Driving the Nissan Leaf Electric at the NYC Marathon? Absolutely Cool.
Imagine this: you’re behind the wheel of a 100% electric vehicle, cruising silently through the streets of New York City. Most importantly, it’s during the NYC Marathon. For that’s exactly what Nissan did. Because they showcased the all-electric Nissan LEAF as the official pace car of the 2010 ING New York City Marathon.
Nissan Leaf Electric: Zero Emissions, Full Exposure
This wasn’t just a clever marketing move. It was also a bold, high-visibility statement for electric mobility. The LEAF didn’t just lead the way for over 45,000 runners—it led the conversation on sustainable transportation. With crowds cheering and cameras flashing, this all-electric vehicle demonstrated that EVs aren’t just for the future. For they’re ready now.
Even better, the LEAF also emits zero tailpipe emissions during its journey. More notably, through all five boroughs. While athletes tested their physical limits, the LEAF showed its endurance, performance, and range. No gas, noise or pollution.
Why This Matters
New York City traffic is no joke. But an event like the marathon offers a unique opportunity to test electric vehicle performance under real-world conditions. At the same time, it raises public awareness in a dramatic way. Thousands of spectators saw the Nissan LEAF electric in action. Millions more watched from home or online.
That kind of exposure can change minds.
A Win for Nissan—and the Planet
This smart integration of EV technology into one of the world’s most iconic sporting events set a precedent. It also proved that electric vehicles can hold their own in high-pressure, high-profile situations. Nissan didn’t just promote the LEAF—they positioned it as a lifestyle choice for the environmentally conscious driver.
And let’s be honest—seeing a whisper-quiet car lead a stampede of marathon runners was just cool.
Sources
Yes, you heard hear first!!!
More excitingly, I also just got word that my co-author of Green Lighting, Brian Clark Howard at The Daily Green is going to be in that Nissan Leaf. He will also be in the pace car for the New York City Marathon. It’s also great to build your own electric car like Nissan has done. Especially because it’s Built in the United States (batteries to manufacturing).
