Hawaii selected as early launch site for 5-cent per mile Nissan LEAF

Hawaii has been selected as an early launch site for the Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle.  As a selected launch state, the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be available to Hawaii consumers before the other locations.  The initial U.S. launch is targeted for the early part of 2011.

Image courtesy: nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/

Nissan earlier announced that the LEAF would have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,780.  A federal tax credit of $7,500 for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible is also available.  The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.

At $3.50 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon has a fuel cost of 14 cents per mile; At $0.23 per kilowatt-hour, the Nissan LEAF has a fuel cost of 5 cents per mile.

Nissan began accepting reservations this month because of the high interest they have received in the vehicle.  In the U.S., more than 8,200 people have reserved a Nissan LEAF. Reservations opened to a select group of people who pre-registered on NissanUSA.com before April 20, when early reservations opened. Reservations, which are made through a $99 fully refundable reservation fee, will be open to the general public on May 15.

Nissan and the State of Hawaii are working towards a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle network. 

“We appreciate Nissan’s recognition of Hawai‘i as a global model for electric vehicles and a leader in clean energy,” said Governor Linda Lingle.  “The introduction of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle will build on Hawai‘i’s progress to end our state’s over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase our energy security.”

“Nissan is looking forward to bringing the all-electric Nissan LEAF to the people of Hawai‘i,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America. “Through its work in fostering zero-emissions mobility throughout the state, Hawai‘i is demonstrating that it is EV-ready. These efforts, along with strong consumer interest, led us to name Hawai‘i as an early launch market for the Nissan LEAF.”

“In response to strong consumer demand and our commitment to electric vehicle networks, we are pleased that Hawai‘i was selected as one of the first launch states,” said Theodore Liu, Director, State Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

“As part of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative’s goal of moving towards 70 percent clean energy by 2030, we believe that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles will give consumers more choices and reduce our state’s overdependence on fossil fuels.”

“I’m looking forward to these vehicles being available,” said Ted Peck, Energy Program Administrator, Hawai‘i State Energy Office.  “We’ve been transforming our buildings to be cleaner, more efficient, and renewable.  Now we can transform our cars.  This is good for consumers and good for our environment.”