leaf

Driving the real Nissan Leaf in the real world. Backup cameras coming to every car in the U.S.? Nice revamp for mobile Google Maps. And we're going to miss the Chevy Aveo. (Just kidding.)

• Feds consider requiring rear view cameras

• Google Maps Mobile getting a nice overhaul

• Slow Down app for iphone keeps you from speeding unless you hate your own music

• Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt make 2010 list of 10 Best Engines

• CNET drives the Nissan Leaf… Read more

Will the feds jam your phone in the car? Your next rental car may not have an engine. Mobile TV just won't die. And we drive the 2011 Lincoln MKX Hybrid.

• Feds look into car cell phone jammers

• 2012 Buick LaCrosse gets amazing MPG boost

• Sirius satellites to go dark in move to XM?

• Mobile Digital TV may blossom in 2011

• Nissan Leaf rated at 99 MPGe - CNET Review

• CNET's LOLCars gallery!

Japan's Nissan Motor formally launched today its zero emissions Leaf vehicle, an electric car boasting a range of 124 miles and billed as the first of its type to be sold on a large scale.

Nissan is counting on an aggressive push into the nascent electric car market to boost its brand image--much as the Prius hybrid did for Toyota.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered a promising alternative to internal combustion engine cars as governments seek to cut the world's dependency on fossil fuels, but their relatively short range and high price challenge the industry.

"When you … Read more

Well, the Nissan Leaf has done it again. It's garnered another award.

This time, the Leaf has been named 2011 European Car of the Year. The Leaf beat out 40 contenders including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall, and Volvo.

In the 47-year history of the annual competition, this is the first time the award has gone to an electric vehicle. This comes on the heels of the Leaf being rated at 99 MPGe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

"This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan Leaf as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, … Read more

Now that the electric Nissan Leaf has gotten an official fuel economy rating, all eyes are on the Chevy Volt, the other high-profile electric vehicle soon coming to market. Although there's no definitive rating just yet, Chevy Volt drivers will experience a wide range of mileage regardless of what's on the sticker.

The Environmental Protection Agency is using "miles-per-gallon equivalent" (MPGe) as it top-line metric when evaluating battery-powered cars in order to help consumers make comparisons among gas, diesel, all-electric, and hybrid options.

In the case of the Nissan Leaf, which will be available for sale … Read more

Everything is come up roses for the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The Environmental Protection Agency just named the Leaf best in the midsize vehicle class for fuel efficiency and best for the environment.

The EPA tested the Leaf for an MPGe, or MPG equivalency, rating. After five-cycle tests using varying driving conditions and climate controls, the EPA gave the Leaf a rating of 106 city, 92 highway for a combined 99 MPGe. The EPA's formula of 33.7kW-hrs being equivalent to one gallon of gasoline energy, Nissan said in a press release.

The 99 MPGe rating will be added to … Read more

Renault/Nissan expects to produce 500,000 electric cars annually worldwide at the end of 2013 and does not need a successful launch of the General Motors Volt to help spur interest in the newest green technology and sell its vehicles, Renault/Nissan's chief executive said yesterday.

Carlos Ghosn told reporters that the Nissan Leaf, the alliance's signature all-electric vehicle due out in the United States and Japan in December, will be capacity-constrained in the first years.

But the company expects to ramp up production as battery costs come down and believes that, within several years, its electric … Read more

Nissan plans to release three new electric vehicles within the next four years, according to an article in the Detroit News. Following the Leaf will be a commercial electric vehicle, a luxury sports car, and small urban vehicle.

Blurry sketches of Infiniti's proposed electric sports car were released on Facebook last month, but other than its proposed release date of 2013, details of the vehicle are scarce. However, the Japanese carmaker recently revealed its Nissan New Mobility Concept--a small electric vehicle for urban use--which could be the basis for the compact urban vehicle in question.

In its news statement, … Read more

For all their differences under the hood, the electric cars coming to market do a pretty good job of disguising their electric identities. That will make these vehicles more attractive to potential buyers, but don't expect auto sales to flip electric like a light switch.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to drive a number of electric vehicles at the Business of Plugging In auto industry conference in Detroit. I can report what many car reviewers will tell you: these are real cars. You really can forget that old notion of rickety golf carts.

Step into a … Read more