Electric Nissan Leaf goes on pre-order UK sale

The US and Japanese markets will be able to snap the cars up in the next few weeks, with the majority of the European market having to wait until early 2011.

Although the car, which will be in made in Sunderland in the north east of England, will still command a hefty price tag of £23,990.

A price which seems even higher when you take into account Nissan has already knocked off £5,000 through the Government’s electric car incentive.

But, the Leaf is the first in a range of new Nissan electric vehicles, and will use an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will also be built on Wearside.

Nissan Motor (GB) managing director, Paul Willcox, said: “The Leaf is a milestone in Nissan’s history.

“The Leaf is generating huge interest across the world, with more than 25,000 customers already putting down deposits in the US and Japan.

“We know that the benefits of electric mobility have struck a chord with motorists in the UK and initial interest across retail and fleet channels could result in demand outstripping initial supply.”

Luke Walsh