Nissan’s LEAF electric hatchback has scored another milestone – its electric drive system is the first to be included in the authoritative Ward’s ’10 Best Engines’ list.
Nissan says this is the first time in the 17-year history of the Ward’s listings that an engine which does not consume one drop of petrol has been included. In the latest round, 38 drive systems were considered – including internal combustion engines, diesels, hybrid-electrics and the all-electric Nissan LEAF.
The Nissan LEAF is a conventional-looking five-seat hatchback powered by an 80kW AC synchronous motor with a 24kWh lithium-ion battery. Low to mid-range performance is claimed to match V6 petrol vehicles.
Nissan will launch the LEAF in selected North American markets this month ahead of Australian sales in 2012.
