Orders open for Nissan Leaf

Order books for the Nissan Leaf electric car have opened with the launch of a dedicated website to process initial deposits.

At www.nissan.co.uk/leafreservation, customers can register their interest in the Leaf by paying a 257 refundable deposit.

Those customers will then get a Leaf test-drive by the end of this year, at which point they will need to formally confirm their order. The Nissan Leaf will cost 23,990 when it goes on sale in February.

Paul Willcox, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: 'The Leaf is generating huge interest across the world, with more than 25,000 customers already putting down deposits in the US and Japan.

'We know that the benefits of electric mobility have struck a chord with motorists in the UK and initial interest across retail and fleet channels could result in demand outstripping initial supply.'

Despite the website being live for only a few hours, Nissan says the UK reaction to the electric car is strong, with initial orders outstripping expectations. Nissan won't confirm exact numbers of Leafs that have been allocated for UK customers next year, but a spokesman said it would be 'in the low thousands'.

What's in number
Why has Nissan chosen the very specific price of 257 for the deposit? That is the amount it expects customers to spend a year charging their Nissan Leaf.