The Nissan Leaf electric car will be available in South African showrooms in November, says Nissan South Africa (SA) MD Mike Whitfield.

“The technology is well proved around the world. South Africa is a sophisticated market, so why should the Leaf not be here?”

Nissan SA chief marketing manager Ross Garvie says the local arm of the Japanese car manufacturer is starting the roll-out of the Leaf in Gauteng only, with the vehicle available at seven dealers located in and between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Charging stations for the electric car will be available at these dealers, with two additional dealers offering charging facilities only.

Phase 2 will involve establishing charging stations at shopping malls, Gautrain stations and air- ports, with the roll-out of this infrastructure to take place from early next year, says Garvie.

He notes that the Leaf will be sold in South Africa with a booklet indicating the GPS coordinates of charging stations, as well as a smartphone app that will guide drivers to the nearest charging station.

The vehicle will be sold at R446 000, with a home charger sold at an additional R30 000.

Garvie says an overnight full charge of the Leaf will cost around R25.

The charging stations at the dealers will offer a quick charge to 80% of the Leaf’s battery capacity in under 30 minutes.

There is currently no government subsidy available for the purchase of an electric vehicle, as is the case in most other countries where such vehicles have been rolled out, notes Garvie.

“We are eagerly awaiting government policy on electric vehicles.”

He adds that it is difficult to estimate how many units of the Nissan Leaf will sell in South Africa.

“This is a completely new market in South Africa. There is no historical data.”

Garvie says government is leasing four Leafs from Nissan SA, and Eskom ten units. A number of corporates, especially banks, as well as private individuals, have shown interest in acquiring the vehicle.