Let's test drive the New Nissan Leaf Electric Car!
The world's first mass produced electric car's been to visit its new home at the Nissan plant in Sunderland, where it's going to be built.
And our lucky reporter Sarah Colley's been for a spin!
Nissan Leaf VSP Vechicle Sound for Pedestrians
http://www.leafownersgroup.com In developing the sound system, Nissan studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists. After looking at applied original technology developed to reduce vehicle noise and conducting tests in Japan and abroad, the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system was created.
The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Nissan worked to avoid a sound range that would add unnecessary noise to the environment (around 1,000Hz).
Depending on the speed and status (accelerating or decelerating) of Nissan LEAF, the sound system will make sweeping, high-low sounds. For instance, when Nissan LEAF is started, the sound will be louder, so a visually impaired person would be aware that a nearby car was beginning operations. And when a car is in reverse, the system will generate an intermittent sound. The sound system ceases operation when Nissan LEAF tops 30km/h and enters a sound range where regular road noise is high. It engages again as Nissan LEAF slows to under 25km/h.
The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the engine compartment. A switch inside the vehicle can turn off sounds temporarily. The system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle.
First Drive | Nissan LEAF - Alert Sounds
When Nissan announced it would be adding pedestrian alert sounds to its upcoming electric car, the LEAF, there was an instant outcry."How could you make a quiet electric car noisy?!" people asked. Given that the political winds are blowing in the direction of adding alert sounds to all quiet cars, Nissan is really just trying to get out in front of it. But, as it turns out, there's no real reason to worry. The noises are a non-issue and are very unobtrusive.
I apologize for the wind noise, but you can still hear the sounds at the end of the vid... and if you can't, that's because they really are that quiet.
First Drive | Nissan LEAF - Roominess
During a test drive of a pre-production Nissan LEAF electric car in Japan in June 2010, Nick Chambers had a chance to answer one of the most common questions he gets from EV nuts who are on the larger/taller side... Will I fit? The answer: a resounding yes.
Nissan LEAF- Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
Among the enhancements to the Nissan LEAF test units is the "Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians" system, which also will be used in the Nissan Fuga hybrid, slated for sale in fall 2010.
The system makes it easy for those outside to hear the vehicle approaching, but the sounds do not distract the driver and passengers inside. Thus, the needs of pedestrian safety, as well as driver and passenger comfort, are met. The sound system is the first of its type to be introduced by an automaker.
How Quiet is an Electric Car? (the Electric Car Noise debate)
How quiet is an electric car? Do they make too little noise to be heard? Are pedestrians going to be mown down by the new onslaught of electric cars being driven silently at high speed?
Here, Michael Boxwell demonstrates the sound levels of the forthcoming Nissan LEAF and the Mitsubishi i MiEV electric cars, compares them with conventional cars and demonstrates what manufacturers are doing to make electric cars audible when pulling away.
Nissan Leaf VSP - Short Version - Approach and Reverse Sounds
http://www.leafownersgroup.com In developing the sound system, Nissan studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists. After looking at applied original technology developed to reduce vehicle noise and conducting tests in Japan and abroad, the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system was created.
The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Nissan worked to avoid a sound range that would add unnecessary noise to the environment (around 1,000Hz).
Depending on the speed and status (accelerating or decelerating) of Nissan LEAF, the sound system will make sweeping, high-low sounds. For instance, when Nissan LEAF is started, the sound will be louder, so a visually impaired person would be aware that a nearby car was beginning operations. And when a car is in reverse, the system will generate an intermittent sound. The sound system ceases operation when Nissan LEAF tops 30km/h and enters a sound range where regular road noise is high. It engages again as Nissan LEAF slows to under 25km/h.
The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the engine compartment. A switch inside the vehicle can turn off sounds temporarily. The system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle.
Nissan LEAF Starting the Car
08.02.2009 , YOKOHAMA - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. Nissan LEAF is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe.
www.ReviewCars.com
The New Driver's Seat - Electric Car
Corrie Miller reviews the electric car.
The biggest names in the automotive scene join forces with expert automotive journalists to bring you the next generation in automotive television: The New Driver's Seat.
http://www.driversseattv.com
New Nissan Leaf EV 2010 - Interior and Technic
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the worlds first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements
