The 367-MPG 2011 Nissan Leaf
While dedicated hybrid models like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight—as well as upcoming plug-in hybrids like the 2011 Chevy Volt—are currently in vogue, Nissan is revisiting all-electric vehicle technology with the Leaf EV, which they say gets a unfathomable 367 mpg. 367.
You may or may not remember the less-than-stellar efforts put forth by GM when they introduced their EV1 way back in 1996, but electric vehicle technology has come a long way since then. Batteries are now more efficient and more compact, while charging technology has also taken a huge leap forward with quicker charge times.
All of these advancements have made electric cars a more viable alternative to those powered by internal combustion engines. Nissan plans to start selling the Leaf in five major metropolitan U.S. markets as early as next year. Experts estimate that the Leaf will retail for anywhere from $25,000-33,000, which would compare favorably to the Volt, Prius and Insight considering you would have no fuel expenses with an electric car. The Leaf’s range is estimated to be just over 100 miles between charges.
Although you probably won’t be taking any cross-country trips in this car, the Leaf is perfectly capable of handling the average commute. And while you may have heard GM’s unofficial statement of the Chevy Volt’s 230-mpg fuel economy, by using their math, Nissan’s engineers came up with a truly staggering figure of 367 mpg for the Nissan Leaf. Whether or not the EPA will recognize these numbers, however, is an entirely different story.
For more click to the dedicated Nissan Leaf website.
Tags: Hybrid
