Nissan Leaf

Due to go on sale in the UK in 2011, the Nissan Leaf is definitely a car with a difference.  Marketed as the world’s first affordable electric production car, it is priced at £28,350 but will drop to £23,350 after government approval of plans to produce it in Sunderland.

Although the cost is more expensive than similar sized cars such as the Ford Focus or VW Golf, drivers will save a lot on fuel costs and the AA has calculated the extra purchase cost will be recouped within three years.  The Nissan Leaf will do 0 to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds with a top speed of 90 mph.  Speeds like that make it unsuitable for motorway journeys, so this is a car that is geared towards urban driving.

The electric motor makes for a smooth and much more quiet drive than fuel engine vehicles.  One drawback of any electric car is the limited range of the battery capacity.  The Nissan Leaf can drive for 100 miles on a full charge, which effectively means a maximum journey length of 50 miles each way.  Charging takes eight hours and is best done overnight.  The range will satisfy the daily driving requirements of most UK drivers, but is obviously unsuitable for long distance driving.

The Nissan Leaf has many things going for it despite the aforementioned limitations.  In an age of increasing awareness of the problems caused by pollution, any car which can offer an alternative solution is to be applauded.  The likelihood is that we will see more and more developments of this nature in the future.