Nissan considering Leaf electric car for India: Report

NEW DELHI: India's automobile industry has been on an upswing in recent times. With SUVs and hatchbacks selling like hot cakes, not many automakers have felt the need to bring in electric cars they offer elsewhere. That may change with Nissan reportedly considering Leaf - its much acclaimed and highly appreciated electric car - for India.
According to a media report, the Japanese automaker plans to work with government agencies and private sector companies this year to study if there is a viable market for electric vehicles in the country.A company official has also been quoted as saying that the "Nissan Leaf will be part of the pilot project."

The Leaf has been a highly successful model for Nissan - especially in the Japanese and American market. The car is a five-door hatchback that claims to run for 107 miles (170 kms) on a single charge - higher models can reportedly even cover up to 155 miles (250kms). It can be re-charged at home and in western countries, it can also be powered through electric outlets on the road.
Of course, India still has a considerable way to go before it makes electric-car charging points a common sight on city and highway roads here.


At its heart is a 107bhp electric motor and the Leaf is 4445mm long, 1770mm in width and 1550mm tall. Only for reference purposes, Hyundai's Elite i20 has a length of 3985mm, width of 1734mm and is 1505mm tall.
India's green and clean energy scenario is still rather grey with Mahindra and Mahindra, and Toyota Kirloskar Motors being the players of note. With an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had launched the FAME India scheme in 2015 offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for cars.

However, challenges at the ground level remain in a country where air pollution has emerged as one of the biggest causes for deaths.
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