Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/#comments Image

Nissan's concerned that Leaf owners aren't getting around enough. So, until IBM's super-batteries arrive or Exxon starts installing charging points in its gas stations, the car maker's got to do it itself. In partnership with charity Adopt-A-Charger, it's paying for 15 charging points in California, three at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and twelve at the Music Concourse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Customers will have totally free access, with Nissan pledging to pay for the upkeep and electricity that the public uses. After the break we've got a video whose narrator probably makes Chris Hansen jealous of his voice.

Continue reading Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)

Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adopt a ChargerAdoptAChargerChargingEVEV ChargingEV RangeEvChargingEvRangeGolden Gate ParkGoldenGateParkLeafLos AngelesLos Angeles County Museum of ArtLosAngelesLosAngelesCountyMuseumOfArtMusic ConcourseMusicConcourseNissanNissan EV ChargingNissan LeafNissanEvChargingNissanLeafRange AnxietyRangeAnxietysan franciscoSanFranciscovideoFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: gigantic LED cube, synthetic bones and a playground from recycled wind turbines]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/led-cube-synthetic-bones-recycled-turbines/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/led-cube-synthetic-bones-recycled-turbines/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/led-cube-synthetic-bones-recycled-turbines/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
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Happy April 1st! In honor of the day, we've rounded up some of Inhabitat's best April Fools stories for your reading pleasure. Our collective jaws dropped this morning when we were sent an anonymous photo from a tipster which hints at intergalactic plans for Apple's new Cupertino campus. Google also surprised us today when it announced a partnership with the city of New York to replace NYC taxis with driverless Google Cabs. In other NYC news, it was revealed today that New York City's ever-popular High Line park is going to bring a train back on the High Line to keep up with the growing crowds, and satellite photos divulged that Dubai appears to be building a series of Dubai-shaped islands off of its coast.

In more serious news, the New York Auto Show is hitting Manhattan next week, and in preparation this week Fisker released the first sketch of its highly anticipated Nina Plug-in Hybrid. Inhabitat will be on-scene at the reveal on Tuesday to bring you the first photos of its unveiling, so stay tuned for Inhabitat's live Fisker Nina coverage on Tuesday! We also brought you a sneak peek at several more innovative eco vehicles that will displayed at this year's New York Auto Show -- including NYC's taxi of tomorrow and Infiniti's new Nissan Leaf-based EV. Meanwhile, Lexus divulged that it is considering producing the sexy LF-LC hybrid sports coupe, and Chevy Volt's sexier European twin the Opel Ampera racked up 7,000 orders, putting it well on its way to meeting sales targets. In two-wheel transportation news, bicycles kicked into high gear as Specialized launched the world's fastest E-bike and Jose Hurtado designed a hubless 'Twist Bike' that can be turned into a tandem in a snap.

Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: gigantic LED cube, synthetic bones and a playground from recycled wind turbines

Inhabitat's Week in Green: gigantic LED cube, synthetic bones and a playground from recycled wind turbines originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperechevycleanecoenergygreengreen autoGreenAutohybridinhabitantinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreeninhabitatweekingreenleaflegolexusNinanissanrenewable energyRenewableEnergysynthetic boneSyntheticBonethisweekingreenSun, 01 Apr 2012 20:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf to get minor range boost, prove Moore's Law doesn't apply to EVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/#comments ImageFifteen months and 10,000 American sales later, Nissan is preparing a 2013 overhaul of its Leaf EV. What green and fresh bounties can we expect? Leather seats, a "darker" interior and more efficient heater, which could let the EV go up to 20-25 miles further in cold-weather conditions. Sounds minor to our comfortably warm ears, and there's no specific mention of inductive charging (depicted above) either. On the other hand, the 2012 model already hiked up prices and Nissan probably has to stick closely to the current $35,000 bracket or risk being run down by another all-electric, all-emotional hatchback that's also due next year.

Nissan Leaf to get minor range boost, prove Moore's Law doesn't apply to EVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013carefficiencyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenvironmentalevgreenleafleatherleather seatsLeatherSeatsnissannissan leafNissanLeafrangetransporttransportationupgradevehicleWed, 21 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt sees best sales yet in December, Nissan Leaf still outpaces it for the year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/#comments
It looks like GM had some good news and some bad news for the Chevy Volt to end 2011 with. As Autoblog Green reports, the plug-in vehicle saw its best ever month in December with 1,529 cars sold, bringing its total sales for the year to 7,671. That still wasn't enough to pull ahead of the Leaf electric vehicle in sales for the year, however, as Nissan managed to move a total of 9,674 units despite falling a bit short in December with just 954 cars sold. Both of those numbers are off the automakers' targets for their respective vehicles, though, with Nissan just a bit short of its 10,000-unit goal, and GM well off its original aim of 10,000-12,000 units sold. Unfortunately for GM, 2012 got off to a start with a few new headaches for the Volt.

Chevy Volt sees best sales yet in December, Nissan Leaf still outpaces it for the year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltChevyVoltelectric vehicleElectricVehiclegmleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafplug-inplug-in vehiclePlug-inVehiclevoltThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/#comments Nissan has big plans for the still-budding Leaf. The Japanese automaker lit up its impressive Leaf-powered Smart House at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but also demoed its wireless charging solution for a much smaller crowd at the company's Oppama factory. The device uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a receiver on the bottom of the car, with an efficiency level between 80 and 90 percent -- simply park your EV directly above the system to begin charging, and monitor progress on the ground transmission unit's control panel. The pad is expected to become available as soon as 2013, but will only be compatible with new vehicles, so you won't be able to use it with an older Leaf, unfortunately. There's a silent demo video waiting for you just past the break.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)

Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarschargingelectricelectric vehicleelectricityElectricVehicleevinductioninductiveinductive charginginductive powerInductiveChargingInductivePowerleafnissannissan carnissan carsnissan evnissan leafNissanCarNissanCarsNissanEvNissanLeafpowervehiclevehiclesvideowirelesswireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/#comments Back in August, Nissan shared its vision of making its Leaf EV a secondary power source for houses, be it for emergency power outage or for powering lodges in the countryside. Here at the Tokyo Motor Show, we got to see a Smart House that demonstrates just that. To supply the electricity from the Leaf, Nissan uses a power control system box that can supply up to 6kW of power -- plenty of juice for this structure, which consumes about 1 to 2kW for its lights, fan, TV, clock, mini fridge and air conditioner. As for battery life, a Leaf can keep a typical Japanese household powered for about two days, and customers can pick up this power control system in around end of March next year (the retail version will be about half the size of the one pictured). Nissan also said potentially the Smart House can supply excess electricity back to the grid, though this isn't yet possible in Japan due to the lack of such service, which is understandable given the natural disasters earlier this year.

