Nissan rolls out 2012 Leaf to 7 more U.S. states

Almost exactly a year after the world's first Nissan Leaf was delivered, the automaker has rolled out the EV's availability to seven more U.S. states.

The all-electric car will now be available in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Residents of these states will now be able to place orders for the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Additional standard features for this model will include quick charging capabilities and cold-weather features. Deliveries in these new markets will begin next spring.

"Nissan Leafs have been on the U.S. roads for one year now, and thousands of drivers have become living proof that a 100-percent electric, zero-emissions vehicle fulfills the daily needs of drivers from all walks of life," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president for Sales and Marketing at Nissan. "We are seeing already-strong interest in the LEAF continue to grow across the country. This market expansion brings us one step closer to true, nationwide availability."

With this new rollout, the Nissan Leaf will be available for order in 30 states. Beginning in March 2012, residents of all 50 states will be able to place orders. So far, Nissan has delivered 20,000 Leafs worldwide.

WIth 2012 Nissan Leafs available nationwide, it remains to be seen if a $27,700 starting price (after tax savings), a range of 100 miles per charge and a top speed of 90 miles per hour is enough to persuade American car owners to go electric - or, as recent studies have suggested, consumers plan on waiting until prices are lower and range is greater before investing in an all-electric vehicle.

Photo: Nissan

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com