A New Era – Zero Emission Vehicle

I was proud to say the last Saturday, I attended Nissan New product guide (NISSAN LEAF) briefing and test drive session. It is not surprising get to know an zero emission vehicle is developed. But I was excited in capturing how great is a zero emission vehicle.

A zero emission vehicle (in other words, electric car) as its name defined, zero emission means it does not emis smokes. It has no pipe, no smoke emission. Of course, with a very great vision- commits to our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), keep CO2 condition low as to respond to the current environmental issues. The recent global warming issues have lighting up the warning attention issues. Threat to endangered species is severing, rising sea level, destruction of coral reef ecosystem, desertification, and all these alerts telling us reduction of CO2 emission is imperative.

According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th report, to answer the current environmental issue, minimum allowance of temperature rise is 2 degree Celsius. It is needed to keep CO2 concentration below 450ppm for the above condition.

Nissan estimate that to achieve 450ppm, it is needed to reduce CO2 emission from all new vehicles by 90% by 2050 (vs. 2000). Thus, zero emission vehicle is one of the solution to achieve this objective.

The key entering this zero emission vehicle’s development history is lithium-ion battery, which has been started in experience, research and development for many years.

Nissan Leaf will bring us a full new, fresh and unique driving experience. I will definitely get one if I have the money. :) A completely quiet driving condition, even when it is accelerating. A completely fresh driving experience, isn't it? Compare with gasoline, engine vehicle, we now have the chance to feel another quietly driving experience.

An environmental concept vehicle, large portion of vehicle parts are made and recycled from used products, not necessary used product, but it could be end of life of materials. But of course, your car would not be any difference with any new car just because of it is made from recycled materials.





High tech features that a gasoline car does not available, a fully charged battery can runs 160 kilometers as it tested in Europe countries. However, this does not exactly match in our country as the temperature definitely will affect the usage of battery. Battery can be charged at the night, or during your lunch hour, or your shopping session while the car in car park.

Another spec that impressed me is the charging control may even connects to your mobile phone! ^^ And the charging method has normal charge, and quick charge (for emergency usage).

Pre-charging time is available, you may set the time to switch on charger and the time to switch off as well. Automatic air conditional switcher, allows you to switch on air conditional with pre-order. For example we can set auto switch on air condition at 5pm, and when the time we are off from work and get into car, the car is ready with cool air. Isn't it a new excitement of driving experience?

Battery usage will be shown, where we even could select how to use te battery more effectively to go further distance with same battery. Energy saving scenario can be selected, the degree celsius of air condition will affect energy usage as well.

Other than technology, quietness, enviromental concept, how about power? Don't worry, an zero emission vehicle does not use engine, its pick up speed and accelerating speed is definitely faster than gasoline car.

Moreover, the gasoline cars are heavier in front part as the engines are all placed in front. In contrast, the battery are now placed at the center bottom of the car. Your car now is having a better gravity control.

Lastly and yet a major concern, what is the maintenance cost of this zero emission vehicle? Assuming we are driving 50km per day, every 10 little petrol can cover 100 kilometer distance.
Ron-95        annual petrol cost : Rm 3,4xx
Ron-97        annual petrol cost : Rm 5,2xx
Nissan LEAF annual maintenance cost: Rm 1,8xx
Obviously, zero-emission vehicle is worthy in driving cost and saving environments.
I have seen the physical car, the outlook is just as a normal car, comfortably 5-seat car.