Additionally, it turns out that the Smart House can also power itself during sunny days using its solar panels on the top, and any remaining electricity is used to charge up the Leaf; so effectively the car is acting as a mobile battery for the house. But what if it's cloudy and the Leaf is out and about? Well, the fuel cells inside the Smart House's belly will keep your party going, so there's really nothing to worry about as long as you keep an eye on your propane level. Head past the break to watch Nissan's Shinsuke Suzuki switch the house off and on for us.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf Smart House hands-on

Continue reading Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on

Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleevfeaturedfeatureshands-onleafnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafpcspower control systemPowerControlSystemShinsuke SuzukiShinsukeSuzukismart houseSmartHousetokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011videoThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan sells more than 20,000 Leafs in first year, high-fives commence on Tokyo Motor Show floor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nissan-sells-more-than-20-000-leafs-in-first-year-high-fives-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nissan-sells-more-than-20-000-leafs-in-first-year-high-fives-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nissan-sells-more-than-20-000-leafs-in-first-year-high-fives-co/#comments You win this round, hippies! Only a few months after announcing that it sold 10,000 all-electric Leaf cars in international markets, Nissan stated at the Tokyo Motor Show today that the company has sold over 20,000 Leafs since the car went on sale in December of 2010. Of the 9,000 Leafs that have been sold to U.S. owners, over 60 percent went to homes in California, where owners no doubt admire their electric cars while enjoying their tasty organic kale and starfruit smoothies. The company also added that it expects to sell more than 10,000 Leafs in the U.S. by the end of 2011, which dovetails perfectly into their predictions. Given that the Japanese EV's prime competition has been plagued by concerns about its flammability, Nissan might just exceed those expectations.

Nissan sells more than 20,000 Leafs in first year, high-fives commence on Tokyo Motor Show floor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010autoautomobileCaliforniacarDecemberelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevinternationalkaleLeafNissansalesTokyo Motor ShowTokyoMotorShowWed, 30 Nov 2011 02:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf mod offers more accurate battery status, less streamlined interior]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/#comments
Car mods come in many forms -- including, even, a piece of cardboard with some switches and an LED display. The car being modded in this case is the Nissan Leaf, and the mod in question (still in its temporary form here, thankfully) is a simple but important one. It's a homebrew device that plugs into the Leaf's OBD-II diagnostics port and displays the battery's exact state of charge, as opposed to the somewhat less specific bars that are displayed on the main dashboard display. Absolutely necessary? Not exactly, but the mod seems to be catching on with a growing contingent of DIY-minded Leaf forum members. Hit the source link below for a few more examples and some additional details for building your own.

[Image credit: mwalsh / My Nissan Leaf Forum]

Nissan Leaf mod offers more accurate battery status, less streamlined interior originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafmodnissannissan leafNissanLeafsocstate of chargeStateOfChargeTue, 30 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's 'Leaf to Home' system sends power back to your house or the grid]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/#comments The Nissan Leaf may look like a car, but it turns out it will soon also be an emergency power generator on wheels. The automaker just took the wraps off its new "Leaf to Home" system in Japan this week, which promises to let you send power stored in the car back to your house in the case of an outage, or even back to the grid (letting you charge the car during off-peak hours and profiting when demand is high, for instance). Of course, that also requires more than your basic charging station (this one ties directly into your home's electricity distribution panel), and it's not quite ready for consumer use just yet -- Nissan expects it to be available in Japan by April of next year.

Nissan's 'Leaf to Home' system sends power back to your house or the grid originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleelectricyevgridleafleaf to homeLeafToHomenissannissan leafNissanLeafpowersmart gridSmartGridWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/#comments

Hey Leaf owners -- that's right, all 4,000 of you -- it looks like Nissan took your complaints feedback to heart and is making a few standard additions its EV auto line. Prospective owners of the yet-to-be delivered 2012 models can look forward to the inclusion of a DC fast charge port that'll have your roadster 80 percent juiced in under 30 minutes and some cold weather features -- like heated seats and a battery warmer. The Japanese carmaker also announced plans to expand availability of the auto to Illinois and parts of the southeastern US, and will open reservations to the general public once existing orders are fulfilled. So that's the good, now are you ready for the bad? These electric hatchbacks are getting a new, higher MSRP that takes the SV trim level model to $35,200 and the SL to $37,250. It's an entirely reasonable price to pay for warm buns and, hey, you're saving the planet.

Continue reading Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard

Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarselectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafThu, 21 Jul 2011 00:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee to start Leaf production by late 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/#comments Nissan plant in Smyrna to start Leaf production by late 2012
No worries Nissan EV fans, more Leaves are on the way -- that's according to Bill Kreuger, the head honcho of Nissan's manufacturing and supply chain division. Kreuger tells Automotive News, the catastrophic earthquake in Japan that shut down several large plants was just a small speedbump in the release of the flagship electric vehicle. Nissan North America has been preparing a 1.6 billion dollar production complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, to begin rolling out EVs in the masses by late 2012. The plan is to have the plant assemble about 200,000 battery modules and as many as 150,000 Leafs each year, and we're guessing it'll have quite an easy go finding names for each and every one.

Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee to start Leaf production by late 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122013AutoblogAutoblog GreenAutoblogGreenautomotiveAutomotive NewsAutomotiveNewsBillBill KreugerBillKreugerelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleElectronic vehicleElectronicVehicleevgreenKreugerlaunchleafLEAF EVLeafEvnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafproductionSmyrnasmyrna tennesseeSmyrnaTennesseetenesseeTenneseeWed, 13 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaf sales outpacing the Volt, winning the fight for American garage space]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/#comments Leaf Vs. Volt According to Automobile, Nissan is winning the race to put the most electric cars in American driveways, selling 3,875 Leafs in the first six months of 2011, while Chevy only managed to put 2,754 Volt keys in the hands of consumers. This is despite Nissan suffering a month long manufacturing setback following the tsunami that struck in March. Chevy has had its own delays, having closed the Volt plant five weeks ago for upgrades that will allow it to pump out more vehicles. Lets not forget though, the Leaf starts at about $8,000 less than its American made competitor and, when it comes to weaning us off gas and putting us behind the wheel of tech-packed cars -- there's no shame in being number two. Perhaps GM will have better luck with that cheaper, shorter range version it's been contemplating.

Leaf sales outpacing the Volt, winning the fight for American garage space originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011carcarschevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltdataelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfebruaryfiguresgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafnumbersparallel hybridParallelHybridphevsalesseries hybridSeriesHybridstatsusus salesUsSalesvoltThu, 07 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Yokohama EV sets new Pikes Peak Hill Climb record, leaves Leaf blowing in the wind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/yokohama-ev-sets-new-pikes-peak-hill-climb-record-leaves-leaf-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/yokohama-ev-sets-new-pikes-peak-hill-climb-record-leaves-leaf-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/yokohama-ev-sets-new-pikes-peak-hill-climb-record-leaves-leaf-b/#comments Yokohama EV sets new Pikes Peak Hill Climb record, leaves Leaf blowing in the wind Remember the unmodified Nissan Leaf that dared to take on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb? No, it didn't win the electric vehicle class, but it did have the honor of playing second fiddle to a new paladin. By pairing the motor they used to set last year's EV record with a new high-performance cooling system, Team Yokohama managed to shave nearly a minute off of their previous record-setting time, completing the course in 12 minutes and 20 seconds. The Leaf? It leisurely drifted through the finish line at 14 minutes, 33 seconds. Not the quickest way to the top, but let's be fair -- if it's a choice between being comfortable or being king of the hill, we'll stretch our legs, thanks.

Yokohama EV sets new Pikes Peak Hill Climb record, leaves Leaf blowing in the wind originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevhill climbHillClimbleafnissanpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbteam yokohamaTeamYokohamayokohamayokohama evYokohamaEvTue, 28 Jun 2011 01:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/#comments That cute little bugger above certainly looks innocent enough, but it might have been spreading some pretty detailed gossip behind your back. Leaf-driver Casey Halverson was playing around with the RSS reader in his Carwings system when he discovered that it wasn't just collecting feeds from RSS servers, it was also telling those servers his car's current location, speed, heading and even the destination he'd set in the sat nav. Strangely, Halverson's undercover tattletale appears to have halted its indiscretions after he posted the discovery on his blog, but we're surmising there's still hundreds of server logs up and down the country that prove it really happened, not to mention his video after the break. Cue Rockwell, fade to black.

Continue reading Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video)

Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carwingsdatadata protectionDataProtectionelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleaflocationlocation datalocation-awarelocation-basedLocationDatanissannissan leafNissanLeafprivacyRSSrss feedrss feedsrss readerRssFeedRssFeedsRssReaderservervideoThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/#comments New Yorkers, this is your "Taxi of Tomorrow." After two years of deliberation, Nissan's NV200 was chosen as the city's exclusive taxi yesterday, edging out models from Ford Motor Co. and Turkish manufacturer Karsan. The four-passenger van is slated to hit New York's streets in late 2013, after which it will be gradually phased in on a more widespread basis. With a manufacturer suggested retail price of around $29,000, the commodious NV200 boasts a 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, transparent roof panel, driver navigation system, overhead reading lights and a mobile charging unit, replete with a 12V outlet and two USB ports. Nissan also placed an emphasis on passenger and pedestrian safety, with front and rear-seat curtain airbags, standard traction control and an external lighting system designed to alert others when the NV200's doors are opening. The van's microbial seat fabric should help assuage the fears of many germophobes, while its "low-annoyance" horn promises to put a (probably miniscule) dent in the city's noise pollution. Mayor Bloomberg definitely won't realize his all-hybrid dreams by 2012, but Nissan has agreed to participate in a forthcoming EV pilot program, involving up to six of the company's electric LEAFs. Until then, New Yorkers will have plenty of time to get used to the city's new soccer mom approach to taxi transport. Cruise past the break for full PR and video.

Continue reading Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)

Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagautobloombergcarchargerDrivingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVleafmayor bloombergMayorBloombergnavigationNavigationSystemnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynissanNissan Leafnissan nv200NissanLeafNissanNv200NYCpowertrainpublic transportationPublicTransportationtaxiusbvideoWed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf entered in 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, can feel free to just coast back down again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/nissan-leaf-entered-in-2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-can-feel-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/nissan-leaf-entered-in-2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-can-feel-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/nissan-leaf-entered-in-2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-can-feel-free/#commentsNissan Leaf entered in 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, can feel free to just coast back down again There are many, many tests of automotive performance throughout the average calendar year, yet the Pikes Peak Hill Climb stands out as one of America's most historic and most brutal. Oh, and most pucker-inducing, what with the general lack of guardrails and corner edges bounded by nothing but thousands of feet of free-fall -- then rocks. This is the challenge that an unmodified Nissan Leaf will face this summer, all 110 horsepower dedicated to hitting the summit in a time that hopefully won't be too embarrassing but surely won't challenge the current EV record of 13 minutes and 17 seconds. Driver Chad Hord will sit behind the wheel when the event gets underway on June 26th, burning nary a drop of gas on the way up and putting on something less of a show than Ari Vatanen did in his (traditionally-powered) Peugeot back in 1990. That rather invigorating performance is embedded below for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf entered in 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, can feel free to just coast back down again

Nissan Leaf entered in 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, can feel free to just coast back down again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bevelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissanpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbTue, 26 Apr 2011 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/#commentsNissan Lead production line
 We have some good news from the Land of the Rising Sun -- a fresh batch of Leafs are on their way to American shores. At the New York Auto show, Nissan announced that the first shipments of post earthquake-produced EVs should be in the hands of American consumers by April 27th. The company still expects to fulfill current orders by the end of summer and on May 1st will begin accepting new reservations for vehicles in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Buyers in the southeastern US will be able to join the plug-in parade this fall, to be followed by a nationwide launch in 2012. Now that the auto manufacturing plants are getting back to business as usual following the tsunami that ravaged Japan, we can only hope the rest of the country isn't too far behind. PR after the break.

Continue reading Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries

Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilitycarcarsdeliveryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVfactoriesjapanleafmanufaturingnew york auto showNewYorkAutoShownissanNissan LeafNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafEvroadmapscheduleThu, 21 Apr 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf Nismo RC all-electric race car eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-all-electric-race-car-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-all-electric-race-car-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-all-electric-race-car-eyes-on/#commentsNissan Leaf Nismo RC all-electric race car eyes-on When Nissan announced the Leaf RC we, naturally, were expecting a little radio controlled version of the battery-electric sedan that's making its way to driveways now -- slowly. We certainly didn't expect a race version of the thing, but that's what Nissan created, and now here it is at the New York International Auto Show, sitting on a turntable and spinning away. In fact you could envision that spinning stretching it out. It's rather... longer than the stock Leaf. In fact, it really looks nothing at all like the stock car, but if it did it'd be all the more strange on the track than this long, low, spread-out, carbon fiber wedge. They are at least both pure electrics and both painted blue, though under the cerulean lights here just about everything is looking decidedly cool. Okay, so 107HP, a top speed of 93MPH, and a maximum duration of just 20 minutes on the track will hardly see this winning any WTCC races, but with a weight of just 2,068 pounds (some 700 less than a Tesla Roadster) we'd certainly take one for a spin -- even if it were a short one.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf Nismo RC

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC all-electric race car eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electricBatteryElectricbevelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafleaf rcLeafRcnew yorknew york international auto showNewYorkNewYorkInternationalAutoShownismonissannyiasnyias 2011Nyias2011race carRaceCarWed, 20 Apr 2011 17:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/#comments Electric vehicles may have that instant torque thing going for them, but they're still a bit behind when it comes to giving heart palpitations to those diehard petrolheads. Hoping to change that perception, Nissan is setting up to unveil a brand new concept vehicle, dubbed the Leaf Nismo RC (that stands for Racing Competition, not "radio-controlled"), which strips the one-size-fits-all Leaf down to its constituent elements. The drivetrain is still 100 percent electric, however it's now powering the rear wheels instead of the front, while things like the rear seats, trunk, audio system, carpeting, and navigation have been completely removed. A carbon fiber chassis helps the Nismo RC keep weight down to 2,068 pounds (938kg), equivalent to just 60 percent of the original Leaf's heft. Yes, the Leaf is now lighter! In performance terms, you're looking at a car that can hit 62mph within 6.85 seconds, max out the speedometer at 93mph, and last a terrifying 20 minutes under racing conditions. This prototype vehicle will debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show and will thereafter help Nissan research better aerodynamics and, presumably, slightly better energy efficiency.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowcarcarbon fiberCarbonFiberconceptconcept carConceptCarelectricelectric carelectric racingelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricRacingElectricVehicleelectring racing carElectringRacingCarevleafnew yorknew york auto showNewYorkNewYorkAutoShownismonismo rcNismoRcnissannissan leafNissanLeafprototyperacingracing carRacingCarMon, 18 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Hertz launches hourly EV rentals in London, self-satisfaction comes free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/#commentsConnect by Hertz Contract-free cellphones, declining marriage rates and car-sharing services all tell us you're a bunch of commitmentphobes. Lucky for you the world is willing to oblige your wishy-washy ways, and for those who also happen to have a bit of a green streak, Connect by Hertz offers hourly rentals on electric cars. After launching its EV rental program here in New York last year, Hertz promised to expand to several other cities and countries by the end of 2011, with London being the next to go online this Friday. British urbanites averse to car ownership will be able to pick from a fleet of vehicles including the iMieV, Nissan LEAF and Renault Kangoo, range anxiety diminished thanks to the city's 16 charging stations. It's not exactly the Jetsons, but if this is the future of transportation, we're ok with that -- we're thinking Mother Earth is too.

Hertz launches hourly EV rentals in London, self-satisfaction comes free originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcar rentalcar sharingCarRentalCarSharingconnectconnect by hertzConnectByHertzelectricelectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevgreenhertzimievkangarooleaflondonnissannissan leafNissanLeafplug inplug-inPlugInrenaultRenault KangooRenaultKangoorentalrentalstransportationFri, 15 Apr 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaf deliveries delayed by Japanese quake, but Nissan and Sony already reopening factories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/#comments Not the jolliest of news if you were waiting on a fresh new Leaf EV to blow in any time soon, as Nissan has had to understandably delay shipments as a result of the natural disaster that has befallen Japan. Updates on when customers might expect their orders to be completed will be forthcoming as soon as available. There are happier developments on the isle of Japan itself, however, where Nissan is resuming limited operations at five plants today and expects to be producing vehicles again by Thursday, which will last as long as supplies do. Sony has also shaken off some of the effects of the recent earthquake and says it'll restart production of lithium-ion batteries at its Tochigi prefecture plant tomorrow. So, encouraging signs ahead for Japan's industry, let's hope everyone else's recovery proves to be as swift.

