The purpose is to evaluate and test the residential and commercial applications of energy storage systems or back-up power sources using lithium-ion battery packs reclaimed from electric vehicles after use.

Energy storage systems can store power from the grid during times of low usage and feed that electricity back into the grid during periods of peak demand, increasing grid performance and providing back-up power during outages.

The team plans to develop a LEAF battery storage prototype with a capacity of at least 50 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough to supply 30 average homes with electricity for one hour.

Electric vehicle batteries, such as those that power the Nissan LEAF, have longer lives than those of personal computers or cell phones, with up to 70 percent capacity remaining after 10 years of use in an automotive application. This longevity allows them to be used beyond the lifetime of the vehicle for applications such as a smart-grid community energy management system or battery energy storage.

Innovative energy storage solutions are expected to become a key component of the smart grid, contributing to greater efficiency, reliability and performance. They will facilitate further integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into the grid. The evaluation of Nissan batteries, through the partnership, will help determine their suitability for the power industry as a cost-effective energy storage solution.

“This agreement will allow us to evaluate the commercial viability of a grid storage solution and develop a prototype to effectively reuse Nissan LEAF batteries,” said Bruno Melles, head of ABB’s Medium Voltage power products business, a part of the company’s Power Products division. “We look forward to working with our partners to take electric vehicle battery energy storage technology a step further.”

The EU institution that represents the interests of Europe’s regions in Brussels is making a conscious effort to reduce its carbon footprint and part of this strategy has been to add environmentally-friendly passenger cars to its fleet. The long-term two year lease of a Nissan LEAF is a sign that the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle is a leader among clean cars.

EU President of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes Bresso, said: “The Committee of the Regions is committed to reducing emissions and improving air quality in our cities and regions around Europe. That process begins at home with the reduction of emissions from the fleet of cars we use. The addition of this all-electric vehicle to our fleet has another advantage which is to inform citizens of the clean mobility solutions that exist today.”

This comes soon after the first orders for the Nissan LEAF were taken in Belgium and is a further boost to the 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year’s environmental credentials.

Nissan Europe’s Head of the Zero Emission Business Unit, Pierre Loing, said: “This is further endorsement that the fully electric Nissan LEAF is a real solution to reducing emissions and we are happy to provide the Committee of the Regions with one of our zero emission cars.”

Previously only available to those registered on Nissan’s web site, reservations are now open to all Canadians who live within the vicinity (65 km) of the 27 Nissan LEAF certified dealers across Canada.

The first allocation of 40 MY11 Nissan LEAFs were snapped up within minutes this summer and the momentum continued with the first 350 MY12 reservations made available earlier this fall.

With the opening to the general public, even more Canadians will have the opportunity to buy the first all-electric car built for the mass market.

As of the end of November over 110 Nissan LEAF have been delivered to customers in Canada and globally, over 20,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold. At a starting price of $38,395, the Nissan LEAF is eligible for provincial rebates of $8,500 in Ontario, $8,000 in Quebec and $5,000 in British Columbia.

Online Reservation Process:

- On December 12th online reservations opened to those living within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer at leaf.nissan.ca.
- A $99 reservation fee (fully refundable) is required to secure a reservation.
- After booking a home-charging assessment, customers will receive an invitation to order a Nissan LEAF.
- Customers request a quote from a local Nissan LEAF-certified dealer and will continue through the sales process until they drive away in their own Nissan LEAF.

Nissan has re-opened reservations and has begun taking orders from the general public for the 2012 Nissan LEAF in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets beginning in spring 2012.

With this new wave of availability, Nissan LEAF is now available for order in 30 states, including Washington, D.C. Nationwide, 50-state ordering will be available by March 2012.

The move comes just days before the one-year anniversary of the world’s first Nissan LEAF delivery on Dec. 11.

After one year and 20,000 global deliveries, the Nissan LEAF remains the world’s first and only all-electric car for the mass market.

“Nissan LEAFs have been on the U.S. roads for one year now, and thousands of drivers have become living proof that a 100-percent electric, zero-emissions vehicle fulfills the daily needs of drivers from all walks of life,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “We are seeing already-strong interest in the LEAF continue to grow across the country. This market expansion brings us one step closer to true, nationwide availability.”

The Concept is not the first LEAF produced by Nismo. In April 2010, Nissan revealed the LEAF Nismo RC, an out and-out electric racing car, at the New York Motor Show.

Earlier at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, Nissan also displayed a sporty Nismo edition of the Juke Crossover.

With 20,000 examples sold globally since the end of 2010 and with two international awards to its name, the Nissan LEAF has proved zero emission mobility is a practical reality.

