Look, Ma: No Tailpipe!
All-Electric, Zero-Emissions LEAF Sparks Excitement for Area Nissan Dealer
University Nissan in Boone hopes to soon begin accepting pre-orders for the Nissan LEAF, a 100 percent electric-powered hatchback scheduled for sales in the U.S. beginning in December.As the world’s oil supplies dwindle into their autumn years, a new LEAF could soon create a windfall for a local auto dealer.
University Nissan in Boone hopes to soon flick the switch for onsite pre-orders of Nissan’s anticipated LEAF all-electric hatchback. The zero-emissions car, projected to be able to travel 100 miles on a full charge, will be available for sale in the U.S. around December 2010.
“It’s a major game changer both for the auto industry and for Nissan,” University Nissan owner Chris Welborne said.
“It will be the first [mass-produced] 100 percent all-electric, affordable vehicle—no gas, no tailpipe,” he added.
The Boone dealership still has to make a few facility upgrades before being certified by Nissan, which will then allow them to take pre-orders directly at the dealership. But Manager John Cook says local interest is very high.
“It’s not so much people walking in store. I get stopped in public, and lots of people ask about the LEAF,” he said, adding potential customers can pre-order now by clicking towww.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.
“I think folks in the High Country will see the value in the future of our environment,” Welborne said, adding that Nissan now has more than 20,000 pre-orders for the LEAF.
Discussing the LEAF’s 100-mile range, Cook noted that studies show 95 percent of all motorists drive less than 100 miles per day on average.
Every LEAF will come equipped standard with a trickle charger that will fill up the battery in 20 hours from a standard household plug. However, Cook said owners would also have to buy a home docking station to be installed in a garage or other location near the car’s regular parking spot.
The charging station—priced at $2,200—will charge the LEAF to full capacity in eight hours, and the price can be rolled into the vehicle’s sale price.
Finally, Cook said the federal government will be installing charging stations across the country in the coming months, as will several national retailers like Starbucks, making a cross-country trek a reality.
These stations can “fill ‘er up” in 30 minutes.
Just how much do zero emissions cost?
Cook estimates an overnight home charge at low-demand electric rates would cost about $3. Multiplied by the federal government’s estimated annual days of car use—255—yields a total annual fuel cost of $765.
“The cheapest energy available to anyone right now is electricity,” Cook said.
But will the Electric Hatchback That Could take the High Country’s curves, hills and mountains?
Cook says the LEAF drives like any other compact car and can reach speeds of up to 90 mph. In order to demonstrate its versatility, Nissan is featuring a cross-country promotional tour.
Not only will it behave better than a standard gas-guzzler, Cook said the LEAF project represents a new public-private partnership.
“What’s special about the LEAF is that Nissan and the federal government have joined together to build the battery plant in Tennessee,” he said. “So the car will be 100-percent built in America.”
After government expenses, Cook estimates the LEAF will cost about $25,000 but is expected to list at around $32,000 before incentives.
“All across the world, this is the next big thing for our automotive future,” Welborne said. “All auto brands are working hard to keep up.
“It is here for good.”
For more information about local LEAF sales, click to UniversityNissan.com.
University Nissan in Boone hopes to soon flick the switch for onsite pre-orders of Nissan’s anticipated LEAF all-electric hatchback. The zero-emissions car, projected to be able to travel 100 miles on a full charge, will be available for sale in the U.S. around December 2010.
“It’s a major game changer both for the auto industry and for Nissan,” University Nissan owner Chris Welborne said.
“It will be the first [mass-produced] 100 percent all-electric, affordable vehicle—no gas, no tailpipe,” he added.
The Boone dealership still has to make a few facility upgrades before being certified by Nissan, which will then allow them to take pre-orders directly at the dealership. But Manager John Cook says local interest is very high.
“It’s not so much people walking in store. I get stopped in public, and lots of people ask about the LEAF,” he said, adding potential customers can pre-order now by clicking towww.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.
“I think folks in the High Country will see the value in the future of our environment,” Welborne said, adding that Nissan now has more than 20,000 pre-orders for the LEAF.
Discussing the LEAF’s 100-mile range, Cook noted that studies show 95 percent of all motorists drive less than 100 miles per day on average.
Every LEAF will come equipped standard with a trickle charger that will fill up the battery in 20 hours from a standard household plug. However, Cook said owners would also have to buy a home docking station to be installed in a garage or other location near the car’s regular parking spot.
The charging station—priced at $2,200—will charge the LEAF to full capacity in eight hours, and the price can be rolled into the vehicle’s sale price.
Finally, Cook said the federal government will be installing charging stations across the country in the coming months, as will several national retailers like Starbucks, making a cross-country trek a reality.
These stations can “fill ‘er up” in 30 minutes.
Just how much do zero emissions cost?
Cook estimates an overnight home charge at low-demand electric rates would cost about $3. Multiplied by the federal government’s estimated annual days of car use—255—yields a total annual fuel cost of $765.
“The cheapest energy available to anyone right now is electricity,” Cook said.
But will the Electric Hatchback That Could take the High Country’s curves, hills and mountains?
Cook says the LEAF drives like any other compact car and can reach speeds of up to 90 mph. In order to demonstrate its versatility, Nissan is featuring a cross-country promotional tour.
Not only will it behave better than a standard gas-guzzler, Cook said the LEAF project represents a new public-private partnership.
“What’s special about the LEAF is that Nissan and the federal government have joined together to build the battery plant in Tennessee,” he said. “So the car will be 100-percent built in America.”
After government expenses, Cook estimates the LEAF will cost about $25,000 but is expected to list at around $32,000 before incentives.
“All across the world, this is the next big thing for our automotive future,” Welborne said. “All auto brands are working hard to keep up.
“It is here for good.”
For more information about local LEAF sales, click to UniversityNissan.com.
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