2011 Nissan LEAF: $99 Deposit Required to Reserve New Mass Market Electric Vehicle

Just in time for Earth Day, Nissan North America, Inc. began taking reservations for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric vehicle today. On a full battery charge the vehicle can be driven up to 100 miles. To secure a vehicle, Nissan is using a formalized reservation system for those wishing to purchase or lease the all-new LEAF. According to Nissan, the LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in December, and will be widely available in 2011.

So far, in the States, more than 115,000 people have formalized their interest in driving a Nissan LEAF by signing up for more information on NissanUSA.com. These registrants will be given priority in the reservation process. Consumers must have been registered on the site by the midnight Monday (April 19, 2010) in order to be eligible for the early reservation process. However, if you missed the date, don't fret. Reservations will open to the general public on May 15. The reservation process is below:

                                          Reservation Process:

• Priority reservation instructions are being sent to early registrants by email between 1-6 pm EDT on April 20. The email will include an exclusive link enabling each person to start the reservation process.
• Through the link, 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 by credit card a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable. This is the same fee required to order the two-seater SMART micro car.
• 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.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780. However, once you deduct the $7,500 federal tax credit, pricing will start at $25, 280. Moreover, according to Nissan, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further lower the cost of the LEAF. This is expected to be the most affordable electric vehicle available to date.

For example, a $5,000 statewide tax 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. This lease price doesn't include taxes. 

GM is expected to be the next automaker to launch a mass electric vehicle, with the upcoming Volt. As of now, pricing hasn't been determined for GM's electric vehicle.