Nissan LEAF Has 7 Second 0-100 Time?

The Green Car advisor is shedding some light on just how fast the world’s first mass produced electric vehicle can go.

After rumours of its time being in the 5 to 13 second range, they were able to consistently get 7 seconds. That’s not bad at all, considering it takes a 4 cylinder Toyota Camry 9 seconds, a Toyota Prius, 9.8 seconds and the LEAF’s direct competitor, the Chevy Volt, 8.8 seconds.

On top of that, the LEAF apparently has a top speed of 150 kph. That number could and should be a bit higher, but it means the LEAF is definitely usable on the highway.

Can’t wait to try one for myself!

[Green Car Advisor]

Audi Warming Up to That Electric Feel

“No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla. So there are not enough idiots who will buy it” -Audi of America President on the Chevolet Volt.

“They’re for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are” – Audi of America President on electric vehicles.

We’re not sure how Johan de Nysschen still has his job after making comments like that, especially since they are now proving to be immensely hypocritical.

Audi’s E-tron concept, an all electric sports car, will indeed make it into production for the 2012 year. The E-tron is supposedly only 88 pounds heavier than its gas engine twin the R8, so that combined with  309 horsepower electric motors means some serious competition for the Tesla Roadster.

The newly introduced A1 will also become electrified as it makes its debut at the Geneva Auto show. It’s going to have a Wankel range extender, so expect the little hatchback to do quite well for city driving.

With expectations of a Q5 plug-in hybrid and an A8 hybrid Concept already debuted, we guess Audi doesn’t think the Chevy Volt is for idiots anymore since both will cost a much larger premium for a car that gets worse mileage than a Toyota Corolla. We’re just sayin’.

Think next time you speak, de Nysschen!