Nissan Reveals Leaf EV Order Process, Sees High Demand

Are you thinking about buying a 2011 Nissan Leaf? Nissan just revealed its plan for allowing consumers to order the 4-door hatchback electric vehicle. Starting in April, Nissan will begin taking $100 reservations, followed by formal orders in August. Nissan plans to start delivery for the EV beginning this December.

Last fall we reported that Nissan expected no more than 20,000 pre-orders for its first EV offering. It seems the car may be a bit more popular than Nissan originally expected, (possibly due to the 3-month, 24-city tour it just wrapped up) to date it has seen near 50,000 registrations on its website. Though not full-fledged orders, it is getting much more attention than predicted. With an expected world-wide allotment of only 5000 units for the first year Nissan’s supply is looking to be greatly outpaced by consumer demand. Official pricing for the leaf will come in April, just before the reservation process begins. The world’s first mass-market EV is rumored to be priced in the $30,000 range. Nissan will be strict with its reservation process, giving first dibs to those who registered online. And the first pick will go to customers who have placed a $100 reservation, beginning in August. The Leaf won’t be available in all markets initially, but will be offered everywhere shortly after launch. The lack of a much-needed charging infrastructure though may make consumers reconsider before actually making the purchase.

Nissan’s Leaf launch is near that of the Chevrolet Volt. The two cars do employ different technology, but share the ability to travel far distances for a minimal fee. The Volt is scheduled to launch in November and cost roughly $40,000, the Leaf comes one month later but is expected sticker for approximately $10,000 less.