Price on plug-in LEAF over $50K

The world's first mass-production electric vehicle won't come at a price to suit everyone. Nissan Australia announced today the plug-in LEAF hatch will start at $51,500 when it arrives for sale late in 2012.

Prospective buyers will also have to "qualify" for ownership. Nissan wants to be sure the LEAF goes to the right households, meaning owners will need to have the right charging set-up and prove the approximate 140km per day driving range will suit them before they place an order.

The steps "aren't meant to be onerous", rather Nissan intends treating LEAF owners in a similarly extra-special manner as for those who bought the GT-R, ensuring "the highest level of satisfaction". A program designed to train early adopters, called the 'LEAF Customer Journey', will begin in February next year.

The price does not include charging apparatus. Nissan Australia executives said differences in requirements between houses mean each owner will be charged according to the fitter's assessment.

Australians will be offered one specification level. Equipment details weren't available, but expect the best of what's available for the hatch. The brand here has previously (for example, the 370Z) ensured its special models are highly specced.

When Nissan-Renault chief Carlos Ghosn announced the release of the LEAF in 2009 he said his company intended the electric vehicle to be affordable. Here at least, the $50K pricetag will exclude some would-be buyers.

However when asked on local pricing, Nissan Australia managing director Dan Thompson (pictured) told motoring.com.au: "We're quite pleased with what we could arrange [with headquarters]... Two or three years ago we were unsure of what government incentives we could establish."

In LEAF's other markets some buyers enjoy various government or council arranged savings and/or conveniences, ranging from reduced registration rates to free parking.

Thompson suggests the LEAF's price is on the mark, considering its (high) specification and position. "We think we've found a sweet-spot in the low-volume segment [pricing]..."

A 13-strong dealership network will be in force by the time the LEAF is rolled out in Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney from June. According to Nissan, servicing intervals are expected to be similar to those required by an equivalent internal combustion engine but the LEAF’s electric system "requires much less" during tune-up. Nissan wants the LEAF support program to act as a "one-stop-shop on EV".

In other Nissan Australia announcements, next year will see the release of a light car segment sedan, called Almera, and the return of the Pulsar in sedan and hatch form. Four Infiniti models are also scheduled to arrive by 2013.

Visit motoring.com.au again for more Nissan news.

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