2012 Nissan LEAF

The 2012 Nissan Leaf, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car, continues in its second year of production to lead the drive into the "no gas, no tailpipe" zero-emission era.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the Nissan Leaf is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of 100 miles on one full charge to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

Enhancements for the 2012 model year include the addition of a standard battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and rear HVAC duct on all models. Also, a Quick Charge Port is now standard on the Leaf SL.

The front-wheel drive Nissan Leaf utilizes a dedicated EV platform with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The highly rigid body design includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity compared to a conventional compact car.

The battery powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, rated at 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, which drives the front wheels through a single speed reducer. Nissan Leaf's charging point is hidden under a small door located in the front of the vehicle.

The roomy Nissan Leaf interior offers a pleasingly modern design created to provide a unique "EV touch" with "simple and human flow." The bright, welcoming atmosphere starts with the wide, high tech instrument panel design, which is dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center "floating" piano black C-stack with a 7-inch information display.