Nissan rolls out new electric car

Japanese carmaker Nissan has unveiled its first electric car, taking it closer to its aim to become the first car firm to mass produce the vehicles.

The zero-emission hatchback vehicle, called Leaf, is set to go on sale in Japan, the US and Europe next year.

Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn did not announce the prices but said it would be "very competitive".

"The monthly cost of the battery, plus the electric charge, will be less than the cost of gasoline," Mr Ghosn said.

From the Portal:

This is hugely encouraging news. There have been many doubters as to if or when an electric car would ever be produced and with the cost of oil going up again this week, the timing of this announcement could not be better. I read in the paper that the price of the new Leaf will be roughly the same as their current Versa model, a car which I test drove recently and liked very much, so this new electric car could be a winner.

Roll on 2010!

The Portal of Healing