Leaf deliveries delayed by Japanese quake, but Nissan and Sony already reopening factories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardelaydelaysdeliveryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfactoriesfactoryfalloutjapanleafmanufacturingnissannissan leafNissanLeafproductionreopensonytsunamiMon, 21 Mar 2011 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Range anxiety gets real: Nissan Leaf drivers run out of juice on the road]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/#comments Fears of range anxiety have loomed over EVs since their inception, and those fears were validated courtesy of a couple unfortunate souls whose Nissan Leafs apparently died on them while driving. The drivers put their faith in the Leaf's remaining range calculation, and were sorely disappointed when the car's dash said they had enough juice to go 10+ miles, but the batteries had other ideas. Turns out, the Leaf needs some time to get to know you and your lead foot before it can accurately determine the bounds of its own range. Nissan sent engineers out to check the cars and found no technical faults -- but one driver reckons the cold sapped some of the batteries' power (a theory that Mini E drivers would disagree with) and the car's software didn't factor that in when making its range estimates. Who's to blame? We suspect that while there was some user error, Nissan should rework the Leaf's software to improve range calculation -- else we may be talking about the death of EVs instead of internal combustion.

Range anxiety gets real: Nissan Leaf drivers run out of juice on the road originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery lifeBatteryLifecoldecoeco careco friendlyEcoCarEcoFriendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafphevrange anxietyRangeAnxietysustainabilityWed, 16 Mar 2011 02:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan to give Leaf faster charger in 2012: home charging goes from glacial to a snail's pace?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/#comments Though well on its way to joining the Dodo, one of the internal combustion engine's advantages over its plug-in competition is refuel time -- it only takes a few minutes to gas up, but you're talking hours for an EV to top off its batteries via a standard 220 / 240-volt socket. This fact is not lost on Nissan, as it just revealed plans to offer a higher-rate charger in its 2012 Leaf -- the current model's 3.3kW charger needs eight hours to power up -- in order to better compete with the Ford Focus Electric's three to four hour charge time courtesy of its 6.6kW unit. And all you early adopters won't be "orphaned," as 2011 model Leafs can be retrofitted with the new electrics -- no word if Daddy Warbucks will be footing the bill.

Nissan to give Leaf faster charger in 2012: home charging goes from glacial to a snail's pace? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco careco-friendlyEcoCarelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfocus electricFocusElectricfordleafnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafphevQuick ChargeQuickChargeWed, 09 Mar 2011 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf delayed in UK, backup warning signal to blame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/#commentsNissan delievers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none Surprise of all wonders, the Nissan Leaf has suffered another delay, but this time there's at least an amusing anecdote to quote while you wait. You see, The Northern Echo quotes a Nissan spokeswoman as saying that the Leaf's backup warning signal emits a loud beep, but UK law requires that such sounds be disabled between the hours of 11PM and 6AM. "The audible system on the Leaf did not allow for that to be done, so the beeping sound is being removed entirely before the cars can be driven on roads in this country," Nissan said, which will result in a "slight delay" in shipping the cars from the company's Japanese plant. Amusingly, US law actually requires electric cars to make noise these days.

Nissan Leaf delayed in UK, backup warning signal to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backup signalBackupSignaldelaydelayedLeafNissanNissan LeafNissanLeafnoisenoise pollutionNoisePollutionpedestrian safetypedestrian warning systemPedestrianSafetyPedestrianWarningSystemsignalsoundUKUnited KingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 07 Mar 2011 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric car sales watch: 281 Volts and 67 Leafs sold in US during February]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/#comments Neither Chevrolet nor Nissan have felt proud enough of their EV sales numbers to list them on their latest press releases, but our colleagues over at Autoblog Green have dug those numbers up anyhow. They make for dispiriting reading if you're an electric car well-wisher, as the Volt's sales declined from January's tally of 321 to an even less impressive 281, while the Leaf closed February with only 67 US sales, down 20 on last month. Upon seeing their previous numbers, we postulated that both cars are suffering from constrained supply, which is likely still the case, but it feels ironic to us that electric vehicles, whose driving experience offers instant torque, are taking their sweet time to rev up their sales.

Electric car sales watch: 281 Volts and 67 Leafs sold in US during February originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011carcarschevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltdataelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfebruaryfiguresgmleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafnumberssalesstatsusus salesUsSalesvoltSun, 06 Mar 2011 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault's Zoe EV to give Nissan Leaf competition at lower price -- Nissan-Renault alliance forges on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/renaults-zoe-ev-to-give-nissan-leaf-competition-at-lower-price/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/renaults-zoe-ev-to-give-nissan-leaf-competition-at-lower-price/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/renaults-zoe-ev-to-give-nissan-leaf-competition-at-lower-price/#comments Ever since they struck an alliance back in 1999, Renault and Nissan have been super tight, sharing both a CEO and a goal to make EVs more accessible, but with Renault's Zoe gearing up to hit the market in 2012, the French automaker has proven it's not pulling any punches when it comes to competing with its Japanese partner. In fact, reports give Renault's EV a starting price of roughly €15,000, which compared to the Leaf's €27,000 price tag, is a pretty hefty difference. The catch -- of course, there's a catch -- is Zoe owners will have to lease their batteries for about €100 a month. With the added battery expense, however, it would still take nearly 10 years for the Zoe to meet the Leaf's price. We hope this doesn't put a damper on this 12-year love affair, but honestly, we'll take an affordable EV any way we can get it.

