With petrol prices in South Africa hovering around the R10 per litre mark, the requirement for electric cars is becoming gradually stronger. The hugely successful Nissan Leaf, which has already been released in the US and Japan in December 2010 and in the UK last week, would seem the obvious option.
The problem, however, is that electric cars are significantly more expensive than their traditionally petrol/diesel-run counterparts. It is for this reason that Nissan is in talks with South African government officials to broker a deal with emphasis on lowered import tax duties as well as lowered company car tax.
A hugely successful viral campaign by Nissan USA (see below) in which the plight of Polar bears in the Arctic are shown to be suffering due to the effects of global warming, further inspires drivers around the world to consider this option of travel.
Looks and performance wise, the Nissan Leaf rates quite well. It’s not the most beautiful car around, but certainly not ugly and with a high speed of about 145km/h, the power provided is ample for our 120km/h highway speed limit. Basic features are impressive and will ensure a good level of comfort and safety for both driver and passengers.
Of course, setting up the necessary infrastructure to enable recharging along the country’s key roads will be a fairly big job, but considering the prediction that by 2020 there will be 10-20% electrical cars on the road, a worthwhile and necessary effort.
Nissan bosses seem positive that they will reach an agreement with our government and hopes are high to see this car hit our shores some time in 2012 and in doing so are anticipating sales of 5,000 units over the initial 5-year period. This will be a superb break-through and we’re certainly very excited at this prospect.