Now comes the Nissan LEAF Nismo Concept to show that electric vehicles can appeal to the heart just as much as to the head.

Central to the Concept is the stylish body kit, which gives LEAF a purposeful new look. But the modifications have been made with more than just fashion in mind – they play a significant aerodynamic role, generating extra downforce at speed to enhance LEAF’s handling and grip.

The major elements of the kit are the front aero bumper, rear under protector, rear diffuser, extended side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels. The front bumper incorporates LED lighting which is arranged transversely to accentuate a sense of motion.

The body kit has been created as an extension of the `smart fluidity’ concept that shaped the standard LEAF. It harmonises with LEAF’s sophisticated design, which endows the car with advanced aerodynamic and acoustic properties, and takes advantage of the design freedoms of the EV layout: with no conventional engine to cover, the hood line is much lower and more streamlined.

Extended side sills and the deeper bumpers front and rear emphasise LEAF’s low centre of gravity – made possible by the siting of the car’s lithium-ion batteries beneath the passenger compartment – as well as managing air flow over the body for the extra downforce. Unlike the standard car, which runs on 16-inch wheels, The Nissan LEAF Nismo Concept has 18-inch rims with lower profile tyres for added grip.

Nismo has left LEAF’s electric drivetrain untouched. One of the features of the potent 80kW AC motor is the instant supply of full torque (280Nm)… and that provides acceleration that is genuinely electrifying. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds and can sprint on to a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph).

LEAF’s lithium-ion battery, which comprises 48 modules, provides a potential range of 175km (109 miles) and can be recharged to full capacity overnight from a domestic electricity supply. It can also be charged to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes, using a Quick Charger.

This is the 32nd year that the Car of the Year Japan awards has been held, and it is the first time in its long history that an electric car has won this prestigious award.

The award committee, which is made up of about 60 motor experts from motor magazines and media organizations, said the Leaf was extremely practical and had helped popularize electric vehicles.

Nissan Leaf also won the 2011-2012 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA) Car of the Year and 2011-2012 JAHFA Car Design of the Year awards.

Since its launch on the market at the end of last year, some 20,000 units have been sold, notably in Japan and in the US.

The motor experts also selected Mercedes-Benz Japan Co.’s C-class sedan/station wagon as the Import Car of the Year.

Electric cars with cutting-edge green technology and vehicles remote-controlled by smartphones have been a star feature at this year’s show, which runs till December 11 and features 179 exhibitors from a dozen countries.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of 100 miles (U.S. LA4 cycle) on one full charge to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

Enhancements for the 2012 model year include the addition of a standard battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and rear HVAC duct on all models. Also, a Quick Charge Port is now standard on the LEAF SL.

The EPA has rated the Nissan LEAF as “best” in the mid-size vehicle class for fuel efficiency and “best” for the environment with a 99 miles-per-gallon (MPG) equivalency rating (combined city/highway), along with a rating of 106 MPG city and 92 MPG highway.

Nissan LEAF was also named “2011 World Car of the Year,” edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. The award is just one of a string of accolades for the vehicle, which was also named “2011 European Car of the Year.”

Two Well-Equipped Models
The 2012 Nissan LEAF is offered in two well-equipped models, the LEAF SV and LEAF SL. Standard features include a 6-way manual driver’s seat, 4-way manual front passenger’s seat, front door map pockets, passenger seat map pockets, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage and electric parking brake.

Other standard equipment includes an AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability and 6 speakers, auxiliary input jack ad USB Connection Port for iPod® and other compatible devices, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with driver’s window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge door release, two cupholders, two bottle holders, variable intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet and remote keyless entry system with remote windows down and hatch release.

The Nissan LEAF SL model includes a photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, RearView Monitor and Quick Charge Port.

A Roadside Assistance program is offered for 36 months at no charge, as is service for the CARWINGS telematics system. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

The 2012 Nissan LEAF will cost $2,420 more but will have more standard features then previous model. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the 2012 Nissan LEAF is $35,200 for the SV trim level, and $37,250 for the SL trim level.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the 2012 Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $27,700.

Lease payment for the 2012 Nissan LEAF SV goes up $20 to $369 per month for 36 months, while SL lease goes up $30 to $409. Lease down payments rise to $2,599 from $1,995.

A Dedicated EV Platform, Innovative Battery Design
The front-wheel drive Nissan LEAF utilizes a dedicated EV platform with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The highly rigid body design includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity compared to a conventional compact car. LEAF rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175.0-inch overall length, 69.7-inch width and 61.0-inch height.

