The European New Cap Evaluation Program (Euro NCAP) has granted the Nissan Leaf, 100% electric, the highest level in terms of security, after its performance in the strict collision tests of this independent organization. The zero broadcasting vehicle has obtained a five -star score, so it has become the first electric vehicle to achieve this distinction.
The current car of the year in Europe and in the world obtained a score of 89% in adult security, a score of 83% in children protection and a score of 84% by its integrated security assistance systems, which include electronic stability control (ESC) and a serial speed limiter. This compact family car also obtained a 65%score, above the average, in pedestrian safety, thanks in part to its hood design, and the relative lack of hard points under the hood.
"The performance of the Nissan Leaf in these harsh security tests underlines the design integrity that has been applied to the car and demonstrates that this innovative 100% electric vehicle is the perfect choice for the daily use of a family. The Nissan Leaf not only offers the same space, practicality and performance as the rest of its conventional rivals, but also one of the safer cars on the road," said Pierre Loing, Vice President of Pierre Lo. Nissan International Product and Planning Strategy, which is Nissan's headquarters in Europe and houses the management of the company's zero emission business unit.
"The Nissan Leaf demonstrates that electric vehicles can reach the same security levels as traditional cars. LEAF has set the standard for the next generation of this type of cars in the European market," said Michiel Van Rating, General Secretary of Euro NCAP.
The Nissan Leaf safety evaluation was carried out following the standard Euro NCAP procedure, which includes frontal impact tests, side impact, impact against a sidebar and cervical trauma. The 48 modules of the lithium ion battery of the car, which are placed inside a special compartment located under the ground, perfectly resisted all the impacts.
In addition, the electric vehicle battery system was turned on during collision simulations to test the integrated electrical system safety measures, which include automatic disconnection and insulation in case of accident. The car also overcome these tests easily.
"We are not surprised by these results," said Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President of Design and Development of Nissan vehicles. "The Nissan Leaf has exceeded more evidence than any other car we have ever created. In addition to carrying out conventional front and lateral impact tests, we have tested the electrical system in all possible ways to ensure that it can never be overloaded and that the isolation program function as it is due during a collision."
The Euro NCAP results have appeared less than a month after the Nissan Leaf received the Top Safety Pick score from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS; Institute of Security Insurance for Safety on the highways) of the United States. In addition, it is the second five -star score that a Nissan vehicle receives this year. In February, the compact crossover Nissan Juke also got the maximum score.
The Nissan Leaf, which went on sale in Japan, the United States and in some areas of Europe at the beginning of the year, has an autonomy of 175 km between load and load, according to the tests carried out with the new European driving cycle (NEDC).
The power of this family car comes from a compact electric motor and an investor developed by Nissan, located in the front of the car and that provide traction to the previous wheels. The CC engine develops 108 hp of power and 280 nm torque, sufficient to reach a maximum speed of 145 km/h.
The Nissan Leaf is fully equipped with elements such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking rear camera, fast loading and innovative connectivity for smartphones.
