Nissan Leaf in China in 2011

Nissan will bring the zero-emission electric car in China in 2011 and it will even produce it locally with the help of its Dongfeng Nissan joint venture at a later date. The car will be initially launched in the United States and in Japan, Nissan's domestic market, in the second half of 2010 but the company plans to sell the Leaf in several countries across the globe, including in China.

But Nissan won't hurry to launch the Leaf in China and will only sell import models in the country in 2011. In case demand is high enough, Dongfeng Nissan might start production of the car, gasgoo.com wrote.

The Leaf is a medium-size electric hatchback that is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that generate 90 kW, while its electric motors produce 80 kW/280 Nm of torque.

"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 said in early August when revealing the car.

“Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato Inoue, Product Chief Designer.