Most Fuel - Efficient Cars Of 2011 #1

If you are in the market for a new car, there are several fuel-efficient models out there that will save you money in the long run. As the price of oil rises and/or remains highly volatile and unpredictable, these vehicles rely mainly on electric current to keep them running. Not only are they economical in nature, they also aren't contributing to the environmental pollution and the greenhouse effect. 
My first pick would be; 2011 Nissan LEAF.↓

Why Nissan Leaf?

   -        First of all, it’s an all-electric powered car. Unlike so many hybrid vehicles that are emerging lately, it has that edge of being a front runner in these times of inevitable transference between our dinosaur gas-guzzlers, and new, more efficient types of personal transportation vehicles.

   -        Nissan LEAF uses on average of 30 kWh of electric power for every 100 miles traveled. That means it is 99 MPGe - miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. For comparison – Honda Accord, one of the best selling car models in the US currently, has their new 2011 models (Coupe and Sedan) ranging between 23 and 34 miles per gallon, depended on if it’s a city or highway commuting.  

-         LEAF’s lithium ion battery has a range span of 80 to 138 miles per single charge - depending on the road and weather conditions. It is designed to be charged by 120/240 V 30amp AC and 480 V DC 125amp inputs. Respectively, charging times are ~20 hrs, ~8 hrs and ~30 minutes via fast charging docking stations.

-         The national average electricity cost in U.S. is $0.1147/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from empty to full.

-         The Leaf's battery is guaranteed by Nissan for eight years, or 100,000 miles. The engine itself needs very little or no maintenance during that time.

-         Top speed is around 90 mph with 110 horse power engine.Tested acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is 9.9 seconds.

-         Cost of the car is around $35.000, but many government subsidies and tax incentives on the Nissan Leaf are bound to reduce that cost by at least ten thousand dollars for its future owners.

-         Technology involved inside and outside of this car is ranging from advanced telematics system called ‘Carwings’ that detects nearby docking stations on a map, as well as tracking and compiling of data on distance traveled in correlation with the overall energy consumption; to VSP system used to alert pedestrians on the proximity to this quiet electric car; to the remote mobile phone access to vehicles air conditioning and power charging functions. There is also a single solar panel on the back used to power the auxiliary battery. 


- Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award award, the 2011 European Car of the Year award,the 2011 World Car of the Year, and it ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle for all fuels ever.

These are just few of the many beautiful advantages of this, in my mind, “Model T” of the 21^st century cars. 
Here are some videos used to promote 2011 Nissan Leaf. Hope you will enjoy them as much as I did. 

 

LEAF is a backronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.