Franklin-based Nissan North America announced pricing for its forthcoming electric vehicle Tuesday. Analysts say the four-door LEAF is priced for the masses.
After subtracting a federal tax credit for electric vehicles, the LEAF will sell for around $25,000.
Analyst Stephanie Brinley of AutoPacific says Nissan went surprisingly low.
“I don’t expect that they’re making money at that price, at that volume.”
Brinley says Nissan can’t afford to scare anyone off, especially since customers will have enough challenges figuring out how to manage a 100 mile range.
“You need to get early adopters on board for something like this to work, and making it something that they can understand and they can afford certainly helps.”
Nissan initially considered leasing the large battery pack separately from the car because of the high cost. Brinley calls that an interesting proposition, but says it might have confused buyers. The $25,000 base price for the LEAF does include the battery. It doesn’t take into account the $2,000 home charging system. But the estimated cost to “fill-up” the car with electricity is $3.
The LEAF will initially be made in Japan. Production will move to Nissan’s Smyrna facility in 2012.
GM hasn’t yet announced pricing for the comparable Chevy Volt. Both cars are due out later this year.
A comparable Toyota Prius sells for $21,000.
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