Nissan North America Announces Agreement With State of Hawaii for Electric Vehicle Development

HONOLULU, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nissan North America and the state of Hawaii announced a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of electric vehicles, and an electric-vehicle charging network, throughout the state. The partnership, which was announced at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo in Honolulu, marks Nissan's first definitive agreement in the United States and will help to foster the adoption of electric-vehicle technology. The Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, zero-emission, all-electric vehicle for the mass market, will be available in Hawaii beginning in January 2011.

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"Nissan is a global leader in electric vehicles, and the state of Hawaii has shown similar leadership through its progressive policies and focus on clean energy," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "Hawaii's drivers share that commitment, as demonstrated by their strong interest in the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle, which arrives in Hawaii in January."

Hawaii has demonstrated policy leadership through the creation of a $4,500 state tax credit towards the purchase of an electric vehicle and a $500 state tax credit towards the purchase and installation of a home charging station. The state tax credit, paired with an available $7,500 federal tax credit, could bring the price of a Nissan LEAF, which carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $32,780, to as low as $20,780 for Hawaii consumers.

As part of the agreement, Nissan and the State of Hawaii will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs, as well as the deployment, operation and maintenance of a charging network. The partners also will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline the deployment of an EV infrastructure. Nissan is committing to bringing a supply of Nissan LEAF electric vehicles to Hawaii and readying the dealer body to sell and lease them to consumers.

"I appreciate Nissan's confidence in Hawaii and recognition of our commitment to pursuing a clean energy future," said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle.  "By bringing the Nissan LEAF to Hawaii and working collaboratively with the State and our partners toward the electrification of transportation, Nissan is playing an important role in helping us achieve the goal of reducing our dependence on imported oil."

"This partnership personifies Hawaii's commitment to a future powered by clean, sustainable sources of energy. In order to change the energy consumption patterns of our population, we have to offer drivers alternatives to vehicles that rely on imported fossil fuels," said Senator Daniel K. Inouye. "More than 90 percent of the fuel and energy we consume in Hawaii is the product of imported oil. Given our unique access to clean, renewable, energy sources, Hawaii should serve as a model of what is possible when government and business collaborate to plan a path forward into an energy efficient future."

The Nissan LEAF is a five-passenger compact electric car that uses no gas, creates no emissions and has no tailpipe. It has a top speed of 90 mph and is powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, which provide the car with a range of 100 miles on a single charge as tested on the LA4 test cycle, enough to satisfy the daily driving needs of more than 90 percent of Americans and to circle Oahu.  

Nationwide, more than 18,600 consumers have reserved a Nissan LEAF. Nissan is continuing to take reservations through its website, www.nissanusa.com. Interested consumers are encouraged to place a reservation, which entails a $99 fully refundable fee to secure a spot on the list to place an order. Consumers who already have reserved the Nissan LEAF online will be invited to place orders through their dealer for the vehicle in advance of market roll-out timing, allowing time for consumers to select a dealer and assess home charging needs.  

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America