Nissan Canada announces pricing on all-electric 2011 Nissan LEAF

Today Nissan Canada announced pricing for the all-new Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, mass-marketed all-electric car made for the real-world driving needs of consumers. With an MSRP starting at $38,395, the 2011 Nissan LEAF offers Canadians the first real opportunity to own a zero-emission car that offers them the size, safety, features and comfort they desire to meet their day-to-day driving needs.

With its 24 kWh battery, customers in Ontario and Quebec are eligible for a provincial government rebate of $8,500 and $8,000, respectively, toward the cost of a Nissan LEAF, the maximum amount available.

"The pricing announcement today brings us one step closer to the Nissan LEAF officially arriving on Canadian streets this fall for consumers and the interest from Canadian's demonstrates their desire for a viable zero-emission choice," said Ian Forsyth, EV Project Manager with Nissan Canada Inc. "In addition to driving one of the most innovative and fun-to-drive cars in the market, Nissan LEAF owners will have the added benefit of a fraction of the operating costs of traditional gas-powered and hybrid vehicles."

The operating costs of the Nissan LEAF are significantly less than an internal combustion engine (ICE) because it does not have an engine, requires no oil changes and requires less maintenance work. As well, the cost per kilometre of a Nissan LEAF is about 80% lower than that of a very fuel-efficient car.

For example, a car with an ICE and an average fuel efficiency of 8 litres/100 kms will cost about $1,760 in gas per year (assuming a gas price of $1.10/litre and a distance of 20,000 kms/year). To travel the same distance in the Nissan LEAF will cost approximately $320 per year (with electricity at $0.11 kWh).

"The Nissan LEAF was designed from the ground up as an all-electric vehicle and includes extensive design innovations exclusive to this car," added Forsyth. "In addition to the lithium-ion battery that's at the heart of Nissan LEAF, there's the noise-reducing antenna design, an ECO driving mode to maximize range and the CARWINGS telematics system to communicate with the car via smart phone, to name just a few."

The Nissan LEAF will be available in two trim levels including the well-equipped "SV" base model ($38,395) which includes an extensive list of standard features including the "cold weather package" specifically designed for countries with colder climates.

Also standard are

• 80 kW (107 horsepower) AC synchronous electric motor;
• 24kWh lithium-ion battery and 3.3 kW onboard charger;
• Front and Rear Disc brakes, regenerative braking system, ABS, Brake Assist
• Vehicle Dynamic Control; Traction Control System
• 16" alloy wheels, LED headlights;
• Dual power, heated outside mirrors and real spoiler;
• Nissan Navigation System;
• CARWINGS telematics monitoring system and trip computer;
• Battery heater system
• Front and rear heated seats and heated steering wheel;
• Bluetooth ®;
• Nissan Intelligent Key ®;
• Automatic climate control, cruise control;
• XM Satellite radio (subscription required) and USB connection for iPod;
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror and variable intermittent wipers.

The SL* model ($39,995) adds

• Rearview monitor;
• Fog lights;
• Solar panel charger;
• Homelink transceiver (for garage door openers);
• Cargo cover.

*Available option on the SL model is the Quick Charge Port ($900).

About the Nissan LEAF

One of the industry's most-discussed vehicles for good reason, Nissan LEAF™ is the world's first affordable, zero-emission car designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle.

Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback with ample cargo space and seating for five adults comfortably. With a range of 160 kilometres (EPA LA4 cycle) on one full charge, Nissan LEAF provides 90% of Canadians with the range needed for daily commutes. With a 240 volt home charging station full charge is achieved in seven hours, and with a Level 3 Quick Charger, 80% charge can be achieved in just 26 minutes.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, Nissan LEAF generates 107 horsepower, 207 lb-ft of torque providing a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience. Because there's no traditional engine, Nissan LEAF is ultra-quiet and for safety reasons a sound had to be added so pedestrians could hear the car coming!

The instrument panel provides the driver with regular updates on range and driving efficiency, and using a telematics system called CARWINGS, the driver can communicate with the car via a smart phone with the ability to turn on the air conditioning or heat remotely, and manage and monitor charging.