Nissan in South Africa is set to create a new kind of stir in the local vehicle market this spring as the Nissan LEAF goes on sale as the country’s first electric vehicle (EV).
The Nissan LEAF will be making its South African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October 2013, going on sale to the public at the same time.
The Nissan LEAF has already been impressing South Africans in pilot programs with Eskom – the national electricity supplier – the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the outcome of the programs paving the way forward for the development of the entire new EV industry in South Africa.
With benefits including zero emissions, silent and smooth operation with new driving sensations, home-charging convenience and an advantage in running costs over vehicles with combustion engines, the Nissan LEAF’s launch in South Africa rings true to the LEAF being the only globally-accepted, mass-produced EV.
“After initially announcing that the Nissan LEAF would grace South African roads at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, we are now even more excited to be able to bring full EV mobility to the South African public with a holistic approach,” concludes Whitfield. “This award-winning car will set a new tone for personal mobility in the country and we are honored that Nissan is the first name on the list of EV manufacturers in South Africa.”
