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For Immediate Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES DATES FOR NISSAN LEAF ZERO EMISSION TOUR


LEAF makes first U.S. appearance in Los Angeles Nov. 13

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 22, 2009) – Nissan North America announced that the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric car will make its North American debut in Los Angeles on Nov. 13. The Los Angeles showing will be the first time people in the United States will be able to see the five-passenger, five-door, gasoline-free car, which is embarking on a nationwide tour.

The Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour will make stops in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving.

Follow the tour, get updates on the final schedule and specific showings, and sign up for more information, at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Look for the Nissan LEAF to make public appearances in the following areas during these times:

Southern California
Los Angeles: Nov. 13-17
Orange County: Nov. 18
San Diego: Nov. 19-21

Northern California
Berkeley/Walnut Creek: Nov. 23-24
San Francisco: Nov. 25-29
Santa Rosa: Dec. 1
Sacramento: Dec. 1
San Jose: Dec. 3-6

Pacific Northwest
Seattle: Dec. 8-12
Vancouver, Canada: Dec. 14-15
Portland, Ore.: Dec. 17-23

Southwest
Phoenix/Tucson: Dec. 30-Jan. 5
Las Vegas: Jan. 6

Midwest/East Coast
Detroit: Jan. 11-13
Knoxville/Chattanooga, Tenn.: Jan. 16
Middle Tennessee: Jan. 19-21
Washington, D.C.: Jan. 26-28
Raleigh, N.C.: Jan. 29
Orlando: Feb. 1-2

Texas
Houston: Feb. 5-6

New York
New York City: Feb. 9-14
Nissan is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Through the Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour, Nissan will be showcasing the electric vehicle and battery technology as well as the company’s zero-emission mobility objectives. Nissan already has partnered on the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Washington D.C., Seattle, Raleigh, and Vancouver. Additional partnerships will be announced in the near future.

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.nissan-usa.com/leaf-electric-car.
# # #

Contact:

Katherine Zachary
Nissan North America, Inc.
[email protected]
615-725-1447
NISSAN | Zero Emission Website
 
Vancouver announcement

For Immediate Release

Renault-Nissan Alliance Signs Zero-Emission Partnership in Vancouver

Vancouver, BC (Oct. 6, 2009) – The Renault–Nissan Alliance, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and BC Hydro announced today a partnership that will see British Columbia become the initial launch point for Nissan’s Canadian zero-emission transportation program.

British Columbia is scheduled to be the first Canadian province to receive the Nissan LEAF, Nissan's first all-electric real-world car, in 2011, in advance of global distribution in 2012.

“Agreements like this one with the Renault–Nissan Alliance are an important step in making climate-friendly transportation a lifestyle choice for all British Columbians,” said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Province of British Columbia. “Electric vehicles, fuelled by clean, renewable energy resources, will help us achieve a low carbon transportation future.”

The memorandum of understanding brings together representatives from each organization to identify opportunities to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Vancouver and other areas in B.C. Discussions will also explore the establishment of charging infrastructure in Vancouver.

“Today is an exciting day for Nissan Canada as we announce an important step in making electric vehicles a reality in the Canadian market,” said Mark Grimm, President of Nissan Canada Inc. “We have the technology for zero-emission mobility without compromise and working with important partners like those signing this agreement is a critical step in this evolution."

"Moving towards a zero-emission mobility program gets Vancouver closer to our goal of becoming the world’s greenest city," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "We’ve moved very aggressively to bring in electric vehicle charging infrastructure regulations for Vancouver that is a first for North America. The City will need electric vehicles to charge on that new infrastructure. We are very pleased to be the first Canadian municipal partner of Nissan, a global leader in electric-vehicle technologies."

The agreement also supports an application to the federal government’s Clean Energy Fund for a charging infrastructure pilot program planned by the Province, BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver.

“We continue to work with industry and government partners to ensure British Columbia is ready for the introduction of electric vehicles,” said Bob Elton, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are building a conservation culture in B.C. which includes not only the efficient use of electricity but also the protection of air quality.”

The agreement adds B.C. to a growing network of zero-emission vehicle initiatives across the world. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has formed partnerships with 30 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of electric vehicles worldwide.

About Nissan Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 150 independent Nissan dealerships and 29 Infiniti retailers across Canada. 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 about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at Nissan Canada and Infiniti Canada - Infiniti Luxury Cars and SUVs.

Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong. In the United States, the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an EV infrastructure in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Washington, DC, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, Tucson and Phoenix in Arizona, Seattle in Washington and Raleigh in North Carolina.

About BC Hydro
BC Hydro is a commercial Crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia. BC Hydro is one of North America’s leading providers of clean, renewable energy and the largest electric utility in British Columbia, serving approximately 95 per cent of the province’s population and 1.8 million customers.

About the City of Vancouver
Vancouver is consistently rated one of the most livable cities in the world. The city of Vancouver is known for its breath-taking natural environment, diverse communities, and commitment to the values of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility, Vancouver is the Host City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Vancouver’s goal is to become the world’s greenest city by 2020. Vancouver is well on the way to being a plug-in friendly city. The City is changing its building and parking bylaws to allow for vehicle charging points. Vancouver already allows slower-moving electric cars on most streets.

