Nissan’s 1st all electric vehicle, the LEAF, to go on sale in San Francisco area in late 2010

Nissan to sell electric LEAF in San Francisco area

SAN FRANCISCO — Nissan Motors says it will sell its new electric car in the San Francisco Bay area as part of a limited rollout, citing the region’s commitment to building electric car infrastructure.

Company spokeswoman Katherine Zachary says the Nissan LEAF is a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle that will be on sale in the Bay area in December 2010.

Zachary says the price will be comparable to a mid-size family sedan, and that a final retail price will be announced in the spring.

Nissan says San Francisco and other area cities have vowed to streamline permitting for homeowners who want to install charging stations at home, making the area a perfect market for the LEAF.

The car, however, will not be compatible with the network of battery-swapping stations planned by local officials and Palo Alto-based Better Place.