Turning over a new Leaf

CURRENT ACCOUNT... preparing to test drive the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

WITH oil supplies running out worldwide, car designers are constantly searching for alternative power sources for our vehicles. Here ALAN SALTER gives his verdict on the new electric-powered Nissan Leaf.
THE world’s first mass-produced electric car has hit town as Oldham’s bid to switch on Greater Manchester’s drivers to a new way of motoring gets under way.

Oldham will next month confirm its position as the leading authority in Greater Manchester to spend a £3.6m government grant to set up 300 fast-charging points for electric cars.

The Chronicle reported last month that experts believe many drivers will switch to electric cars in the next few decades.

And it is further expected that 60 per cent of all mileage will be produced by electric cars by 2050.

With this in mind, Manchester was chosen by Nissan as the first UK city to host a mass test drive of its all-new electric Leaf – the 2011 World Car of the Year – as part of a European City Tour.

I drove one of the models which has now gone on sale in Britain at a cost of almost £26,000.

Put aside thoughts of milk floats and Sinclair C5s. This is grown-up electric motoring.

And the first thing you notice is just how “car-like” it really is.

The second quality is its speed. The Leaf is a match for most in the need to get away from traffic lights and you have to keep an eye on the speedometer to avoid breaking the law.

It also has an economy mode which gives you slower speeds in return for a longer range.

There are just two pedals and the car is similar to a traditional automatic to start – foot on the brake, select drive, foot on accelerator – and it pulls away beautifully smoothly.

And its sharp handling matches its turn of speed.

Of course, it is a city car rather than a grand tourer, however luxurious the five-seat interior may be.

The maximum 100 miles between charges does not sound much but many of us do no more than drive to and from work during a typical day and there is often need for no more.

That said, let's hope all those battery scientists are working overtime because, as good as it is, the Leaf needs a 400-mile range to justify its hefty price tag.