Nissan Leaf

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[dpeilow]

There's a man who's thrilled to be selling his product...

[TEG]

Going after the Prius & Insight segment...




Although the closest competitor will probably be the MiEV.

[dpeilow]

Nissan's Un-be-Leaf-able Deal (NSANY)

While we're still waiting for an exact dollar figure out of Nissan, the range is getting tighter, with the company declaring that it will be "competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle," which is auto-speak for "small family sedan." In other words, that's somewhere in the $20,000-$30,000 range. One rumor has it that Nissan could apply a sticker price closer to that of the company's Versa model, roughly $15,000, to the Leaf. If true, such a price would undercut even Warren Buffett fave and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) vassal BYD, which plans to charge $22,000 for its F3DM.

[green01]

I noticed Darryl Siry posted a comment in his blog regarding "Nissan's Big Mistake".

I should let him do the posting here, but since he has Coda as a client, maybe he is hesitant.

Darryl Siry's Blog



Unlike most of my friends, I love the hatchback style of the Leaf, but will have to pass on buying one.

It's range is too short, and at 107 horsepower it is underpowered too. I guess my expectations of the Model S have me spoiled.

I think Nissan can fix these problems by adding a "Sport" model upgrade.

Increasing the battery energy from 24 to 35-40 kwh, and increasing the power from 107 to at least 160 horsepower would produce a respectable "No compromises" vehicle.

I know this will increase the cost, but as an upgrade to the base model, only those people who want the "Sport" option need to pay for it.

I really want Nissan to be a success. I just don't see a car with perhaps a 75-80 freeway mile range selling in volume. I think a Sport model is their best hope for success.

[TEG]

I hope a lot of people find that it works well for their commute and find the price point acceptable. The performance is probably adequate for most people.
We need more choices like this.

Yes, the range will be an issue for many, but with battery prices what they are I think they are right to keep the pack size relatively small. This is a car for modest commutes and close to home activities. They can rent a hybrid if they need to go on a road trip.

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So we are on two issues here. Siry's comment that Nissan is making a big mistake by saing 100 when 70 is more real. (It would be nice if they are secretly underestimating so 100 would turn out to be the real nunber)

And two.

What will people be happy with? I heard that when the EV1 offered the increased mileage at an increased price that most who had gotten used to what it could do turned down that option.

[TEG]

Nissan Leaf - batteries sold separately | Nissan | Leaf | CARtoday.com

...New owners will have to lease the 48 laminated lithium Ion batteries at a monthly rate. Nissan is reassuring prospective buyers that this will be cheaper than actually having to install permanent batteries.

“We believe that’s the right strategy, because that way Nissan remains responsible for the longevity and recycling of the batteries, not the customer. Bundling the battery in with the car would also add at least £6000 to the price; the battery lease should cost less than £100 a month,” said a company spokesperson...

Introducing the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle - BusinessWeek

...Key to its success will be bringing down the cost of the batteries, which currently cost around $10,000 per car to make. Sensibly, Nissan plans to lease the batteries to customers rather than try to sell the car at an inflated price...

So do you still get the $7500 rebate if you don't actually buy the batteries?

2011 Nissan LEAF: Batteries - AllCarsElectric.com

...the LEAF's battery is intended to accept several rapid charging scenarios including a 50KW "fast charge" which gives 80% charge in thirty minutes, or a five minute fast-charge which delivers an additional 31 miles of range. These rapid recharge modes will require a special three-phase charger, which at $45,000.00 per unit, is most likely to be owned by commercial or governmental entities in distributed charging stations. In cities which do have rapid charging stations available, the LEAF's Nav/sat GPS screen will be able to direct drivers to the nearest recharge locations, as well as generally indicating "reachable area" based on the battery's level of charge. ...
...Chief executive Carlos Ghosn has suggested that the battery may be leased by customers rather than purchased outright, as a way of keeping the price of the car on par with the gas-powered competition...

[stopcrazypp]

Nissan Leaf - batteries sold separately | Nissan | Leaf | CARtoday.com

Introducing the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle - BusinessWeek
So do you still get the $7500 rebate if you don't actually buy the batteries?

2011 Nissan LEAF: Batteries - AllCarsElectric.com

Has it been confirmed the batteries will have to be leased and there isn't another option? The press releases don't mention this, but there are some quotes from spokespeople. I would prefer the non-lease option. If the batteries are lease only, then I'm not sure I want this car. I suppose it helps reduce sticker shock (maybe that's what they meant when they said "affordable"), but then you are still tied to the manufacturer.