Not only is this the first Nissan Leaf to launch throughout ASEAN region, it is also a newly developed EV (Electric Vehicle) designed for the mass market, offering new mobility for a sustainability zero-emission society.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the Leaf is a medium-sized hatch that fits five occupants with ease and has a range of up to 180km on one full charge. Ta Chong is also participating in the Government's EV test-bedding program which aims to test and gauge different electric prototypes and charging technologies in our sunny island's road conditions.

"The Nissan Leaf has been gaining much global interest since its launch in Japan in 2010 and we are delighted with the positive response it has been receiving locally, having sold more than half of our allocated quota from the test-bed program under the TIDES-PLUS scheme," said Mr. Ron Lim, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Tan Chong Motor Sales.

He also added that they are in full support of the Government's EV test-bed program and hopes that insights and data gathered during the program will be positive in the future mass adoption of electric vehicles in Singapore.

The Nissan Leaf's lithium-ion battery powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, which lets the electric hatch fall under the COE's Cat B. This motor, rated at 109 hp and 280Nm of torque, drives the front wheels through a single speed reducer. And because it's a full electric car, the Leaf delivers 100% of torque from start, delivering a smooth and consistent acceleration similar to a larger V6 powerplant.

It is equipped with two charging ports located in the front body which allows Normal and Quick charging. Normal charging can be done via plugging the Electric Vehicle Standard Equipment (EVSE) that comes standard into a dedicated wired 230V, 16A industrial socket, or simply by using a public charging station. The Quick charge, on the other hand, allows charging to 80% capacity in 30 minutes at public charging stations.

According to Mr. Yamashita, Manager for the for Product Strategy and Planning Group Zero Emission Business Unit, the Toyota Prius is the current competitor to the Nissan Leaf in Japan. However, in the local context, Tan Chong Motor Sales considers the Renault Fluence Z.E. to be the Leaf's competitor.