Comments on: Nissan Leaf Gets Performance Boost (In Japan)

By: Dan Hue

Dan Hue — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 15:03:00 +0000

What’s interesting with EVs is that they allow a much better control of speed/sportiness vs. efficiency, without complex mechanics (like variable valve timing, etc.). If I drive my Volt is sports mode, I can go just as far as in normal mode, as long as I don’t push it harder. There is a direct relationship between the demands on the car and the energy efficiency it delivers. This is in contrast with ICE cars, whose purpose dictates to some degree both their fuel efficiency and their performance.

By: Bubba Nicholson

Bubba Nicholson — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:56:00 +0000

Aero improvement is easy to attain on the Leaf. ALL FOUR wheels are in wide open wheel wells, after all. Then there’s that truncated rear end that should extend back swept into a boat tail. Basically the car could be larger AND more aerodynamic.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:20:00 +0000

If you drop weight and improve aero you can get both.

By: Scyth3

Scyth3 — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:19:00 +0000

To be fair, aerodynamics drive a lot of that. Less wind resistance = less energy while driving and quicker 0-60 since you would use less energy. The lower stance and wind skirts are probably the bigger improvements. Let alone the weight reduction.

If a Prius had the same shape as a Jeep, you’d see a large loss in fuel efficiency for instance.

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 18:45:00 +0000

Good suggestion. Waiting for them to get there.

By: Ross

Ross — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 18:33:00 +0000

That’s old-think, that doesn’t stack up.

By: Others

Others — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 17:46:00 +0000

Why not they sell a model with a higher range for extra cost. Just like Tesla offers 2 models in 205 and 265 mile ranges.

Some people may frequently drive 100 – 120 miles once or few times a week and may prefer a EV at that range.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 17:21:00 +0000

200 miles is plenty. Almost no ICEVs have a 500 mile range. On an all day, 500 mile drive you’re going to stop once to refuel. And almost everyone will stop once to eat/pee/whatever.

A 200 mile range with <20 minute, 90% fast chargers lets you drive 500 miles with two stops. With an EV you can plug in and go do something else while the car is charging.

PHEVs are probably a limited time product. Once battery capacity climbs and costs drop most people will go for an EV over a PHEV.

By: Altair IV

Altair IV — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 17:10:00 +0000

Can you provide support for any of the statements you just made?

By: nrmantena

nrmantena — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:33:00 +0000

Even with all the improvements, Nissan Leaf will remain a city car with
limited marketability. People in the US are looking for a Nissan PHEV that has a range of at least 450 to 500 miles. You can almost be certain that Nissan has the technology and the means to produce such a vehicle. The real question is: why Nissan is not making much noise about the now-proven hybrid technology and a PHEV (car) of it’s own?

By: JP White

JP White — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 11:52:00 +0000

I don’t see why the two can’r delivered in the same package.

My understanding is that ‘D’ Drive mode is sportier and ‘Eco’ Mode provides for more aggressive regen which helps with range.

If the lightweight wheels save weight, that would also help with range.

So there you have it a car that CAN go faster or a car that CAN go further.

By: JamesWimberley

JamesWimberley — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 10:53:00 +0000

It’ s implausible that you can have both sportier handling and better range at the same time, from the same battery pack.. More likely it’s either/or.