2015 Nissan Leaf Self-Cleaning Prototype

NISSAN CHALLENGES CHICAGO'S DIRTIEST SLUSH WITH 'WORLD'S CLEANEST CAR'

All-electric, zero-emissions Nissan LEAF with nano-paint technology cleans itself
CHICAGO – What do you get when you combine the world's best-selling zero-emission vehicle with innovative paint technology that repels dirty slush, Chicago street grime, bird crap and everyday dirt? Answer: a Nissan LEAF electric vehicle that might just be the 'world's cleanest car,' which will be shown at the Chicago Auto Show.




The coating, marketed and sold by ÚltraTech International Inc., has been in testing at the Nissan Technical Center in Europe. So far it has responded well to common car-dirtying events including rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water with the technology creating an protective 'umbrella of air' for the paint. Chocolate syrup squirted onto the hood rolls right off onto the floor and has been a crowd favorite during public demonstrations.

Nissan is evaluating public feedback to consider using the treatment as a future aftermarket option. For the North American demonstration, the paint is featured on a white Nissan LEAF with a matte finish.



Nissan LEAF in Chicago
Nissan's 'No Charge to Charge' promotion provides Chicagoans with two years of no-cost public charging with the purchase or lease of a new LEAF from Nissan dealers in the Chicago market. This includes complimentary access to fast chargers that can charge a LEAF from zero to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

'Nissan LEAF is an attractive option for Chicago car buyers for a number of reasons, such as the available Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate of up to $4,000* and significantly lower operating costs than a gas-powered car,' said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure Strategy. 'Adding free public fast charging in Chicagoland gives Nissan LEAF an even greater competitive edge over other vehicles, regardless of their fuel source.'

With 'No Charge to Charge,' new LEAF buyers can enjoy added range confidence with free access to fast chargers** spread throughout Chicagoland at retail stores, tollway oases and other convenient locations for drivers. As part of the promotion, LEAF drivers will also enjoy free one-hour charging sessions at more than 140 level 2 (240 volt) charging stations**.

For 2015, the zero-emissions Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels: LEAF S, SV and SL, along with option packages offering advanced systems such as Around View® Monitor and seven-speaker Bose® energy-efficient audio and Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant*. The EPA estimated driving range for LEAF on a fully charged battery is rated at 84 miles and MPGe ratings are 126 City, 101 Highway and 114 Combined.** Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped with a quick charge port and using a fast charger. Charging at home through a 240V charging dock is estimated to take less than five hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger (less than eight hours with the S grade's standard 3.6 kW onboard charger). However, charging times may vary.

* Compatible smartphone required. Standard text rates and/or data usage may apply.

**Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated the LEAF® equivalent to 126 MPG measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 101 MPG in highway driving. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions — use for comparison only. Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age. The 6.6kW onboard charger is a standard feature on SV and SL trims. It is an optional feature on the S trim. 240-V home charging dock is sold separately.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the Ú.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanÚSA.com and www.InfinitiÚSA.com, or visit the Americas media sitesNissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (ÚSD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

Source - Nissan