Automaker Nissan has announced a partnership with the state of Hawaii to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and their supporting charging network across the state.
The partnership was announced at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo in Honolulu, and is Nissan’s first definitive agreement in the United States. The zero emission all-electric Nissan Leaf will be available in Hawaii beginning in January 2011.
Hawaii offers a $4,500 state tax credit towards the purchase of an electric vehicle and a $500 state tax credit towards the purchase and installation of a home charging station. Added to the federal government’s $7,500 tax credit, this could reduce the price of a Leaf from the manufacturer’s recommended price of $32,780 to as low as $20,780.
Hawaii depends on imported petroleum for around 90 percent of its energy, making it a prime candidate for the use of alternative fuels. "I appreciate Nissan's confidence in Hawaii and recognition of our commitment to pursuing a clean energy future," said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. "By bringing the Nissan Leaf to Hawaii and working collaboratively with the State and our partners toward the electrification of transportation, Nissan is playing an important role in helping us achieve the goal of reducing our dependence on imported oil."
The Nissan Leaf is a five-passenger compact electric car with a top speed of 90 mph and a range of 100 miles on a single charge.