Renault's Zoe EV to give Nissan Leaf competition at lower price -- Nissan-Renault alliance forges on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarselectricElectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVev salesEvSalesLeafNissanNissan Leafnissan-renaultnissan-renault allianceNissan-renaultAllianceNissanLeafRenaultRenault ZoeRenaultZoesalesZoeWed, 23 Feb 2011 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan backs off 2011 Leaf delivery promises, expects 'a few hundred' sold in February]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/nissan-backs-off-2011-delivery-promises-expects-a-few-hundred/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/nissan-backs-off-2011-delivery-promises-expects-a-few-hundred/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/nissan-backs-off-2011-delivery-promises-expects-a-few-hundred/#commentsNissan backs off 2011 delivery promises, expects 'a few hundred' sold in FebruaryBad news for Leaf lovers. Back in December Nissan representative Tim Gallagher said "By the end of summer, our goal is to have everyone in their car." That would have meant 20,000-odd Leafs shipped before leaves start falling from trees, but now Nissan North America's Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Brian Carolin thinks we won't even see that many until next year. "I think 20,000 will be too high," he said, referring to total deliveries for 2011. "You just have to make this launch absolutely perfect. It's not a numbers game." Indeed it isn't, it's an expectations game, and how much lower can they go?

Nissan backs off 2011 Leaf delivery promises, expects 'a few hundred' sold in February originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian carolinBrianCarolincardelayelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissanshipmentshipmentsTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan delivers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/nissan-delivers-190-leaf-evs-to-rental-companies-in-japan-pre-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/nissan-delivers-190-leaf-evs-to-rental-companies-in-japan-pre-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/nissan-delivers-190-leaf-evs-to-rental-companies-in-japan-pre-o/#commentsNissan delievers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none If you're still waiting on your Nissan Leaf pre-order slip to bear fruit, you're not alone. But, know that you might be able to finally go and rent one of the things -- if you live in Japan (or have the appropriate international drivers license and willingness to travel). Nissan just delivered 190 of the hotly-desired hatches to rental companies across its home country and, while Hertz is planning to offer the things up around these parts, we don't see any available for reservations yet. There are some lovely mid-sized alternatives available, though, if you don't mind white paint, Velour interiors, and gas-powered engines.

Nissan delivers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleevjapanleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafrentrentalrental companyRentalCompanyFri, 04 Feb 2011 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan ramping up Leaf production, trying to meet demand]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/nissan-ramping-up-leaf-production-trying-to-meet-demand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/nissan-ramping-up-leaf-production-trying-to-meet-demand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/nissan-ramping-up-leaf-production-trying-to-meet-demand/#commentsNissan ramping up Leaf production, trying to meet demand After doing its best to lower expectations among those with Leaf pre-orders, Nissan is now doing all it can to ramp up production of the things. Just 3,000 cars total have been produced since October at the company's factory outside of Tokyo, but by the end of March Nissan pledges to be pumping out that many each and every month. In 2012 a plant in Tennessee will come online and, in 2013, another new plant, this one in Sunderland, England. That means that if the company is going to meet its pledge of 25,000 Leafs (Leaves?) on the roads by the end of 2012 almost all will have to come from Japan -- probably on one or more boats.

Nissan ramping up Leaf production, trying to meet demand originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfactoryleafnissanproductionWed, 26 Jan 2011 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan responds to Leaf launch disappointments, set expectations too high]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/nissan-responds-to-leaf-launch-disappointments-set-expectations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/nissan-responds-to-leaf-launch-disappointments-set-expectations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/nissan-responds-to-leaf-launch-disappointments-set-expectations/#commentsNissan responds to Leaf launch disappointments, set expectations too highThe Nissan Leaf may be dishing out achievements to hypermilers and wowing moms, but it's also proving something of a disappointment to the thousands of people still stuck on the waiting list. Nissan blew through its 20,000 pre-orders and is pledging to get 25,000 cars on US roads by the end of next year, but right now that number is rather more modest: just 19 delivered. In Detroit this week PluginCars chatted with Brian Carolin, Nissan's Senior VP of Sales, who indicates: "In hindsight, maybe we could have lowered expectations a little bit more." He does, however, dispel the myth that the cars had to be held back due to some wiring issues. How long until we can all stop fretting? "I think in five to six months time this will be kind of behind us," he says, which is actually quite a long ways away if you're really pining for your first EV.

Nissan responds to Leaf launch disappointments, set expectations too high originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian CarolinBrianCarolindetroitdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowleafnaiasnissanFri, 14 Jan 2011 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[CHAdeMO EV quick-chargers to get wider tests across US, 80% capacity in 30 mins or less]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/chademo-ev-quick-chargers-to-get-wider-tests-across-us-80-capa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/chademo-ev-quick-chargers-to-get-wider-tests-across-us-80-capa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/chademo-ev-quick-chargers-to-get-wider-tests-across-us-80-capa/#commentsCHAdeMO EV quick-chargers to get wider tests across US, 80% capacity in 30 minutes or less The idea of waiting around for hours for your EV to recharge is soon to become a thing of the past -- or rather it already is in Japan, where the CHAdeMO-style chargers are enabling cars like the Nissan Leaf to get to 80 percent battery capacity in just 30 minutes. Now they're properly starting their US invasion. The first assault came in Portland a few months back, with 310 more stations lining up for deployment in Arizona, California, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and elsewhere in Washington according to Yomiuri. The move will cost about $230 million total, though there's no word on whether they'll be publically available like the one in Portland is. CHAdeMO, which is a play on the Japanese "O cha demo ikaga desuka" ("let's have tea while charging"), works by handling the AC to DC conversion externally and providing power at up to 500VDC and 125 Amps, much higher than on-board AC/DC converters can handle. This drives down recharging time massively -- even if you don't like tea.