About the Province of British Columbia
British Columbia is a leader in climate change solutions, and the increased use of plug-in electric vehicle technology is part of a broader sustainable energy strategy that is helping the Province of British Columbia reach its goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020. In addition, plug-in electric vehicles, fueled by B.C.’s clean energy resources, support the Province’s goal of reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 10 per cent by 2020.


CONTACTS:
Didier Marsaud Heather Meehan
Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc.
p. 905.629.6400 p. 647.259.3268
e. [email protected] e. [email protected]

Simi Heer Corporate Communications
BC Hydro City of Vancouver
p. 604.623.3963 p. 604.871.6336
e. [email protected]

Jake Jacobs
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
p. 250.952.0628
e. [email protected]
 
Mexico City announcement

For Immediate Release


Renault-Nissan Alliance Signs Zero-Emission Partnership
with Mexico City Government

MEXICO CITY, (October 28, 2009) – The Renault–Nissan Alliance and the Mexico City Government today announced a partnership that paves the way for the introduction of the Nissan LEAF in Mexico’s capital city in 2011.

Mexico City will become the first city in Latin America to receive the Nissan LEAF and is part of the Mexico City government Green Plan (Plan Verde) committed to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles by promoting battery-electric vehicles.

The memorandum of understanding, signed by the authorities and Nissan, brings together representatives from each organization to identify opportunities to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Mexico City.

“Today is a historic day for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Mexico City.” Carlos Tavares, President of Nissan Americas, said. “We are signing a Memorandum of Understanding in order to introduce electric vehicles in Mexico’s capital. Zero-emission leadership is a core commitment for the Renault-Nissan Alliance. We are delighted to share a common vision for a cleaner world with Mr. Ebrard’s administration.”

“Bringing the electric vehicle to the Mexico City market is a natural progression of Nissan’s leadership and heritage in Mexico.” José Muñoz, President of Nissan Mexicana, said. “Working with important partners like Mexico City is a critical step in our continued and lasting commitment to the Mexican society.”

Marking its tenth anniversary this year, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is leading a collaborative approach with both business and governments and has signed more than 30 other agreements worldwide with partners to launch its fist electric vehicle starting 2010 and to mass market a full range of electrical vehicles by 2012. Today, with this initiative, Mexico City joins this approach.

The Nissan LEAF is the first vehicle to be launched under this agreement. It provides a quiet, efficient driving experience with a range of about 160 Km (100 Miles). The five-door, five-passenger hatchback is an electric motor and battery operated car (all-electric car) with absolutely no polluting emissions. No internal combustion engine and fossil oil-based fuel are needed. Its electric motor supplies 80 kW of power (107 hp) and 280 N-m (207 lb-ft) of direct torque to its wheels, providing a rapid response and a powerful acceleration.

The Renault Nissan Alliance
The Renault Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6 090 304 vehicles in 2008. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world’s top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.

Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.
Subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and it was established in Mexico in 1961. It is comprised by corporate, marketing and sales, manufacturing, distribution and design facilities located in the cities of Aguascalientes, Cuernavaca, Mexico and Toluca. It currently employs approximately 8,000 workers and employees. In 2008, it commercialized more than 212,000 vehicles in Mexico, with a 20.7% market share and it produced over 450,000 units for the domestic and exports markets. In 2009, up to the month of September, it has been the market leader by commercializing 106,494 vehicles, with a 20.1% market share, and up to this month, it has produced 247,505 units. Nissan is focused on improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, being its main objectives to reduce CO2 emissions, eliminate other types of emissions and to increase recycling.

Renault Mexico S. A. de C. V.
Subsidiary of Renault group, it was re-established in collaboration of its partner Nissan Mexicana S. A. de C.V. in January 2000. In December 2000, Renault and Nissan announce the first Alliance manufacturing product in Cuernavaca Nissan plant: Scenic. In March 2001, Renault inaugurates its first franchise in Mexico City. In December 2001, the first Clio was manufacture in Aguascalientes Nissan plant. Up to December 2008, Renault Mexico had produced 81 449 units under Nissan’s manufacturing facilities and sold 136 846 vehicles on his 50 franchises around Mexico. In September 2009 Renault’s participation in the Mexican market was 1.71%. In line with Renault eco2 environmental policy, Renault Z.E. electric vehicles are poised to be marketed on a large scale with a view to taking a decisive stand on the environmental front.


Green Plan Mexico City
The Green Plan is the mid-term plan of Mexico City that contains the strategies and actions to drive the city towards development sustainability for it to continue being an adequate space for its inhabitants without affecting the natural heritage that makes it viable. The Green Plan considers an entire environmental agenda (Environmental Agenda for Mexico City. Environmental Program 2007-2012), and its main aim is focused on driving Mexico City towards sustainability since, as most cities of the new century, the metropolis is in demand of medium and long term policies and actions to guarantee its ecologic feasibility. The Agenda represents a group of unprecedented actions to improve the life quality of its inhabitants and to achieve the aim of the Government of Mexico City focused on transforming it into the greenest city in Latin America; but mainly, it responds to the legitimate demand of having policies that foster measures against the environmental deterioration.

