Nissan Picks Hawaii For New LEAF Car

Nissan North America Inc. on Monday announced it chose Hawaii as one of its markets to launch sales of its electric vehicle, the LEAF.

Sales are scheduled to begin at the beginning of next year. The company will take refundable $99 reservations starting May 15.

"The introduction of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle will build on Hawaii’s progress to end our state’s over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase our energy security," Gov. Linda Lingle said in a written statement.

The LEAF is expected to sell for $32,780. The vehicle will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, Nissan said.

Nissan said that the LEAF will cost about 5 cents a mile, compared to gasoline-powered vehicles that average about 14 cents a mile.

The car is expected to recharge by using a special 220-watt converter kit for the home over a four- to eight-hour period, or about 30 minutes at a commercial facility.

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