Nissan LEAF BEV pricing demonstrates viability of electrification

When Nissan announced the price of its 2011 all-electric LEAF earlier this week, BEV proponents cheered. Once federal tax rebates are taken into account, the LEAF will cost approximately $25,000; with some states offering additional rebates, some consumers will be able to purchase Nissan's electric vehicle for only $20,000. This comes on top of the fuel savings that are inherent in any electric vehicle. "In the past, one of the biggest roadblocks to electrification has been the upfront cost," Electrification Coalition President Robbie Diamond said. "But as the technology improves, costs -- particularly battery technology -- will drop. The LEAF is an affordable car, far more so when fuel cost savings over the life of the vehicle are taken into account."