Hybrid Car Review

Nissan Leaf Reservations Open to Public

Nissan is opening up reservations for the Leaf to the public. After taking 9,500 reservations from consumers who had previously shown an interest in the compact electric vehicle, Nissan is hoping for another 15,000 pre-orders (according to reports).

The Nissan Leaf will be available starting in December, but only in select areas. Full market rollouts won't occur until 2012. Anyone with reservations will be sequenced in order for their particular market.

The Nissan Leaf price was surprisingly low, and can be made a lot lower if you live in certain states (Nissan details some of the possibilities in their statement, see below).

To make a reservation, follow the guidelines:

• Through the Nissan LEAF website via NissanUSA.com, the customer will create an account, configure his or her vehicle, and answer questions to complete a driving profile.
• Consumers will be asked to pay a fully refundable $99 reservation fee by credit card.
• After placing a reservation, a customer will be able to indicate a preferred dealer.
• Consumers who reserve a Nissan LEAF will receive confirmation numbers. Nissan will provide individual updates for their reservations by June 30.
• Reservations are limited to one per household.
• Consumer inquiries about the reservation process can be answered at the Nissan LEAF call center, 1-877-664-2738.

Including the maximum $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle could be as low as $25,280. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs, and increase the benefits, for owning and charging a Nissan LEAF. For example, a $5,000 clean-vehicle rebate is offered 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. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.

*MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.