Hybrid Car Review

Nissan has set the MSRP for the new all electric Leaf at $32,780. That's remarkably low considering it will sell for about $40,000 in Japan. Or you can lease one at $349 a month.  A separate charging station can be installed (if you opt for it) for about $2,200.

Nissan is aiming for 25,000 orders by December.

If you qualify for the tax credits in California, you could be paying somewhere in the low $20K range for your electric Leaf, including the installation of a charger.

The 2011 Nissan Leaf will be available to buy or lease in select markets starting in December, and will go nationwide starting in 2011. If you can't wait, Nissan would be happy to take your order starting April 20 (what a way to spend your tax return!)

The all electric car has a real world range of 100 miles or so, and Nissan expects most people will be able to 'fill up' for less than $3.

If you qualify, you can cut the price down using tax credits. The federal tax credit can save you $7,500, while some states are also offering rebates on electric vehicles. In California, you can get a $5,000 tax rebate, while Georgia is offering $5,000 in tax credits. Oregon is offering a $1,500 tax credit. Other states may let you into the car pool lane, although you will likely need a special license plate or sticker to take advantage.

A fully refundable $99 reservation fee is required if you do sign up early to buy the Leaf. Firm orders will begin in August.

Standard features for the Leaf will include:

• advanced navigation system
• Internet/smart phone connectivity, enabling charging control, pre-heat or pre-cool capability
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Intelligent-key with push button start
• Sirius/XM satellite radio
• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Traction Control
• Six airbags

For an extra $940 (SL Trim), you can get:

• rearview monitor
• solar panel spoiler
• fog lights
• automatic headlights

You can opt to purchase a charging dock, when you buy, at a cost of about $2,200. The 220-volt charger will be built and installed by AeroVironment. A 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000 is available on the charging dock and installation.

Power Source

The electric sedan is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no local emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination regenerative braking system and lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)

The Nissan Leaf can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

Full Press Release Follows:

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF – such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan LEAF.

“Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is in a class by itself.”

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it into a personal charging dock.

Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers.

Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable.

Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation. Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes a home assessment.

The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be $2,200.

Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000.
Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost less than $3 to “fill up.”
Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.NissanUsa.com.