Nissan has announced that UK car buyers can now place orders for Nissan LEAF electric hatchback.
Customers can sign up online via the dedicated reservation website and put down a refundable £257 deposit.
This is the first step in securing a place on the list to receive one of the first Japanese-built Nissan LEAFs, deliveries of which will start in March priced at £23,990 (including £5,000 government incentive).
These motoring pioneers will then get an opportunity to test-drive their prospective purchase by the end of this year, at which point they will need to formally confirm their order. A dedicated call centre has also been set up to assist customers with questions.
The Nissan LEAF’s advanced technology means it will be considerably cheaper to run than a conventional compact family hatchback, Nissan said.
Depending on an individual’s electricity tariff and time of charging, it will be possible to run the LEAF for less than 2pence per mile. Additional financial benefits include reduced servicing costs, exemption from London’s congestion charge, zero vehicle tax and zero benefit in kind for company car drivers.
Paul Willcox, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “The Nissan LEAF is generating huge interest across the world, with more than 25,000 customers already putting down deposits in the US and Japan. We know that the benefits of electric mobility have struck a chord with motorists in the UK and initial interest across retail and fleet channels could result in demand outstripping initial supply.”
Available in five exterior colors and one high-specification trim level, all models will come with air conditioning, satellite navigation and a parking camera as standard, plus smart phone connectivity that enables owners to check charging levels plus heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via their handset.
The car’s AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 90mph and it can travel up to 100 miles on a full charge. Research indicates that the average daily mileage for 80 percent of the UK population is less than 30 miles.