CONTACT:
Diego Arrazola
Nissan Mexicana, S.A de C.V.
Phone: (52) 55 5628 - 2727
e-mail: [email protected]

Mónica Pérez
Renault México S.A. de C.V
Phone: (52) 55 9183 – 5502
e-mail:[email protected]

Angélica Patiño
Mexico City Government Media Relations
Phone: (52) 55 5345 - 8000
e-mail: [email protected]
 
Nissan Leaf | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express

car_photo_339490_7.jpg


The Leaf shows that buyers won’t have to compromise on comfort or performance if they want zero emissions.

It remains to be seen if a charging infrastructure will be in place by the time it goes on sale. But with the cost of battery technology falling, and the Government promising a discount of £5,000 on the price, this looks a realistic alternative.
 
Nissan to Lease Leaf Battery

Nissan’s Electric Leaf Spreads the EV Gospel | Autopia | Wired.com

“People are looking to us for a solution,” Ghosn said. “If we bring an electric car to market at the same price as a conventional car and we can prove battery lease and energy costs are cheaper than gasoline, I think we’ll have a hit.”

That’s right. You’ll own the car. Nissan will own the battery.

Ghosn said leasing batteries — which Nissan will produce through a joint venture with NEC — provides several benefits. First and foremost, it keeps the cost of the car reasonable. Although automakers don’t discuss what their batteries cost, they are widely believed to run $500 to $1,000 per kilowatt-hour. The Leaf sports a 24 kilowatt-hour lithium manganese battery.

By retaining ownership of the battery, Nissan also can update them as technology advances so consumers aren’t left with “last year’s model.” And though Ghosn didn’t mention it, leasing provides Nissan with some cover should the battery wear out prematurely because it can just replace the pack.

“You don’t worry about the battery,” Ghosn said. “We worry about the battery.”

Project Better Place?

I thought the projected prices sounded funny. Battery packs haven't gotten that much cheaper that quickly.
 
It's accounting shenanigans. They don't think you'll buy a bare-bones electric car for $48,000.00. (They're probably right.)

They hide the true cost of the car by breaking it into car+battery. You buy the car and lease the battery. They pretend that the battery lease payments plus the cost of electricity will roughly equal the equivalent gasoline expense.

If the cost of the battery goes down their profit margins improve. The lease payments for new batteries won't decline nearly as fast as the cost.

It will be interesting to see the tap dancing Mitsubishi does with the iMiev.
 
They pretend that the battery lease payments plus the cost of electricity will roughly equal the equivalent gasoline expense.

Well they can't just pretend. The lease price on battery has to be low enough (say $150 a month) for this to be correct.

The truth is battery prices will go down - and the oil prices (if you can get enough of it) will go up.
 
Nissan CEO Says Their Electric Car Strategy is Unique in Industry | Reuters

I like reading this:
Along with the US unveiling of the LEAF, Ghosn made the announcement that the next electric vehicle they will bring to the US is an electric version of a Nissan light duty commercial vehicle for city deliveries. And after that will be an Infiniti compact luxury electric car, which, according to Ghosn, will be a "stylish, high-performance four seater."
 
Nissan throws down the next Gauntlet of the EV Wave

He revealed that the official line on the price is that it will be in the $25k -$33K range and that would also depend on if the battery was for sale or leased. Sounded like $25K purchase + a $100-$150/month lease was a likely possibility. That was all before rebates and the rep was not certain on what the like government rebates would be like since it is not clear if the current rebate programs will continue. He also said that the target was to have these vehicles available to the public around this time next year so likely the 2011 model year is my guess.
 

I think $25-33K purchase price range is too high for the LEAF. In essence, it is an electrified Versa, which goes for 13K-16.5K. Is the body + power electronics + electric motor really that expensive? Prius, which LEAF buyers will likely cross-shop, starts at $22.4K-27.7K. LEAF will likely have the "more fun to drive" angle going for it, but 100 miles on city cycle is a bit low. The $7.5K federal tax credit may sweeten the deal a little, but will it apply for battery lease deal? Too many questions here ...
 
I think $25-33K purchase price range is too high for the LEAF. In essence, it is an electrified Versa, which goes for 13K-16.5K. Is the body + power electronics + electric motor really that expensive? Prius, which LEAF buyers will likely cross-shop, starts at $22.4K-27.7K. LEAF will likely have the "more fun to drive" angle going for it, but 100 miles on city cycle is a bit low. The $7.5K federal tax credit may sweeten the deal a little, but will it apply for battery lease deal? Too many questions here ...
I'm guessing body + power electronics + electric motor can easily add ~$10k to the price depending on volume. But that's looking at conversion prices (AC motor is is $5k+, a decent controller is $2k+, charger is $2k+). I'm sure Nissan can do better.

It is a bit steep if you are already leasing the battery. If not, I think even mid $30k is pretty good pricing.