Canadians have more choice than ever before when shopping for an ECO-friendly vehicle. Included here are two trustworthy options.
Nissan LEAF
The all new 2018 Nissan LEAF is expected to continue as one of the most successful all electric automobiles sold in the world. With Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility, giving the new LEAF greater range and updated advanced technologies, this vehicle is expected to maintain its standing as the #1 most affordable, mass production EV worldwide.
Part of the LEAF’s Intelligent Mobility includes ProPILOT Assist and e-Pedal technologies. For Canadian’s, an available weather package includes a battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats. For charging, the vehicle comes standard with a Level 1 (120v) and Level 2 (240v) charger cable. This is similar to using a regular wall plug or dryer outlet respectively to charge your vehicle. Using the Level 2 to charge your LEAF, it should take approximately 6 hours from empty to maximum.
With the increase in battery from 30 kWh to 40 kWh, the range has also been extended from 172 to 242 kilometres. Starting price is $35,998 and with government incentives up to $14,000, this would be a great value. As a comparison to a gasoline powered vehicle, total yearly operating costs would be approximately $414 for the all electric LEAF versus $2,070 and a reduction in emissions of over 4000 kg of CO2 per 20,000 km.
The new LEAF is also equipped with Intelligent Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Around View Monitor and moving object detection. Nissan’s Intelligent Power, e-powertrain, has a power output of 147 horsepower, which is 40 per cent more than the previous-generation LEAF. Torque has also been increased 26 percent to 236 lb-ft for improved acceleration.
Displays and switch gear have also been redesigned, specifically the combination of the analog speedometer and a multi-information 7-inch, full colour, TFT screen. With the display, the driver can easily operate the audio and navigation systems and connect to smartphones with just a fingertip. The monitor also shows the Safety Shield technology, the vehicle’s state-of-charge and a power gauge, as well as navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the infotainment system with vehicles equipped with navigation. Using NissanConnect, part of Nissan Intelligent Integration, the driver can search for locations and operating hours of free charging stations and availability. Owners can also use their smartphone to check the car’s battery status. For more information, visit nissan.ca
Honda Clarity
Honda Clarity 2018
Honda is known for reliability and for 2018 the new Clarity Plug-In Hybrid arrives on Canadian shores. With a starting MSRP of $39.900 and a possible maximum government incentive of $14,000, Honda touts this hybrid as a “big step forward for the company’s electrified fleet, entering the Canadian market with the best overall combined range and interior volume in its class”.
Honda’s Clarity has a combined fuel economy of 2.1 Le/100 km and an all-electric range of up to 76 km. The hope is that the maximum electric range will suit a majority of the population, while having a gasoline engine available for added range, including weekend getaways to the cottage. Total distance is 547 km with both the gas and electric combined.
The “electromotive” 181 horsepower electric motor produces 232 lb.-ft. of torque from a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack with a recharge time of 2.5 hours at 240 volts. The Clarity Plug-in features Honda’s two-motor (gas + electric) hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 212 horsepower. The warranty on the battery is 8 years, 160,000 km.
The Clarity seats five in leather with a futuristic premium interior. Honda’s interior design mas the most spacious interior in its class. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its 8″ Display. Included in the Clarity is HondaLink, a mobile app and Honda Sensing’s full suite of safety technology.
The Clarity includes Honda Sensing Technologies with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF). Videos on each of the technologies can be found on the Honda Clarity website at www.honda.ca/clarity
Customers can purchase the fully loaded Touring trim for $43,900, before incentives. The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is a major step forward for the company’s electrified fleet, entering the Canadian market in 2018. For more information, visit honda.ca