CHAdeMO EV quick-chargers to get wider tests across US, 80% capacity in 30 mins or less originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacaliforniachademochargingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevleaflevel 3 chargerlevel 3 chargingLevel3ChargerLevel3Chargingnissannissan leafNissanLeaforegonquick chargerQuickChargertexaswashingtonSun, 02 Jan 2011 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf gets the 'family' review treatment, earns high marks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/nissan-leaf-gets-the-family-review-treatment-gets-high-marks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/nissan-leaf-gets-the-family-review-treatment-gets-high-marks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/nissan-leaf-gets-the-family-review-treatment-gets-high-marks/#comments The writers over at Busy Mommy Media have run the Nissan Leaf through a special battery of 'family' tests to produce the kind of review of the EV that we don't see every day around here. Still, the family perspective is an especially interesting one for the electric vehicle, since widespread adoption will largely depend on how it fares in just such lifestyles. So how did the Leaf fare? Exceedingly well, it turns out, getting high marks for performance, cargo space, and interior space. The only problem raised was the fact that the reviewer could not fit all three of her required car seats into the back seat, but was able to change them out for slimmer models which did, in fact, fit. Check out the video after the break for the full mommy (and daddy) treatment.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf gets the 'family' review treatment, earns high marks

Nissan Leaf gets the 'family' review treatment, earns high marks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileautomobilescarcarsecoelectic vehiclesElecticVehicleselectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfamiliesfamilygreenleafmommomsmothersnissanreviewstransportationWed, 29 Dec 2010 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan hopes to fill Leaf orders by summer 2011, we wonder if things will ever be warm again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/nissan-hopes-to-fill-leaf-orders-by-summer-2011-we-wonder-if-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/nissan-hopes-to-fill-leaf-orders-by-summer-2011-we-wonder-if-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/nissan-hopes-to-fill-leaf-orders-by-summer-2011-we-wonder-if-th/#commentsNissan hopes to fill Leaf orders by summer 2011, we wonder if it will ever be warm again With Nissan's Leaf rolling into the driveways of a lucky few early birds we're already getting a better look into what the little thing can do. Now we're getting a better idea of when everyone else might get theirs. In a Mercury News story Nissan spokesman Tim Gallagher indicated that the company is working hard to fill those driveways, saying "By the end of summer, our goal is to have everyone in their car." That is, of course, just a goal, and we all know how these goals can go when it comes to delivering cars on time. But, it is at least more or less in line with the company's earlier goal of 25,000 cars shipped to here by the end of next year. Good news for those who have ordered? Yes, mostly, but it's also bad news for anyone who's thinking of signing up for one now: with Nissan's initial batch of orders filled it's anyone's guess when we'll be getting more.

Nissan hopes to fill Leaf orders by summer 2011, we wonder if things will ever be warm again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deliveryelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevleafnissanshipmentTue, 28 Dec 2010 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf rates you against other drivers, creates a high score list for hypermilers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/nissan-leaf-rates-you-against-other-drivers-creates-a-high-scor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/nissan-leaf-rates-you-against-other-drivers-creates-a-high-scor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/nissan-leaf-rates-you-against-other-drivers-creates-a-high-scor/#commentsNissan Leaf rates you against other drivers, creates a high score list for hypermilers Xbox Live and the Achievement system kind of reinvented the high score list, letting you compete against your friends even when you're roaming solo through a stark, barren wasteland. It looks like Nissan is doing much the same with the Leaf -- but minus the bloatflies and the supermutants. As the cars are now rolling out to eager owners we're learning more about just what its Carwings system can do and another neat trick is the "Regional Rankings" page, where one driver's driving efficiency is rated against others in the area. There are bronze, silver, and gold medals up for grabs but, if you cover the thing with speed tape and only commute downhill, you might just be awarded the platinum award. What does that get you? Why, a little picture of a trophy, of course. What were you expecting?

Nissan Leaf rates you against other drivers, creates a high score list for hypermilers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementcarwingselectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevhypermilingleafmpgnissanregional rankingsRegionalRankingsSun, 26 Dec 2010 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nissan Leaf gets always-on connection, lets you turn up the AC wirelessly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/european-nissan-leaf-gets-always-on-connection-lets-you-turn-up/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/european-nissan-leaf-gets-always-on-connection-lets-you-turn-up/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/european-nissan-leaf-gets-always-on-connection-lets-you-turn-up/#commentsNissan Leaf gets always-on connection, lets you turn up the AC wirelessly We've already marveled at the Chevy Volt's ability to let you turn up the AC while it's still plugged in to the A/C, courtesy of its OnStar app. Now we can confirm the European model of Nissan's Leaf is getting the same sort of functionality, and it's said to be standard -- no monthly fees like you'll be stuck with on the Volt. We're still not sure who's providing the wireless connectivity in the US, but abroad it comes courtesy of Telenor Connexion, which will enable a mobile phone or PC to access the Carwings Data Center remotely, to check charging status and modify the car's climate controls. In an EV the car's heating and cooling can be two of the biggest sinks for the onboard battery packs, so this ability to get the car up or down to temp while it's still plugged in could help you spend more kW driving and less on acclimatizing.

Update: As it turns out Chevy is kindly throwing in five years of free OnStar service to Volt owners. So, it's free there as well.

Continue reading European Nissan Leaf gets always-on connection, lets you turn up the AC wirelessly

European Nissan Leaf gets always-on connection, lets you turn up the AC wirelessly originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always onAlwaysOncarwingselectric vehicleElectricVehicleevleafnissantelenortelenor connexionTelenorConnexionMon, 20 Dec 2010 18:13:00 EST<![CDATA[World's first Nissan Leaf delivered -- it's black, like the future of gas-powered cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/worlds-first-nissan-leaf-delivered-its-black-like-the-futu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/worlds-first-nissan-leaf-delivered-its-black-like-the-futu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/worlds-first-nissan-leaf-delivered-its-black-like-the-futu/#comments Somebody at Nissan knows how to keep to a calendar, it seems, as the promised December US deliveries of the Leaf began over this weekend. A big deal was made out of the first one's arrival, a shiny black number purchased by Olivier Chalouhi from the San Francisco Bay Area, which will be accompanied by Leafs landing across the other launch markets of Arizona, Southern California, Oregon, Seattle, and Tennessee. A second batch of Nissan's all-electric hatchbacks is coming on December 20th, with the company promising a nationwide US launch for 2012. In the meantime, Hawaii and Texas will be the next locales to join the fun early in 2011 and reservations will be reopened soon thereafter. Sadly, some "additional markets" are expected to be pushed into the latter half of the year -- guess Nissan knows how to use a calendar to mark off its delays too.

