Video: Nissan Leaf laps Laguna Seca

In late June, a stock Nissan Leaf piloted by veteran racer Chad Hord entered the history books by completing the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 14 minutes 33 seconds. While the 12.42-mile course up the Peak is challenging, so to are the twists and turns at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

It's not often that a Nissan Leaf laps Laguna Seca, but at the Refuel Clean Power Motorsports Event at Laguna Seca on June 26th, at least one Leaf took to the track. Driven by a member of the My Nissan Leaf forum, the unmodified Leaf lapped the track in 2 minutes 10 seconds. For comparison, a stock Tesla Roadster completed the task in 1 minute 50 seconds.

This might put to rest lingering concerns over the Leaf's so-called "primitive" battery pack. The My Nissan Leaf forum member said that:

The Leaf drivetrain, battery and battery management system are solid. To my surprise, almost every other electric vehicle out there had heat management issues after two to five laps. Tesla's were hitting power cut by laps four to five. Most of the other kit cars could do one or two laps due to heat or range issues. Conversely, the Leaf was pulling strong all day and the battery temp gauge didn't move.

Hit the jump to watch the Nissan Leaf turn some laps at Laguna Seca

[Source: My Nissan Leaf forum via All Cars Electric]