car.
Nissan Leaf is fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation and a parking camera. Innovative smart phone connectivity will allow an owner to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via a mobile phone. The electric 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 (90 mph). The electric motor is ‘fuelled’ by a laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW.
A full charge delivers a potential range of 160 km (100 miles – US LA4 mode) which will satisfy the daily driving demands of most customers. Global research indicates that the average daily mileage for 80% of the world’s population is under 100 km: