Nissan’s upcoming Leaf electric car could outsell hybrids like Toyota’s Prius even though it has a range of just 100 miles (160 km) according to Nissan North America’s vice president for product planning Larry Dominique.
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He said that, unlike more expensive hybrids, owners of the zero-emission Leaf would be able to save money while saving the environment. He added that hybrids and range extended plug in hybrids are good technologies but, for mass market appeal, they faced bigger obstacles, especially on initial cost.
Hybrids currently account for about 2% of global vehicle sales. Nissan expects electric vehicles to take 10% by 2016 to 2020.
Speaking on the sidelines of an automotive conference in Traverse City, Michigan, Dominique said: “We are very confident that Leaf will give a lower cost to ownership.”
Nissan plans to sell the mid size C-segment hatchback somewhere in the US$25,000 to $33,000 range, slightly more than the current price of the Toyota Prius but up to $20,000 dollars less than the expected cost of the Volt, General Motors’ plug-in hybrid.
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By GlobalDataSavings also come in the cost of refueling: even in the most expensive electricity markets, most drivers should be able to charge their Leaf at home for less than $1, he added.
Nissan plans to introduce the Leaf to business and government fleet customers in the United States, Japan and Europe next year. The company is is also working with a number of utility companies and local governments to set up public recharging stations so the car can be sold to consumers by late 2010. It is targeted for mass market release in 2012.
Dominique acknowledged that it would be a challenge to mass market a limited range vehicle in the geographically widespread United States but the current range would be sufficient to meet the daily commuting needs of the vast majority of drivers.
“We do believe that we’re at this tipping point where if we bring in the right technology at the right price with the right execution… that we’ll be able to convince people this is a great alternative.”
Owners will be able to recharge the battery at home through the domestic power supply in about eight hours, or top it up to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes at planned electric recharging stations. Among other features, drivers will be able to use their mobile telephones to turn on the air conditioning in advance and set battery charging functions. The car will also be able to tell owners when it has been fully charged.
