In a video recently released by Nissan Japan, a Nissan Leaf EV won a drag race against a Soviet-era Aero L-39 Albatros fighter jet by less than a car length. The video went viral, with many people wondering why Nissan even bothered. After all, the Leaf is a forgettable car, and Nissan now has the more exciting and expensive Ariya EV.
The Leaf, however, has a history. It was one of the first mass-market EVs, and it remains the most affordable EV in the US market, qualifying for a substantial tax credit. While the Ariya overshadows the Leaf in terms of features, price, and design, the Leaf is still a decent alternative to other EVs in the market, including the Chevrolet Bolt.
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The drag race video may have been a symbolic reminder of Nissan’s EV history and a marketing stunt to differentiate the Leaf from the Ariya. Nissan has been a pioneer in EV technology, and the Leaf’s victory over a fighter jet may be a nod to Nissan’s commitment to electric propulsion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9V6-DIc5E
Moreover, the video shows the Leaf’s performance capability, with its 214-horsepower and 250 lb-ft-of-torque front-mounted EV motor, reaching 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and a governed top speed of 106 mph. Beating a fighter jet off the line may be easier than you think, as the Albatros weighs roughly 7,600 pounds, making it take a few seconds to get up to speed, even when using a turbofan jet engine.
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The fact that Nissan went to great lengths to prove that the drag race was real, with various angles and proofs, also shows that the video was not just a gimmick. It was a message to the public that the Leaf, while no longer in the spotlight, is still a formidable and affordable EV.
