The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a fuel economy label for the all electric Nissan Leaf, rating the vehicle to be “best” in the midsize vehicle class for fuel efficiency and “best” for the environment.
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The new label shows a best in class 99 miles per gallon (MPG) equivalent (combined city/highway). The MPG equivalency rating was developed by the EPA as a way to provide a standard so consumers can compare vehicles across the spectrum and make an educated purchase.
The car was also rated best in class for the environment based on emitting zero greenhouse gases or other traditional tailpipe emissions.
After completion of five-cycle testing, the EPA rated the Leaf with an mpg equivalent of 106 city, 92 highway for a combined 99 MPGe. This calculation is based on the EPA’s formula of 33.7kW-hrs being equivalent to one [US] gallon petrol energy. In addition, the label displays a charging time of seven hours on a 240V charge and a driving range of 73 miles, based on the five-cycle tests using varying driving conditions and climate controls.
“The label provides consumers with a tool to compare alternative fuel vehicles to those with a traditional internal combustion engine and allows them to make an informed purchase decision,” Nissan’s US unit said.
It begins Leaf sales in December in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee. In January 2011, sales begin in Texas and Hawaii, with additional markets following later in the year.
The Leaf will be eligible for US$5,000 of incentives from the state of California, making the electric car price competitive with the industry’s top-selling hybrid, the Toyota Prius.
