FRANKLIN, TN - Nissan North America Inc. announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. 

Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20. Since the Leaf will be fully eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280, Nissan said. 

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan Leaf is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs -- such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California, a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia, a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon.

Nissan will also offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan Leaf.

"Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America.

The vehicle at the SV trim level has a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. 

The Nissan Leaf is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias, Nissan said. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent-key with push button start, Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. 

Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights and automatic headlights.

Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 -- first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers.

Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable. Reserving a Nissan Leaf ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to upcoming Nissan Leaf events. Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide availability in 2011.

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation. The home-charging stations will be built and installed by AeroVironment. The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be $2,200. 

The charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50-percent federal tax credit up to $2,000. Using current national electricity averages, the Leaf will cost less than $3 to fill up. 

Nissan Leaf also will be the sole vehicle available as part of the EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and installation for up to 4,700 Nissan Leaf owners in those markets.