The all-electric Nissan Leaf will sell for $25,280 (about €18,800) including federal tax credits, the Japanese automaker announced on Tuesday, making it more expensive than conventional gasoline/diesel or hybrid cars.
The actual MSRP (not including applicable tax, title and license fees) for the Leaf is $32,780, but there's a $7,500 federal tax credit which brings the price down to $25,280 for the entry-level version. According to the automaker, the Leaf can leased for a monthly payment beginning at $349.
Nissan said that there is an array of state and local incentives that may further reduce the costs 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.
Buyers will have to pay an additional $2,200 (including installation) for personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply. However, Nissan said that the charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000.
According to Nissan, using current national electricity averages, it will cost less than $3 to fully charge the Leaf's lithium-ion batteries.
Slightly larger than the Tiida, the five-door hatchback is powered by an electric motor producing 107-horsepower and 280Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Nissan says that the Leaf can achieve a top speed of over 90mph or 140 km/h.
It's lithium-ion battery pack can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in under 30 minutes with a quick charger while charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours. The LEAF is said to have a driving range of more than 100 miles (160 kilometers).
The Japanese automaker will begin accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com. Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable.