Dimensionally, the Nissan LEAF falls in between the Nissan Altima and Nissan Versa, and like those vehicles provides room for five adults and a good-sized cargo area. Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides optimum weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for five-passenger seating by not intruding into the cabin space.

Nissan LEAF’s 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is comprised of 48 compact modules of four cells each, which allows a high degree of packaging flexibility. The batteries are designed to maximize drive time and minimize charging time. The battery was developed by the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a joint venture of Nissan and NEC. Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin, compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in design applications.

The battery powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, rated at 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, which drives the front wheels through a single speed reducer. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, Nissan LEAF delivers 100% of its torque from start, delivering smooth, consistent acceleration and the driving feel similar to a conventional V6 engine.

Range is rated at 100 miles/charge based upon US EPA LA4 City cycle conducted in laboratory tests. (Battery capacity decreases with time and use; actual range will vary depending upon driving/charging habits, speed, conditions, weather, temperature, and battery age.)

The Nissan LEAF offers a number of charging options. A charge port is located in the front body for the 200V charger and portable trickle charge cable (110V). The available Quick Charge Port (standard on SL) allows charging to 80% capacity in 30 minutes at public charging stations. There’s also a standard photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for car accessories.

The Nissan LEAF utilizes an independent strut suspension with stabilizer bar in front and a torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabilizer bar. Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system. Braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Nissan LEAF’s standard regenerative braking system helps increase range. By applying the brakes or reducing speed by letting off the accelerator, the electric motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy that would otherwise be wasted into battery energy. To increase regenerative braking, there’s a driver-controlled Eco mode setting, which can also be used to reduce air conditioning and thus improve driving range when driving in urban areas.

Because Nissan LEAF does not have an internal combustion engine, Nissan has incorporated an “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” system, which is designed to alert pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching. When driving at low speeds, the system emits a sound from a speaker at the front of the vehicle. When the vehicle’s speed reaches 19 mph, pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and the “approaching sound” automatically turns off. If the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph, the sound comes on again.

Distinctive “EV Touch” Interior
The roomy Nissan LEAF interior offers a pleasingly modern design created to provide a unique “EV touch” with “simple and human flow.” The bright, welcoming atmosphere starts with the wide, high tech instrument panel design – which is dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center “floating” piano black C-stack with a 7-inch information display.

The digital “eyebrow” display at the top of the instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the power meter, battery temperature gauge, multi-function display, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance to empty display.

The flat panel center C-stack cluster continues the “EV touch” feel with the color monitor for the standard navigation system, available RearView Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems.

The display also provides access to the CARWINGS telematics system, which is connected to a global data center, (subscription required, no charge for 36 months). Through CARWINGS, Nissan LEAF drivers are able to use mobile smart phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down. The system also displays “reachable area,” as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations. An on-board charging timer can also be programmed to start the charging event whenever desired.

The Nissan LEAF interior also includes comfortable heated front bucket seats and a 60/40 split folding heated rear seat and rear HVAC duct. The seat fabric is made with partially recycled materials. Recycled materials are also used for the back door trim, roof trim and headliner, carpeting and a number of other interior pieces such as the door panels and center console storage cover.

The center console area includes the palm shifter (inspired by a PC mouse) for the “by wire” drive selector. The 3-spoke heated steering wheel houses controls for the cruise control, audio system and standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver standard on Nissan LEAF SL models. One interior color is offered, Light Gray.

Five Star Safety Rating
The 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF has earned a 5-star overall vehicle rating for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Nissan LEAF is the first fully electric vehicle to earn this highest distinction from the program. Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and requirements in order to earn 5-star ratings.

The Nissan LEAF has also been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the first 100-percent electric vehicle to do so. The rating is given to vehicles that achieve the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, rear and side impact protection as well as being equipped with electronic stability control and earn a good rating in roof strength.

Standard Nissan LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.

Strategically located, these new points will boost existing networks and give EV customers greater freedom and flexibility by effectively extending the range of their car.

By recharging batteries in a fraction of the time usually needed this radical step will help drive more customers towards electric vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF. The advanced lithium ion batteries in Nissan LEAF can be recharged from 0 to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes using a quick charger.

Although a range between charges of up to 175km (108.7 miles) will be enough for most Nissan LEAF owners, the spread of Quick Charger networks will allow drivers to travel longer distances in a day. Recharging a Nissan LEAF with a quick charger takes a little longer than it takes to refuel a conventional car and is significantly cheaper.

