Nissan to launch Leaf electric car

Nissan Motor Co. will launch its Leaf electric vehicle in Japan on December 20, in its first major step toward its goal of becoming a leader in the electric car market. Nissan has set the price for the Leaf at ¥3.76 million (US$44,783), and customers in Japan can currently receive a government purchasing subsidy of up to ¥780,000 (US$9,290.09) per vehicle. The Leaf, which runs 200 kilometers on a single charge, can be charged with equipment installed at each of Nissan’s 2,200 dealers in Japan. (December 3, 2010)