THE new Nissan LEAF has become the first 100 per cent electric vehicle to join the Motability Scheme, allowing the scheme’s 620,000 current users the opportunity to explore zero-emission motoring.
The new UK-built LEAF is now available from just £999 Advance Payment (AP). For £1,299 AP customers can upgrade to the Acenta model featuring Nissan’s CARWINGS telematics system as well as useful features such as auto lights and wipers, cruise control and a colour reversing camera.
At the top of the range, Tekna grade adds BOSE audio, 360° Around View Monitor and leather heated seats and is available for £1,999 AP.
Whichever LEAF model customers ultimately choose, they can look forward to waving goodbye to petrol stations and saying hello to instantaneous power delivery and a peaceful driving experience.
A full charge on the LEAF gives up to 124 miles range and costs from around £2 (depending upon time of day and tariff) meaning that over a distance of 10,000 miles drivers can expect to save around £1,000 that would otherwise have been spent on the forecourt.
What’s more, British Gas is currently offering a 16Amp data-enabled Home Charging Unit (HCU) which will charge LEAF from empty to full in eight hours.
Having been designed as a purpose-built electric vehicle from the ground up, the neat packaging of its lithium-ion batteries means there is no compromise on boot space; in fact, with 370 litres on Visia and Acenta grades it has more luggage space than a Ford Focus.
Nissan cars are a popular choice on the Motability Scheme with a range well suited to a variety of mobility needs. The introduction of the new LEAF brings something fresh and innovative to the scheme’s existing customers, combining the practicality of a normal medium hatchback with running costs that are a fraction of the price of a petrol or diesel car of its size.
Ahead of its rivals
The Motability Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a national charity, and enables those people receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement to lease a vehicle through the scheme.
As a Motability Premier Partner, each of Nissan’s 200 plus dealerships has a minimum of two trained Motability sales and aftersales specialists who will use their Motability Scheme experience with Juke, Micra, Note, NV200 Combi, Qashqai and Qashqai+2 to discuss options with interested customers.
Jon Pollock, Nissan GB sales director, said: ‘We’re proud that the Nissan LEAF has delivered another first ahead of its rivals to become the first 100 per cent electric car on the Motability Scheme.
‘With a starting advance payment of just £999 and Motability Scheme specialists at each of our dealerships, getting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and enjoying low running costs has never been easier.’