Nissan LEAF shows a way ahead

It seemed a bit daft to ask the engineer to show us what was under the bonnet of the Nissan LEAF following a brief test drive last Wednesday... But we asked anyway, just to be sure. Daft because the LEAF is an all-electric car and it doesn't have an engine... The left-hand-drive version The Anglo-Celt drove in Dublin last week represents a quarter of all those that currently exist. It was hand-assembled, according to Gary, the engineer from Nissan's Sunderland factory where the car will be built, and is identical to the cars that will come off the production line. So what was under the bonnet and what is like to drive? Second question first: Gary explained that it's like an automatic - you put your foot on the brake and press a button on the dash to start the motor. It's electric so you can't hear it, but a green light on the instrument display indicates that it's running. Then pull the gearlever left and back, take your foot off the brake and ease the accelerator down. You'll make swift, smooth and silent progress. It's pleasurable progress too, as this car is a beautifully relaxing place to be. The thing about the Nissan LEAF is that such advanced technology is so accessible. This car represents an early step in the future of motoring (where it goes from here is being debated) but it's an easy one for most drivers to take. There's nothing that is strange or out of place, or at least nothing that doesn't make sense. There are a few gauges and indicators on the dash that need explanation, but that done they are all perfectly logical and sensible. The answer to that first question from earlier ties in here too: under the bonnet there's nothing strange. The bonnet itself is conventional, if a bit smaller than on some cars, and beneath it is something that looks like an engine... there's even a regular battery. That it looks like an engine is no accident, said Gary. An earlier prototype of the LEAF had a plastic cover under the bonnet, but this version is more reassuring. Nissan must've decided there's nothing to hide and let us see the inverter (if that's what it is) and other bits, and even made them look like a regular engine. There's no need to alienate potential buyers by offering something too far removed from what's familiar, I suppose. Technically minded and eco-conscious drivers will love their early miles in the LEAF. The graphic that shows how much power you're using on its right hand side also shows how much energy you're reclaiming under braking or coasting. It ranges from 80kw on the consumption side (about 110bhp, according to the engineer, or about what a 1.4litre petrol engine would develop these days), to 30kw on the reclaim side. Braking for longer and more gently gets you to the maximum 30kw, which is particularly satisfying for the green minded, and it means your batteries will take you further before needing a re-charge. The 80kw of available power is a delight. Moving off from traffic lights on the Stillorgan dual carriageway, we gave the loud pedal a good dig and were fairly thrown back in our seats. Electric motors produce their maximum torque as soon as they're running and that transforms into seamless, powerful acceleration. There's no fuss of noise and revs or changing gear. There's only one ratio with this car and it's one that makes the LEAF authentically quick - maybe comparable to a modern turbodiesel, but without the drama. Now, as 2010 turns to autumn, the LEAF is a revelation. It's a great drive and a credit to Nissan. Electric cars have a bright future in Ireland, if the ESB's plans (see story P11) are any indication, but where the motor industry goes next will be interesting - maybe we'll look back at the LEAF from 2030 and think that's where it all started... The LEAF in summary Nissan estimates that it will cost €232 to keep the LEAF charged up for a year, an 80% saving on the average diesel family car, based on annual driving of 19,000km. There are fewer moving parts, so service and maintenance costs are lower. It qualifies for the lowest road tax band, €104 a year. The first 2,000 customers of electric cars will receive free home charging point installation. Home charging takes approximately eight hours; quick charging 25 minutes. Quick charge stations will be located every 60km on national roads and motorways by the end of 2011. The LEAF has a range of 160km and a maximum speed of 140kmh. How to order a Nissan LEAF Visit nissan.ie/nissanleaf; select reserve your Nissan LEAF; pay a fully refundable €232 deposit; select your dealer; confirm your order with that dealer. It costs €29,995 with a government grant of €5,000. Cavan Motors Peter Keogh at the Nissan garage in Cavan says customers can also call in to him to discuss the LEAF and sign up online to buy one. He expects to have a LEAF in Cavan for test drives in November (look out for updates). Call Peter on 049-4332133; email peterkeogh@nissan.ie and see cavanmotors.ie. • See nissan.ie/NissanLeaf for the details of the new car.