Want a Nissan Leaf? Too bad.

I want a Nissan Leaf.  Bad.  Why? Because 90% of people commute less than 60 miles round trip, including me.  I commute 50 miles round trip and the Leaf (like most recent electric car revisions) has a range of about 100 miles depending on driving style and conditions.

Here is the problem.  The LEAF is already sold out for 2010!  Remember when GM claimed the EV1 (Electric Vehicle 1) had no public interest?  The LEAF flying off the shelf before dealers even take delivery of the first one is proof-positive that market demand was and remains strong for an electric car.

I would drive one in a second.  Admittedly, I didn’t pay the deposit to secure myself a LEAF before they become available.  However, as much as I want one, I’m not ready to pay $32,000 for a brand new car.  They market the LEAF at $25,000, but that is including a $7,500 tax credit; not to be confused with a tax rebate which is basically cash in your pocket.  A tax credit reduces your taxable income which is helpful but not the same benefit.

Take this as a sign one step further.  What does the high demand say for the market for all future electric vehicles?  Chevy comes out with the VOLT later this year and we’re likely to see a similar response.  Yes, Nissan may be the first company to bring an all-electric to market, Chevy will no-doubt absorb some of the market hype for the vehicles.

What’s great about all-electric vehicles as opposed to other zero-emissions options?  Hydrogen lacks the infrastructure to support massive roll-outs.  Hybrid electrics are not entirely clean.  All electrics are the only option that will work with our existing electric infrastructure and can be plugged into any standard outlet.  Of course you can also have the high volume charging station built for the LEAF installed right in your garage.

Count me in as a future electric vehicle owner, whether it ends up being a Chevy, Nissan, or something else.

Read more about the LEAF at NissanUSA.com 

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