The move follows an agreement between Nissan and five of Europe’s leading utility and EV infrastructure supply companies to speed up the provision of the latest quick chargers developed by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., which are cheaper – up to half the previous price – and smaller than before. The target is to have a network of quick charge stations across Europe with several thousand units in place by the end of 2012 and tens of thousands by 2015.

Nissan’s new quick chargers are engineered to the CHAdeMo standard and can deliver up to 50 kW of high voltage direct current (DC) electricity. The CHAdeMO – Charge to Move – standard was developed and agreed by a coalition of Japanese companies including Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy Industries. Nissan’s QCs, therefore, can be used not just by drivers of Nissan LEAF but also by drivers of EVs from Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot.

The quick charging stations are also ‘AC ready’ to support the arrival of EVs from Alliance partner Renault designed to 43kW AC quick charge standards. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is promoting infrastructure deployment based on AC-DC Mix Quick Charger strategy.

Six Nissan LEAFs will be put into normal taxi service (with an existing taxicab medallion) and will enable Nissan, the City, the taxi industry and the public to learn more about how electric vehicles work as taxis.

Nissan is looking for owner-drivers and fleet operators who are interested in participating in this exciting pilot program.

Each participant will receive a lease on a Nissan LEAF to use as a taxicab for up to a year free of charge and will provide valuable feedback about his or her experience.

TLC and Nissan will hold information sessions on November 9th and applications are due November 30th.

More information is available on the TLC’s website, as is the application.

[source: Autoblog Green via Pure Green Cars]

Nissan is working on the development and sales of zero-emission vehicles, including the electric vehicle (EV) Nissan LEAF, as well as battery development and production. From July 2011, the company began efforts to widen the EV range into the LCV sector, with the launch of global proving tests for the NV200 based EV.

Nissan is exhibiting trucks equipped with Nissan LEAF components and other EV-related technologies. Nissan is showing three trucks: the e-NT400 Cabstar Concept, the Cabstar Refrigerator Van with Li-ion Battery, and the Cabstar Power Supply Truck. In addition to the above models, Nissan is showcasing its wide-ranging line-up at the exhibition, including the NV200 Combi Taxi, the only vehicle in Japan certified as a Universal Design Taxi.

The NV200 Combi, which is the base model of the NV200 Taxi, was selected as the next-generation taxi for New York City in May of this year. This vehicle is a new generation of LCV that was developed to respond to the needs of customers on a global level and is already being sold in nearly 40 countries. Nissan aims to introduce various new LCVs in the future in order to meet the needs of its customers, and by fiscal 2016 to become the leading LCV manufacturer in the industry.

e-NT400 Cabstar Concept
The e-NT400 Cabstar Concept is an EV concept vehicle based on the Cabstar and equipped with Nissan LEAF components. Capitalising on its special characteristic of being totally CO2 and emission free, this truck can enter into areas where emission restrictions prevent the entry of conventional vehicles. Furthermore, the addition of a high-output, high-capacity lithium-ion battery and a high-performance electric motor have allowed for realising smooth, vibration free acceleration, an experience completely different compared to conventional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Because there is no vibration resulting from mechanisms such as engine combustion, every aspect of driving offers a totally new feel, including when stopped, accelerating, and cruising. The vehicle also boasts a cruising range of 100 km in JC08 mode. Delivering technological innovation in concert with environmental consideration, the e-NT400 ATLAS Concept offers infinite potential for trucks of the future.

Cabstar Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery
The Cabstar Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery is the first of its kind in the world. Its refrigerating compressor operates on a combination of an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery power system developed by 4R Energy Corporation. The vehicle’s high-efficiency electric compressor makes it possible to keep the chilled/freezer compartments operating even when the vehicle engine is switched off, while also contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. In addition, getting rid of refrigerant piping in the chassis has allowed for reducing the risk of refrigerant gas leaks.

Moreover, this vehicle offers groundbreaking multi view monitor, which is an advanced version of the around view monitor modified especially for trucks. The new monitor provides a bird’s eye view of your vehicle on LED screen which is located on a rearview mirror area, allowing the driver to check to their rear and passenger side, areas that are difficult to see when backing up.

The Cabstar Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery is scheduled for release in Japan in late 2012. Its multi view monitor is scheduled for release in spring 2012.

Cabstar Power Supply Truck
The Cabstar Power Supply Truck is installed with a 72kWh battery, the same as three Nissan LEAF batteries. This can provide power equivalent to that used at peak day-time periods by a 20-person office space (250㎡) over four hours. Recharging can be carried out at night during periods of lower power demand and then used at peak times during the day, thus alleviating pressure on the power grid at peak consumption times. In addition, this system can also be used as an emergency power supply during power shortages or outages.