Nissan Selects Hawaii as Early Launch State for LEAF
11 May 2010
Nissan North America, Inc. has selected Hawaii to be one of its initial launch markets in the US beginning in early 2011.
Nissan and the State of Hawaii are working towards a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle network. As part of the collaboration, Nissan has committed to make the all-electric Nissan LEAF available to Hawaii consumers.
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 available. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.
Nissan began accepting reservations this month. In the US, 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 20 April, when early reservations opened. Reservations, which are made through a $99 fully refundable reservation fee, will be open to the general public on 15 May.
Another smart marketing move by Renault-Nissan group. Let's hope that they can produce enough Leaf and batteries to meet demands.
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 May 2010 at 08:59 AM
Their electric rates are the highest in the nation, which is still a bargain when compared to the gasoline prices after being brought over from the mainland in tankers.
Posted by: SJC | 11 May 2010 at 11:08 AM
I'm surprised that Hawaii doesn't use more PV/wind for their electricity given that they use oil for nearly all of it. They have plenty of both sun/wind over there year round being pretty close to the equator.
Posted by: Dave R | 11 May 2010 at 12:36 PM
That has always puzzled me as well. The trade winds are pretty dependable and the grid could use all the electricity it could get instead of burning oil.
Posted by: SJC | 11 May 2010 at 01:39 PM
Using oil to generate electricity to recharge EVs batteries is not the most logical thing to do. Now that China is selling solar panels at under $1/W. something like $2000 of PVs could keep a Leaf running and the surplus could do a lot to supply the house with energy during sunlight hours.
It could be an excellent PR move for Renault-Nissan to supply (with each Leaf sold in Hawaii) enough PVs to offset the energy used by their Leaf car. This could be a win-win proposition.
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 May 2010 at 07:10 PM
People in Hawaii find it cost effective to put solar panels on their homes, because of the high electricity rates. It seems like the Leaf dealers could package a deal, even if Nissan does not.
Posted by: SJC | 12 May 2010 at 12:35 PM