The new decade, starting now, is likely to hold considerable changes to the way we see transport, and particularly the internal combustion engine.
The internal combustion engine has monopolised power delivery for over a century, after all, it’s adaptable to a wide variety of circumstances and is relatively cheap.
Thing is, the dual problems of emissions threatening our atmosphere and the increasing price of fuels have led car makers to explore electric vehicles, particularly in the last decade.
There is big money being invested in electric vehicle technology, and it has had traction for some time now.
The Nissan LEAF road car is the world’s most popular electric vehicle (EV) with 450 000 sold since 2010.
In fact, Bobby Nitro heard recently that the second-hand market for electric vehicles has now begun in London, showing that people are now taking serious interest.
Of course, most will be aimed at the commuter, but here’s something special just to tantalise the market.
Nissan’s Leaf Nismo RC, a top-class electric vehicle as a showcase of power and innovation. Yes, big power.
The Leaf Nismo RC is capable of delivering 322 horses and 640Nm of instantly available torque, which gives this all-wheel drive car the zing to do the zero to 100km/k in a blistering 3.4 seconds (just without the roar).
SPEED: Nismo goes from 0 to 100km/hour in just 3.4 seconds
This creation can be seen as a tester for what can be achieved with an all-electric twin-motor and all-wheel drive, as technologies will undoubtedly filter down to the road-going Nissan Leaf range.
The Leaf Nismo RC recently touched down at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain, for a round of photos and for some to experience that bonus in EVs, lighting quick and instant acceleration from the all-electric powertrain.
Take the top end of the range, the Nissan Leaf e+, which has increased range (an important consideration in EVs) by 40 percent.
Also,interestingly, there is an e-Pedal mode for one-pedal travel, where the driver can start, accelerate and stop with only one pedal.
“Anyone who has ever driven a Nissan Leaf will know that it is fun to drive,” said Helen Perry, Head of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe.
“The Leaf e+ adds even more excitement with an amazing 215hp motor, which - combined with a bigger battery and the e-Pedal - makes the LEAF even more exhilarating. It has been a real hit with customers too, with around 20% of all Leaf sales being this top-of-the-range model.”