ELECTRIC CARS A STEP CLOSER

BRITAIN’S motor industry is laying its claim to be among the world leaders in low-emission technology with two major investments this week.
Nissan has announced that its all-electric LEAF will be built at Sunderland from 2013, making the UK as one of just three of its plants worldwide plugging into the company’s programme for ultra-low emission cars.
Ford has also just announced that it s investing £1.5 billion in its four UK factories and research centres to develop greener engines.
In addition Toyota has also pledged to build the hybrid Auris at Burnaston and Vauxhall is hoping that its Ellesmere Port plant will win the beauty contest to get the contract for the exciting Ampera hybrid too.
Nissan’s move is a great boost for Sunderland and there are plans to build 60,000 Leaf’s annually and it will also make the lithium-ion battery packs for the Nissan/Renault partnership.
The LEAF and battery production plant represent a £420 million investment and will help secure around 2,300 jobs both at Sunderland in the supply chain.
The LEAF is a five-seater with a range of around 100 miles and a top speed of 90 mph. It can be charged to 80 per cent of its full capacity from a normal domestic power supply in just 30 minutes.
As yet there are no details on price but Nissan has promised that it will be affordable and comparable to a conventional design.
Andy Palmer, senior vice president at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and responsible for the company's global EV (electric vehicle) strategy, said: “The world is at the dawn of a new era in automotive transport. Nissan LEAF is a five-seater hatchback that offers the same space, practicality and performance of a similar car in its class minus the tailpipe emissions.
“Thanks to the UK’s firm commitment to a low carbon future in terms of infrastructure, customer incentives and educational programmes, Nissan LEAF will be built at Sunderland, making the UK the third country in the world to produce this revolutionary car.