The much anticipated launch of Nissan's Leaf Electric Vehicle (EV) will be this summer as a 2011 model.  The vehicle promises to shake up the market with its devotion to emissions-free motoring for mass production.  However, is the Leaf a vehicle that the public should get excited about?  This author is a bit apprehensive on the vision of the Leaf and EV motoring.

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is a reasonably affordable, 5 passenger, 5 door, zero-emission hatchback similar in size to the Volkswagen Golf.  The Leaf will have all of the creature comforts one has come to expect from a typical Nissan, including: a full host of power amenities with remote central locking; CD stereo; air conditioning; and safety equipment including anti-lock brakes, 3-point seatbelts for all positions; and a full safety net of airbags. The Leaf has a starting MSRP of $32,780, but with the $7,500 federal tax incentive, the Leaf comes in at a respectable $25,280.  Certain states also allow for an additional tax credit for the purchase of the Leaf.  Oregon offers an additional $1,500 off the vehicle, bringing it to $23,780; while both California and Georgia allow an additional $5,000 in tax incentives off the Leaf, bringing the retail price to an affordable $20,280.

Nissan's new Leaf EV will be powered by a series of Lithium Ion batteries mounted on the floor of the vehicle and hooked up to a powerful electric motor at the vehicle's front end.  The electric motor will have 100 percent of it's torque available off the line; so expect the Leaf to be a reasonably fun car to drive.  The Leaf has a factory estimated range of 100 miles per full charge.  An 80 percent charge can be had in 30 minutes, and a smart phone can program when to charge the vehicle; for convenience and low-cost electricity rates.  Adjusting to average national electricity rates, Nissan officials claim that the Leaf will cost just under $3 per charge to operate.  Additionally, the Leaf will be manufactured in Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee production facility; former home to the Nissan Titan and Armada full-size pickup and SUV thanks to a generous loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.  Currently, Nissan is partnering with energy companies and local and state governments to establish solid infrastructure for EVs in order to make owning and operating a Nissan Leaf seamless.

The prospects of a zero-emission family hatchback is exciting, but is it the right direction for America?  The globe?  This author tends to disagree.  It's fantastic that society is moving toward smart growth and development; alternative energy consumption; the reduction of dependence on foreign oil; and sustainable transportation infrastructure.  However, is this really progress?  Or is society just moving backward?  Over 100 years ago, automobile manufacturers made electric vehicles.  For reasons of power and more efficient mobile independence, the industry adopted gasoline powered engines.  Plugging in a vehicle every 100 miles is a leash.  The 100 miles is fine for one's daily commute and errands, but what about vacations?  One of the great things about having an automobile was the freedom to go and do whatever one pleased; on their schedule.  Electric vehicles are the exact opposite.  Take the vehicle out on a full charge; drive it until it's out of charge (100 miles in this case); pull over and wait 30 minutes for a quick charge (80% capacity); then drive another 80 miles; plug it in again for another 30 minutes; and so forth.  Why doesn't society just go back to horses?  Furthermore, zero-emissions is a bit of an inaccuracy by Nissan.  In this case, the vehicle itself is a zero-emitting motor.  But the vehicle will only be as efficient as the power being supplied to it.  That being said, one may observe the "clean" energy charging that Leaf in the garage, but where did that electricity come from?  A wind farm?  Solar panels?  A hydro-electric power plant?  How about a nuclear power plant or standard coal-fired power plant?  The power being supplied to the vehicle can still be a detriment to the environment. 

Is there a solution available to solve America's dependence on foreign oil, while promoting sustainable transportation practices that blend into society's current energy-craving demands?  The answer is yes.  Though it cannot be purchased currently, a 200 vehicle test fleet of Honda FCX Clarities is available for a $600 a month, 3 year, unlimited mile, closed-end lease in Southern California.  The FCX Clarity is a Hydrogen  Fuel Cell vehicle.  One pumps compressed liquid hydrogen into the vehicles fuel tank; like pumping gas.  The fuel cell uses the hydrogen to generate electricity, and that electricity drives the vehicle.  The only emission of a hydrogen fuel cell is water.  The FCX Clarity and hydrogen infrastructure are a great solution to solving America's energy woes while promoting a sustainable environment.  Replace the petroleum or diesel pump with a compressed hydrogen pump; problem solved.

The Nissan Leaf is a great leap forward in motoring progression for society.  However, one needs to take the news of the Nissan Leaf and it's progress with a grain of salt.  This author believes that the Leaf will be a fantastic addition to the ever-changing world of the motoring community; but strictly for "around town" purposes only.  If America wants to fix it's energy woes and promote a sustainable environment for future generations in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell design would be recommended.

Additional information on this article can be further explored at the following links:

Nissan Leaf

http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index.jsp

U.S. Department of Energy and Nissan

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15892

Honda FCX Clarity

http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/