Nissan Announces 100-mi Range 2010 LEAF Electric Vehicle [87mph, Li-Ion, Zero Emissions Car]

The landscape of hybrid vehicles is a familiar one to most people around the world. With old friends like the Prius and Insight being the most familiar, and newcomers like the Volt (which has yet to make it into the hands of the general public) attempting to make a name for the itself, it would seem that there is plenty of room for another entrant. That’s exactly what Nissan is hoping for with the announcement of its latest all-electric vehicle, the 2010 LEAF EV.

With the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, it would certainly appear that the motor company is attempting to make a serious play for market share in the up-and-coming segment. The company this weekend announced its new 2010 LEAF EV that melds Nissan/Renault’s current design theme with an electric-only vehicle.

As with most next generation electric vehicles, the LEAF uses an advanced lithium-ion battery pack (48 modules, 90kW) and has electric motors that deliver 80kW (107 HP) of power. According to Nissan Motors, it is this combo gives the LEAF a driving range of 100 miles and a top speed of 87 mph. By Nissan’s estimates, the 100-mile driving range is enough to satisfy the daily commute requirements of 80% of American drivers (Nissan says that the average U.S. driver has a daily commute of less than 62 miles).

Given that the LEAF is a fully electric vehicle and doesn’t have an “extended range” gasoline engine/generator like the Volt, the vehicle will rely heavily on a robust electric charging infrastructure. As a result, Nissan will initially market the vehicle in U.S cities, which have taken the initiative to provide charging stations for EVs including Phoenix, San Diego, Raleigh, and Seattle.

Nissan expects to market the LEAF in the U.S., Europe, and Japan next year. Pricing has not been announced, but Nissan describes the vehicle as “affordable”.