Continue reading World's first Nissan Leaf delivered -- it's black, like the future of gas-powered cars

World's first Nissan Leaf delivered -- it's black, like the future of gas-powered cars originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacardeliveryeco-conelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenvironmentevfirstleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafplug-insustainabilitysustainablevideoMon, 13 Dec 2010 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/nissan-leaf-blessed-with-99mpg-equivalent-sticker-roundtable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/nissan-leaf-blessed-with-99mpg-equivalent-sticker-roundtable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/nissan-leaf-blessed-with-99mpg-equivalent-sticker-roundtable/#comments Cue the pundits. Nissan's incoming Leaf has just nabbed an official EPA sticker, with a mind-melting 99MPG "equivalent" rating set to grace every single window. That'll undoubtedly catch eyes, but it's also likely to spur a huge debate on what "miles per gallon" truly means when you're throwing a battery into the mix. We actually had the pleasure of driving one ourselves late last month, but we weren't able to take off on any extended joyrides to really put MPG claims to the test. At any rate, the 99 rating breaks down to 106MPG in the city and 92MPG on the highway, but there's quite a bit of fuzzy math here that gas guzzlers aren't accustomed to considering. Nissan claims that the EPA uses a formula where 33.7 kWhs are equivalent to one gallon of gasoline energy, and that the entity also found the Leaf's efficiency to be 3.4 miles per kWh. Given that the car has a 24 kWh battery pack and can go 73 miles officially, then the EPA says it could theoretically go 99 miles if it had a 33.7 kWh pack. Still, the Leaf has to await its other label from the FTC, but it's apt to show a range of 96 to 110 miles of range. Head on past the break for the full presser.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensue

Nissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensue originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilebatterybattery lifeBatteryLifecareco-friendlyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEPAEVfuelfuel economyFuelEconomygasgas mileageGasMileagegasolinegovernmentgreenleafmileagempgnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafusWed, 24 Nov 2010 06:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/#comments 26,000 people can't be wrong, right? That's the current tally of Leaf pre-orders that Nissan has collected from US and Japanese drivers excited by its all-electric hatchback. Yesterday, the car that's built to plug into the same wall outlet as your toaster held its official pan-European launch party -- with the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal getting the first deliveries in early 2011 -- and we were on site to grab a few closeup pictures and some precious time in the driver's seat. American drivers should look out for a new set of keys in their mailbox this December, so there's probably no better time than now to give them a preview of what they're getting themselves into. Jump past the break for more on the Nissan Leaf.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf press images

Gallery: Nissan Leaf test drive

Continue reading Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive

Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarwingsdrivedrivendrivingelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleeuropeeuropeanevhands-onimpressionslaunchleaflisbonnissannissan leafNissanLeafportugalpreviewtesttest driveTestDrivevideowindows embeddedwindows embedded automotive 7WindowsEmbeddedWindowsEmbeddedAutomotive7zero emissionsZeroEmissionsTue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf goes 116.1 miles in first anecdotal test, with the air conditioning on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/nissan-leaf-goes-116-1-miles-in-first-anecdotal-test-with-the-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/nissan-leaf-goes-116-1-miles-in-first-anecdotal-test-with-the-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/nissan-leaf-goes-116-1-miles-in-first-anecdotal-test-with-the-a/#comments If there's one thing we've learned from years of toying with technology, it's never to believe a manufacturer's estimate regarding battery life, but it seems like the estimates Nissan provided for its Leaf electric car may not be too far off the mark. Though the vehicle obviously isn't getting 367 miles to its non-existent gallon, PluginCars did manage to eke out a solid 116.1 miles in the car's first anecdotal test, and all they had to do to go the distance was drive casually and slightly below the speed limit. "It wasn't like I was driving like an obsessed hypermiler," said the driver, who spent most of the trip with the A/C blasting. Nissan recently revised their range estimates for the Leaf to anywhere from 62 to 138 miles depending on speed and weather conditions, so 116.1 is a pretty solid run, but until those charging stations permeate the countryside, we're still going to take the ol' gas-guzzler on our road trips.

Nissan Leaf goes 116.1 miles in first anecdotal test, with the air conditioning on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoautomobilecarelectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevLeafNissanNissan LeafNissanLeafRangeSat, 23 Oct 2010 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/#commentsMicrosoft's Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers the Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global We know how patiently you've been waiting for this day, but it's here. It's really here. Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is out, appearing in the download queues of "select car makers and suppliers in the automotive industry." What does it offer? Why, Silverlight support for fancier UIs, real-time text-to-speech technology, and better expandability for third-party plugins. In bigger news, Microsoft is confirming that Windows Embedded Automotive (an earlier version) is the brains behind the Nissan Leaf's Information Hub, which not only handles infotainment duties but also gives charging status and power consumption figures. Finally, the MyFord system is going global, shipping to Blue Oval vehicles in Europe and Asia in 2011. That's after 2.5 million Sync-equipped cars have hit the road. Highway domination? Nearly complete.

Continue reading Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global

Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>embeddedembedded systemEmbeddedSystemfordinfotainmentleafmicrosoftmicrosoft windows embeddedmicrosoft windows embedded automotivemicrosoft windows embedded automotive 7MicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedMicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedAutomotiveMicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedAutomotive7myfordnissansyncwindowswindows embeddedWindowsEmbeddedTue, 19 Oct 2010 15:04:00 EST