EVs and Energy: Testing the Leaf on Nissan's Yokohama track

drees · Jun 15, 2010

Here is a great review of one of the pre-production Nissan Leafs:

EVs and Energy: Testing the Leaf on Nissan's Yokohama track

Of particular interest to those who detest the "EV noise warning system":

Many in the EV community have tried to fight the move to add noise to these quiet cars since we think it's not really needed ... They brought a small gas car, the Nissan Versa, and a Leaf to a separate area and had first the gas car drive slowly toward us, then the Leaf. I could barely hear either of them, but the Leaf did have an audible noise. If you clicked that link, you heard the noise for both going forward and backing up. It sounds very loud in the you tube video, and that's why so many of us got upset that Nissan added such a noise, but in reality, it's barely audible when you're outside the car, and pretty much not audible at all from in the car with the windows rolled up. If there is ambient noise on the street, you probably won't hear it at all. The back up noise is about twice as loud, however, and was a bit obnoxious to me. Both noises can be turned off with the push of a button once the car is on, so it won't be a big problem unless or until the legislation passes and then they'll probably have to eliminate the button that disables the noise on future models.

Interior:

Ergonomically, the car is a dream. Everything inside seemed to fit my frame perfectly, and I suspect it will for most people. I tried the back seat and there was ample leg room and plenty of head room. Three adults could easily fit in the back seat.

Exterior:

With cameras rolling I glided out of the staging area and onto the track's main straight away, flooring it to see what kind of kick it had. Since I'd driven the GM Volt not too long ago, I could fairly compare the two in terms of acceleration. I'd give the nod to the Volt on that score, but just barely. The Leaf had plenty of power in the lower speeds, but it leveled out just a tad as I got over 60. I didn't try to hit the top speed, but did get over 70 quickly and it was still pulling strong as I let off.

ml194152 · Jun 15, 2010

Both noises can be turned off with the push of a button once the car is on

Does that mean you have to push the button every time you start the car? Or just once and then it's set forever (or until you push the button again, maybe years from now)? This needs to be more clear!

evnow · Jun 15, 2010

ml194152 said: ↑

Does that mean you have to push the button every time you start the car?

Every time. Enjoy while it lasts - before the federal law removes even that button.

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EVs and Energy: Testing the Leaf on Nissan's Yokohama track

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EVs and Energy: Testing the Leaf on Nissan's Yokohama track

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