Yesterday (4/20/2010), Nissan emailed their prospective Leaf customers with an opportunity to place reservations for the new all-electric vehicle when it becomes available in December of this year.  The email went out to some 115,000 people who have registered their interest on the Nissan website in buying a Leaf, a 5-passenger vehicle designed to travel over 90 miles per hour and to go 100 miles on a charge.  It uses no gasoline, emits no carbon from the tailpipe, and can be fully charged for about $2.75.  For those who are able to obtain their electricity through renewable sources, this is a vehicle that will create no carbon emissions.  Reservations for orders will be opened to the general public on May 15.

Customers receiving the advance reservation email were asked to choose one of five color options and two trim levels.   Color options are red, blue, white, silver, and black.  Trim levels are SV and SL.  Both trim levels include an impressive array of features, including a navigational system that is able to locate recharging stations as they become available, a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA CD playback capability, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, and 6 speakers.  The SL trim level adds a rearview monitoring camera, solar spoiler that extends battery power, fog lights, automatic on-off headlamps, and a quick charger that enables the owner to charge the vehicle to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes.  The SV version is priced at $32,780, or can be leased for $349 per month with $1999 down.  The SL package adds about $1000 to the price. 

A $7500 U.S. government tax credit brings the base price down to $25,280.  The home charging station is estimated to cost another $2200.  However, customers who purchase their charging station in 2010 may qualify for a tax credit of 50% of the cost of the charging station installation up to $2000.  In addition, state tax credits may apply.  For example, the state of Washington is offering a sales tax exemption for vehicles that get better than 40 miles per gallon through 2010.

Official Nissan Leaf Site