If You Only Drive in the City, the Leaf is Sufficient

First, the latest long-term test car, the Nissan Leaf. This is a noteworthy model that can run solely on electricity. As noted in previous reports, its range on a full charge is approximately 120 km. The electricity consumed during this time is 24 kWh. Therefore, if you drive 1,000 km per month, you will consume 200 kWh of electricity.

What would be the cost? Tokyo Electric Power's electricity rates are detailed. For example, if you are on a plan for households that consume more electricity than average, such as the 'Juryo Dentō C' plan, the rate is 17.87 yen per kWh for the first 120 kWh consumed by the household, 22.86 yen per kWh for consumption between 120 kWh and 300 kWh, and 24.13 yen per kWh for anything exceeding that. Applying this to 200 kWh of electricity consumption, we get 120 x 17.87 + 80 x 22.86, resulting in an electricity cost of 3,973.20 yen for driving the Leaf 1,000 km in a month. If the average price of regular gasoline is 145 yen, this amount is equivalent to what you could buy about 27.4 liters of fuel for. Furthermore, by choosing an optimal plan, such as an all-electric home plan, it is possible to calculate that the Leaf is indeed economical for household finances.



However, the reality is not quite so simple. This is due to the inadequate support system for long-distance driving. As introduced in the second report on the Leaf, charging spots are still scarce outside of general roads and the Tomei Expressway in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Even if you acquire a Leaf, situations where you cannot reach your destination are expected to continue if long-distance driving is your primary use.

Mercedes for Long-Distance Travel?

In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC has an overwhelming advantage for long-distance driving. With a fuel tank capacity of 80 liters and a fuel efficiency of approximately 15 km/l on highways (JC08 mode is 12.4 km/l), it can travel about 1,200 km on a single tank. This is nearly ten times the cruising range of the Leaf. Furthermore, it offers the superior ride quality characteristic of Mercedes, making long drives less fatiguing. Even in city driving, it rarely drops below 10 km/l unless under particularly adverse conditions. Moreover, its immense torque of 540 Nm is available from just 1600 rpm, allowing for stress-free driving even in urban areas with frequent stops and starts.

All three cars offer ample space in the front seats. The hip point of the Mercedes is considerably lower than the other two.

However, the price is a significant drawback. With a price tag of 8.72 million yen, it's not a car that can be recommended to everyone. Rumors also suggest the arrival of the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid within the year. This model features a diesel hybrid system combining a 2.2-liter diesel engine, also found in the 250 CDI, with an electric motor. The engine produces a maximum output of 150 kW and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, and the system is claimed to achieve fuel efficiency of 23.8 km/l. If we assume the average price of diesel is 127 yen, driving 1,000 km per month would cost 42,000 yen.

The Prius: A Realistic Choice

The Prius, a global eco-car, likely combines the advantages of both. Its fuel efficiency can reach the mid-30s km/l depending on driving style, and it reliably exceeds 15 km/l even under the harshest conditions. While not as smooth as the Leaf at startup, it offers a torquey drive with motor assistance and has a significantly longer cruising range than the Leaf. With a 45-liter fuel tank, it can travel nearly 700 km at 15 km/l, or an impressive 1,125 km at 25 km/l.



While a direct comparison between the E-Class, which is several classes above, and the other two is difficult, the Leaf and the Prius are essentially direct rivals. Their approaches are entirely different. The Leaf, with its zero CO2 emissions, significantly lower electricity costs compared to gasoline, and the upcoming LEAF to Home power supply system, represents the future of automobiles. The Prius, with its superior fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline cars and ample cruising range, is currently considered the most potent eco-car. Ultimately, the choice among these three models depends on a thorough consideration of one's own lifestyle.

Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC AVANGARDE｜メルセデス・ベンツ E350 BlueTEC AVANGARDE
Body | Length 4,870 x Width 1,855 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,875 mm
Engine | 2,986cc DOHC V6
Max Output | 155 kW [211 ps] / 3,400 rpm
Max Torque | 540 Nm [55.1 kgm] / 1,600-2,400 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed electronic automatic
Price | 8,720,000 yen

TOYOTA PRIUS G Touring｜Toyota Prius G Touring
Body | Length 4,460 x Width 1,745 x Height 1,490 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Engine | 1.8L inline-4 + electric motor
Max Output | Engine: 73 kW [99 ps] / 5200 rpm; Motor: 60 kW [82 ps]
Max Torque | Engine: 142 Nm [14.5 kgm] / 4000 rpm; Motor: 207 Nm [21.1 kgm]
Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable
Price | 2,700,000 yen

NISSAN LEAF X｜Nissan Leaf X
Body | Length 4,445 x Width 1,770 x Height 1,545 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Drive Battery | Lithium-ion
Total Voltage | 360V
Total Capacity | 24 kWh
Max Output | 80 kW [109 ps] / 2,730-9,800 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm [28.6 kgm] / 0-2,730 rpm
Price | 3,764,250 yen