This month marks the initial deliveries of Nissan’s 100 percent electric Leaf. The first delivery went to an entrepreneur in Northern California over the weekend. Yesterday, the first Leaf in Southern California was delivered to a patent attorney in La Jolla.
“Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan Leaf has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. “Starting today, Southern California drivers have the freedom to choose a future that produces zero tailpipe emissions, moves away from our dependence on fossil fuels, and represents the end of trips to the gas station. This Nissan Leaf delivery signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp.”
The delivery of these initial Leafs marks a major milestone as they’re expected to help jump-start electric vehicle adoption. In fact, the Leaf that was delivered in Southern California this week is the first to participate in The EV Project, the largest EV infrastructure deployment project ever undertaken. The EV Project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by EV charging-company ECOtality
“It’s an exciting day for the EV Project, ECOtality and the launch of our Blink network,” said Jonathan Read, president and CEO, ECOtality, Inc. “We are pleased to be a part of the Nissan Leaf launch and we’re looking forward to working together to bring these vehicles and charging to the mass market. These are the first of thousands of electric vehicles that are coming in the near futures, which will mark the long-term success of electric vehicles and Nissan’s leadership in the market.”
Other organizations are also eager to lay the foundation for greater EV adoption. Nissan has collaborated with San Diego Gas & Electric and the San Diego Association of Governments to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV-charging infrastructure.
Nissan is preparing for its second shipment of Leaf EVs, which is slated to arrive on December 20. The automaker is on track for a nationwide launch of the Nissan Leaf by 2012, with Hawaii and Texas next to roll out in early 2011. For those still interested in having a Leaf EV in their driveway, Nissan will reopen reservations in the first half of 2011.
