Electric Leaf first to take root in SA

Nissan has beaten Optimal Energy to the electric vehicle race in South Africa.

Speaking at the Johannesburg International Motor Show where Leaf is on display, Nissan South Africa managing director Mike Whitfield said the company planned to launch the 100% electric Nissan Leaf here in 2013.

Optimal Energy, touted as South Africa's first electric car manufacturer (only a handful of test vehicles have been built) was not at Africa's biggest car show and seems to have run out of power and funds.

To date, the groundbreaking Nissan Leaf has been launched in Japan, the US and a growing number of European markets, resulting in more than 12000 sales.

Whitfield said: "I am delighted to announce that we are intending to bring the Nissan Leaf to South Africa in 2013, subject to confirmation of government policy on charging infrastructure and customer incentives.

"This special car is the world's first mass-market EV, and has already brought affordable, practical and enjoyable zero-emission mobility to thousands of people.

"Although there is more work to do before we can confirm its launch in South Africa, doing so would underline both Nissan's, and this country's, commitment to delivering a more sustainable future for road transport."

The Leaf's advanced lithium-ion battery has a range of up to 160km on a single charge and delivers a top speed of up to 145km/h.