Email

Print

  Transport News

Nissan signals start of ordering process for all-electric LEAF

The Nissan LEAF will be available for ordering by those on the reserve list

Motor manufacturer Nissan has announced the start of the ordering process for its all-electric LEAF car, set for release at the end of the year.

The company said yesterday that over the next several weeks, the 18,600 people who have reserved a $32,780 LEAF will get to choose the color, trim level and place an order for their car.

With a priority on those that made their reservations first, buyers will contact their local dealers, negotiate the exact price and finalize the purchase or lease of the vehicle.

The order will then be put through to Nissan’s production process, and the buyer will be given an estimated delivery date.

Nissan is launching the LEAF initially in certain key market areas in the US, starting with California, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington and Oregon.

“Today Nissan moves one step closer to placing thousands of zero-emission electric cars on American roadways,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing for Nissan North America.

“As more than 80% of those customers placing a reservation are new to Nissan, we look forward to welcoming them as they embrace Nissan’s innovation and begin zero-emission driving.”

The five-door LEAF is an all-electric car the manufacturer states will travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Powered by lithium batteries and an 80kW electric motor, the vehicle will have a top speed of 90mph according to its manufacturer.

The vehicle will be eligible for federal tax credits, which could bring the basic price down to $25,280. Nissan has said the LEAF can be leased from $349 per month for 36 months and $1,999 down.

Nissan is offering the LEAF in five colors, in a basic SL trim level or for a little extra, an SV trim level that would also include options like a solar panel spoiler and a fast charger.

Nissan is continuing to accept reservations for the LEAF on its website, which involves paying a refundable $99 fee.

Hawaii

In a separate announcement, Nissan said it would be adding Hawaii to its list of early launch markets for the LEAF.

Rewarding Hawaii’s efforts to attract the mass-production electric vehicle producers to sell in the state, Nissan praised Hawaii’s “policy leadership” in setting a $4,500 state tax credit for vehicle sales plus a $500 credit for home charging stations.

Hawaii residents could buy the vehicle for as little as $20,780 when it goes on sale in January 2011, Nissan said.

Nissan has agreed to work with state authorities to promote, deploy and operate a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Hawaii.

“I appreciate Nissan’s confidence in Hawaii and recognition of our commitment to pursuing a clean energy future,” said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. “By bringing the Nissan LEAF to Hawaii and working collaboratively with the State and our partners toward the electrification of transportation, Nissan is playing an important role in helping us achieve the goal of reducing our dependence on imported oil.”