Nissan prices EV Leaf under €30,000 in Europe

Nissan, Japan's third-biggest carmaker announced today that the all-electric Nissan 'Leaf' will be priced at under €30,000 (Rs17 lakhs) after incentives in most of its European launch markets.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the 'Leaf'.

In August 2009, Nissan unveiled the much-awaited electric vehicle, the 'Leaf', (See: Nissan unveils hatchback electric car 'Leaf') the zero-emission hatchback, powered by lithium-ion battery with a range of more than 160km (100 miles) on a single charge.

The Leaf is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan International SA.

Yokohama-based Nissan said that the Leaf, which will go on sale in the UK in February 2011, would cost €27,471in the UK after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is £28,350 before incentives.