Nissan North America Announces Agreement With State of Hawaii for Electric Vehicle Development
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
HONOLULU, Aug. 31 -- 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.
"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.