“We are confident we will have 20,000 reservations for the Leaf by the time it goes on sale,” Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s chairman for the Americas, said Tuesday according to a report by autoweek.com.
Nissan has already formed electric alliances with several companies across the globe but says that Nashville is playing a key role in the global market strategy of the company. Nissan struggles to expand its zero-emission mobility in several areas of the world and thus create recharging points for the Leaf.
The Japanese manufacturer has already invested $2 billion in the Smyrna, Tenn. production facility to build 150,000 Leafs and 200,000 li-ion batteries starting in 2012.
“Tennessee will be a critical place with the largest electrical recharging infrastructure anywhere,” he said.
The Leaf is a medium-size electric hatchback that is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that manage to develop 90 kW, while its electric motors produce 80 kW/280 Nm of torque. The car, which provides enough room for five passengers, can cover a maximum distance of 100 miles (160 km) per charge.
"Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride. We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry”, said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
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