Nissan LEAF wins EPA fuel economy label


23 Nov 2010

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the 100pc electric Nissan LEAF its fuel-economy label rating for the best in the mid-size vehicle class for fuel efficiency and for the environment.

The LEAF scored well in the EPA rating, getting the equivalent of 99 miles per gallon (MPG), and the annual electric cost of around US$561.

Zero emissions

“We’re pleased the label clearly demonstrates the Nissan LEAF to be a best-in-class option, reflecting that it’s a pure electric vehicle, uses no gas, has no tailpipe and has zero emissions,” said Scott Becker, senior vice-president, finance and administration, Nissan Americas.

“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.”

The first electric vehicle to earn the rating, the LEAF, which goes on sale in Ireland in February 2011, will be one of the earliest fully electric vehicles available to consumers.

Best-in-class

The LEAF was was also rated best-in-class for the environment based on emitting zero greenhouse gases or other traditional exhaust emissions. The LEAF will be launched in the US this December and the labels are expected to be ready to place on the vehicles by then.

The MPG equivalency rating was developed by the EPA as a way to provide a standard so consumers can compare vehicles across the spectrum in order to make an educated purchase.