Nissan Leaf receives 99-MPGe EPA fuel rating

After much speculation on how electric vehicles will be rated under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Nissan Leaf has become the first electric vehicle to receive a fuel economy label. The new label shows the Leaf has achieved a 99 miles-per-gallon equivalent in combined city/highway driving (106 city/92 highway). The label also notes the Leaf is “best” for its class of midsized vehicles and for the environment.

The calculation was developed so consumers could compare vehicles across various fuel sources. The EPA’s formula shows 33.7 kW-hours being energy equivalent to one gallon of gasoline. The label also notes the charging time and driving range. (The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for the Chevrolet Volt will be announced soon.)

That whooshing sound could be a new Infiniti Hybrid coming at you

Infiniti’s new M35 Hybrid will be the first hybrid on the market with an audible pedestrian warning system.

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working on a standard for such systems, Nissan is forging ahead with audible warnings on this new Infiniti as well as on its all-electric Nissan Leaf. The issue has been a hot button for advocacy groups for pedestrians, children, and especially the blind.

Shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, the M35 Hybrid uses a new hybrid drivetrain with a single motor and two clutches that can travel very short distances at high speeds in electric mode

New York City invites riders to vote for new taxi design

A new taxi design is coming to the streets of New York City, and in a case of big city democracy in action, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has invited the public to help choose the winning design from three finalists in an online poll. In exchange for their participation, respondents could win a year's worth of free taxi rides valued at up to $5,000.

First announced in 2007, the Taxi of Tomorrow program was launched with the goal of finding a greener and more modern replacement for the more than 13,000 cabs in the city fleet, with better fuel economy, a smaller footprint, more passenger room and comfort, and easier access for persons with disabilities.

LA Auto Show: 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet convertible

Nissan will introduce the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet convertible at the LA Auto Show this week, billing it as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible." Certainly a unique vehicle, the CrossCabriolet transforms the laudable Murano into a two-door, four-passenger drop top.

Details have not be released ahead of the November 17th unveiling, but the CrossCabriolet will presumably also be offered in front-wheel drive, giving the mechanical platypus appeal to both sun worshipers, as well as northern open-air enthusiasts. The Murano SUV is powered by a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and delivers 19 mpg overall in our testing. Its elevated ride height, wide stance, and high beltline will have it towering over most other convertibles. Ultimately, the blending of car types may be the vehicle's key attraction.

Recall: Nissan, GM, and Chrysler vehicles

Nissan yesterday announced a recall to replace the lower steering column joint and shaft on 303,000 2002-2004 Frontier and 283,000 2002-2004 Xterra vehicles and the positive battery cable terminal on 18,500 2010-2011 Sentra vehicles in several markets in North and South America and Africa. No accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue.

Nissan recently discovered that in certain rare instances, the lower steering column joint on the affected Frontier and Xterra vehicles can develop corrosion that limits the movement of the joint. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition it may, in an extreme case, lead to cracking of the steering shaft. 

On some of the affected Sentra vehicles an issue with the connector on the positive battery cable terminal could lead to difficulty starting the vehicle, and in rare cases, a possibility of stalling at low speeds.

Nissan releases Leaf specs, leads the NYC Marathon

Tens of thousands of NYC Marathon runners and spectators will catch a rare glimpse of a rising media darling this Sunday. And no, it's not just Edison Peña, one of the formerly-trapped Chilean miners.

Also appearing at this year's race—at the head of the pack as the official pace car—will be the Nissan Leaf battery-powered sedan. The electric car has been sharing the spotlight with Chevy's Volt as the first mass-produced, plug-in vehicles available for sale in the U.S. this year.

Participation in the famous Fall footrace will undoubtedly boost consumer awareness of Nissan and its leafy greenness. But what should really catch consumer attention are the official Leaf specifications, recently released by Nissan.

Nissan didn't address many consumers' driving range anxiety about electric cars by listing the Leaf's official driving stamina—a reportedly 100-miles to the charge. But here are some Leaf facts that caught our eyes:

Nissan announces third-largest recall in company history--2.14 million SUVs and trucks

Nissan has announced its third largest recall in company history, affecting 2.14 million light trucks and SUVs worldwide, according to Automotive News. The recall involves a potentilly faulty ignition relay that could lead to engine problems on Nissan Pathfinder, Armada and Xterra SUVs, Titan and Frontier pickup trucks, and Infiniti QX56 SUVs. The majority of the vehicles affected are Japanese market units,  but the recall does include 738,276 vehicles sold in the United States, and 23,252 sold in Canada.

The carmaker says no accidents have resulted from the defective parts. Vehicles affected were built in Japan, the United States, Britain, Spain, China, and Taiwan between August 2003 and July 2006.

First Drive: 2011 Nissan Leaf - A practical hatchback that just happens to be electric

At a recent press event we tried out the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-market EV to go on sale in the United States. It will roll out in five regions, starting in December, and retail for $33,000 before a $7,500 federal tax incentive and any local tax break. (Read: "Nissan Leaf lease details revealed.")

The Leaf is a five-passenger hatchback with a surprisingly roomy back seat. The driving experience is remarkably normal—a very good thing. The push-button start wakes the car up, then you flick a gear selector on the center console for Drive or Reverse. Acceleration is brisk, linear and quiet and feels more potent than the 107-horsepower equivalent rating suggests. The ride is very compliant. Handling is responsive, but the steering feels a little too light and is short on feedback. 

Pricing: Chevrolet Volt home charger to cost $490 to $2,000

General Motors has announced pricing for its Chevrolet Volt home charging will be $490.

Consumers, however, should budget as much as $2,000 for the home charger, including installation. The national electric code requires that the charger have its own dedicated 220-volt, 30-amp circuit. Many older homes may not have such a circuit or enough power to run it, and therefore may need a substantial electrical upgrade.

The Voltec home-charging unit is a 240-volt (aka Level II) charger, and, according to GM, can replenish the Volt's 8 kwh batteries in about four hours. A 110-volt cable, which would take about 10 hours to fully recharge the car, comes standard with the Volt. (Read our recent story on electric cars and whether they are right for you.)

Smart USA teams with Nissan on new small car

Smart announced today that it is collaborating with Nissan on a new, small car for the U.S. market. As described, Smart USA has obtained "the rights to procure and distribute a five-door, gasoline powered, B-segment vehicle" from Nissan.

"The new vehicle will expand smart USA's product lineup, offering five-seat capacity while maintaining the core principles of efficiency and conservation," said Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak in a released statement.

The Smart ForTwo was initially a hot-seller, reaching our market at time when gasoline prices were spiking. Its unique styling, diminutive size, and thrifty fuel economy gained instant appeal and recognition. However, as we found in our tests, there are many compromises involved in buying this tiny, two-seater.