$40K pricetag for LEAF

Nissan Australia is not ready to confirm pricing for the LEAF electric vehicle, due here in 2012, but we should expect a figure over $40,000 for the clever hatch, even after hoped-for government incentives.

Going by pricing recently set in the UK, the LEAF will cost more than an equivalent conventionally-engined small car, however, Nissan says buyers will greatly save in fuel costs and benefit over the 'lifecycle' of ownership -- five to six years in their estimate.

But government incentives will be key to the final pricetag. Indeed, incentives  from $7000 to over $10,000 have been proposed for EV buyers in places like France, Japan and the USA. The French government, for example, is offering the equivalent of $7500 in buyer incentives. As Nissan's priority list of countries to first receive the LEAF is partly determined by such support, it's little surprise France has jumped the queue since announcing the plan.

Meanwhile, Nissan Australia is getting nowhere fast on formalising local grants or subsidies despite continued efforts with state and federal governments.

Company Manager Director Dan Thompson has repeatedly commented at the lack of progress made over the past 12 months. This week at the first drive of the production LEAF in Japan, he confirmed no further progress had been made since the signing of agreements with various states and councils last year.

Thompson admitted Nissan Australia was at least 12 months away from establishing pricing for the LEAF, however, he confirmed retail and lease, or lease-only options would be likely.

Lease-only (car and battery) is his company’s preferred offering, Thompson said, because it "solves some of the hurdles" associated with electric car ownership such as "range anxiety".

"We want to mass-market the car; we’re not just talking to early adopters. It’s important we package an entire proposition -- vehicle, battery, even charging plans -- and the best way to do that is provide an all-inclusive offer," he told the Carsales Network.

Customers also have the option of using Nissan’s own automotive finance company, now operational in Australia, he was quick to add.

"It’s a big advantage for us to have the [finance] facilities available within our company," Thompson said.

See the Nissan Leaf in action at Carsales TV.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi.