Because the U.S. does not, and will not ever, keep fuel prices artificially high with exorbitant taxes like most of the industrialized world, there has to be another mechanism to protect both consumers and industry from oil-price shocks.
The sleek, sporty 3-door hatchback is equipped with a 1.6L Turbo GDI engine featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger. It develops 204 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
The LE’s synchronous electric motor produces 134 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The Li-ion battery pack is rated at 24 kWh, the same as the Leaf, but the Infiniti EV has wireless charging capability.
The auto maker’s own stop-and-go technology was due to launch in the U.S. on several compact cars, but it was postponed for improvements after media test drivers found fault.