The Nissan Leaf has been transformed into the first ever electric stretch limo. The company that did the conversion is Imperial Limo, which is located in Springfield Mo. The new Leaf limo can hold up to eight people, including the driver.
The conversion gave the Leaf a new length of 223 inches, from the original 175. The change also added an extra 400 pounds. Within the new four foot section, there are now two rows of plush leather, facing seats, instead of the stock rear bench. There was also a wood paneled bar that works as a drink cabinet as well. With the space and amenities this Leaf limo will make the perfect ride for barhopping around town.
Naturally there are some concerns about how well the battery power will function in a vehicle that’s sole purpose is to drive around all day or night long. When an electric car is used just for commuting to work, it causes a lot less battery drain. The Leaf conversion will definitely be a cause for EV development in the near future.
Currently the only place that is using the Leaf Stretch is Embassy Suites in Cool Springs Tennessee. They have the limo as a courtesy shuttle for guests. The hotel is ramping up the available eco-friendly amenities to offer more perks to the “sustainable traveler”. They have also installed electric-car charging stations for use by guests.
A team at Embassy Suites along with their transportation partners Black Tie Valet Solutions, came up with the idea for the limo conversion. They felt that going with Nissan was the best idea, partly due to the close proximity of Nissan North America. The Middle Tennessee location was also set to produce the Leaf by the end of 2012 and that made the choice of going with Nissan even more appealing.
Because the Leaf Limo does operate from battery power, it will be utilized in the area around the hotel. Until technological advances are made to offer more charge time it will be important to keep EV limo’s close to the home base. With this one Limo coming out it is without a doubt just the beginning of a whole new trend. The desire of Embassy Suites to become more sustainable is something that will grow with others in the industry.
