Photo: Nissan
The Nissan Leaf has just gone on sale in Australia, making it only the second all-electric car to be sold on the continent, following the launch of Mitsubishi’s iMiEV, in August of 2011. At the press conference held after the launch, Nissan’s global product planning chief, Tom Lane, clearly stated that the acceptance level for the Leaf would remain low, unless serious incentives from the Australian government would entice buyers into the car.
Furthermore, Nissan’s global general manager of product strategy, advanced and exploratory planning, Francois Bancon, was even more drastic and clearly told the Australian press that the Leaf would not succeed without the government’s help. He went on to say that “This technology is expensive, the car is expensive [...] Where we sell the best is where the governments offer their support … which is not only the incentive for the direct purchase, but also they are investing in the infrastructure.”
Another downside to the whole deal is the fact that the Leaf is extremely expensive in Australia, costing in excess of AUD50,000, whereas US buyers can purchase the car (with the federal tax credit deducted) at a little over half that. The Aussie government currently offers no benefits for EV buyers, but they will have to, otherwise the country will stagnate and it will be left behind more EV-friendly nations.
Story via caradvice.com.au
Another downside to the whole deal is the fact that the Leaf is extremely expensive in Australia, costing in excess of AUD50,000, whereas US buyers can purchase the car (with the federal tax credit deducted) at a little over half that. The Aussie government currently offers no benefits for EV buyers, but they will have to, otherwise the country will stagnate and it will be left behind more EV-friendly nations.
Story via caradvice.com.au
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