Tan Chong Motor today launched the Nissan LEAF Pilot Program, the first-ever program in Malaysia which involves a Nissan electric vehicle (EV). The program, entitled ‘Journey to Zero Emission’, was officially launched by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry at Nissan Petaling Jaya showroom and attended by the top management of ETCM.
‘Journey to Zero Emission’ demonstrates Tan Chong Motor’s support for the Malaysian government initiative to promote Green technology and ensure sustainable development. The initiative, outlined in the National Green Technology Policy announced by the Prime Minister in July 2009, aims to conserve the natural environment and resources as well as reduce the high emissions of carbon which is known to contribute to global warming.
Incentives have been provided through the National Automotive Policy to those companies which promote hybrid, electric vehicles and development of related infrastructure. The Malaysian government’s green direction is praiseworthy and in line with Nissan’s commitment to be the global leader in zero-emission mobility, hence the ‘Journey to Zero Emission’ undertaken by ETCM.
Dato’ Dr. Ang also clarified that the company is not selling the LEAF or any other EV model at this stage as the first step is to create better awareness of EVs and their benefits and also to get feedback of the vehicle in use in Malaysian conditions. This feedback will be shared with Nissan Motor so that when the LEAF is offered for sale in future, it will be fully compatible with local driving conditions and the requirements of Malaysian motorists.
The Nissan LEAF pilot program will be conducted mainly in the Klang Valley area which has the largest vehicle population and urban concentration in Malaysia. During the program, there will be roadshows and other activities to promote greater awareness of the Nissan LEAF and Nissan’s EV technology. The public will also have an opportunity to test-drive the Nissan LEAF at selected locations so that they can have a personal experience of an EV.
Besides offering the LEAF to the media for test-drives, ETCM will select few Malaysians to be LEAF Ambassadors who will ‘live’ with the EV for an extended period of up to two months. These ambassadors, representing a cross-section of Malaysians, will use the vehicle in their daily lives, share their experiences with their friends, and also provide valuable feedback to ETCM on the performance of the LEAF in Malaysian conditions. ETCM will provide each with a unit of the LEAF and install the necessary equipment at their homes for recharging the vehicle.
The Nissan LEAF is the first mass-produced EV by Nissan Motor and has been on sale in a number of countries since December 2010. To date, over 27,000 of units have been sold, mainly in Japan and the USA. The LEAF is the symbol of Nissan’s zero-emission vision and sustainable mobility strategy which encompasses a comprehensive approach to promote sustainable mobility, such as engaging in the development and sales of batteries, developing global and local partnerships, deploying charging infrastructure, studying the second-life use of lithium-ion batteries in EVs, promoting the recycling of parts used in vehicle production, and proposing new mobility concepts.
Though the LEAF offers a unique driving experience because it has no internal combustion petrol or diesel engine and is powered entirely by an electric motor, the driver will find that it handles and performs like today’s conventional cars. It offers a comfortable interior space for five adults and delivers strong acceleration without generating any exhaust gases and pollutants. Quieter than most luxury cars, the LEAF has acceleration which is better than a car with a 3.5-litre petrol engine as maximum torque is available from the moment is moves off. The cost per km of the Nissan LEAF is approximately 50% of a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and 25% of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine).
The range on a fully-charged battery depends on the driving style but will satisfy 80% of motorists who, according to studies, travel an average of 100 kms a day. Recharging can be done conveniently at home (or at outdoor kiosks when they are available) and takes no more than 8 hours from a fully empty battery to a full charge. With an optional Quick Charger, it takes just 30 minutes to reach 80% of battery capacity (from empty); 10 minutes with a Quick Charger can provide up to 50 kms of range.
As would be expected of a car that will be commonplace in future, it has many high-tech features, including displays to help the driver to achieve the most efficient motoring for maximum range.
Much attention has been given to safety for the occupants as well as for other road-users around the LEAF. The all-electric Nissan LEAF has earned a 5-star overall vehicle rating for safety as part of the Euro National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Besides SRS airbags and curtain airbags over the windows, the structure also has Nissan’s Zone Body Construction to prevent collision forces from causing serious injuries. Additionally, high voltage parts are protected by the body structure and layout of components. All high voltage systems will be instantly shut down to ensure the safety of the occupants as well as rescuers.
The superior design and innovation of the LEAF has been recognized by media in Japan and Europe where the LEAF has been picked as ‘Car of the Year’ and was also chosen as the 2011 World Car of the Year. Its electric motor is also among the ‘10 Best Engines in the World’ list compiled by Wards, a leading automotive publication in America. It is the first time the judges have picked an electric motor for their Top 10. The LEAF is also the first EV to be assessed with the maximum 5-star rating by the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
Further information can be found at the ‘Journey to Zero Emission’ website at www.nissan.com.my/Leaf/media.
