The European New Car Assessment Programme has awarded the 100% electric Nissan LEAF the highest level of car safety following its performance in the independent organization’s stringent crash tests. The zero-emission Nissan LEAF received a five-star rating, the first electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction. The reigning European and World Car of the Year Nissan LEAF, earned an 89% rating for adult safety, an 83% rating for child protection and an 84% rating for its on-board safety assist systems, which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a speed limiter as standard. The Nissan LEAF also earned a higher-than-average 65% score for pedestrian safety, thanks in part to the low nose design and the comparative lack of ‘hard points’ under the bonnet.
Nissan LEAF is powered by an in-house developed compact electric motor and inverter in the front of the car which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.