But the Nissan Leaf has a few additional tricks up its sleeve – features that definitely add up to more than just another ecologically friendly transport option. Anyone interested in cars or pursuing auto mechanic training understands that in today’s competitive market, automakers need to present consumers with more than just an environmental argument to really sell electric vehicles.
Here are just a few of the reasons the Leaf is breaking sales records, and keeping “clean” while doing it:
Dirt-Proof Paint
It’s like frying pan Teflon for cars. The Nissan Leaf is coated in a cutting-edge paint that actually repels mud, rain, and everyday dirt. And any good auto mechanic knows how the elements can wreak havoc with our vehicles, interfering with both performance and aesthetic appeal. Known as Ultra-Ever Dry® the formula boasts super-hydrophobic and oleophobic capabilities, which keep water and oils at bay. It’s a “self-cleaning” paint that maintains a layer of air between the car and its environment, effectively housing the Leaf in a protective (and extra-sanitary) bubble. It doesn’t get much cleaner than that!
The technology comes from a company called UltraTech International Inc. and is currently undergoing testing at Nissan – but so far there aren’t any plans to offer it as standard equipment for Nissan vehicles. However, Ultra-Ever Dry® may appear in the future as an after-market option.
No Compromise On Power
If you’re an auto technician or a car enthusiast, then you’re familiar with the debate on electric cars and horsepower. Most traditional car lovers maintain that when it comes to torque, these new “clean” models just can’t compare to their gasoline predecessors. But the Leaf offers a surprising amount of power – while 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque may not sound like much, all of that force is available as soon as you mash the pedal. The electric motor doesn’t need to spool up like a traditional gas engine. It offers drivers, a good “clean” start.
Smart-Charge Technology
While saving money on gas is a big draw for electric car buyers, they still have to keep their eye on tiered utility prices that vary by both location and time of day. Of course, electricity is cheapest late at night, so it used to be that electric car drivers had to stay up late, waiting to charge their cars at affordable rates. The Leaf resolved this issue by introducing smart-charge technology – the option to program your car to begin charging at a specific time. And thanks to advances in battery chemistry and power management technology, the Leaf lasts longer and travels farther on a single charge than ever before.
To get a better idea of how the 2015 Nissan Leafs works, take a look at this short video:
