Nissan opens center to train service technicians on LEAF EV

June 21, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Compact Cars, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, Nissan LEAF, Nissan LEAF EV, plug-in hybrids

As Nissan gets ready to launch its Leaf electric vehicle, the first modern-day fully electric vehicle to be produced by a major automaker, it is taking steps to ensure that its mechanics are fully capable of dealing with technical issues as that arise. The company has opened a new technical training center in Livermore, CA. which will provide product training for dealership technicians in northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

Nissan began accepting refundable $99 deposits from customers to reserve a vehicle, and has since garnered 14,000 reservations in the U.S. and 6,000 in Japan. The car goes on sale in the U.S. in December.

With a federal tax credit, the $32,780 car will end up costing consumers about $25,000. An additional incentive for California residents will bring the price down to about $23,000.

Click here for more news on the Nissan Leaf.

Refresher: Power for the Nissan Leaf comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium-ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan Leaf allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Prices for the 2011 Nissan LEAF will start at $32,780 but with a federal tax-credit prices will come in as low as $25,280, or for a lease payment of $349 a month.