Nissan Leaf Lopes Ahead of Competition

Whose excited for the electric vehicle wave?

Hopefully, a lot of people – this is one initiative that is bound to lead towards greener emissions and a healthier planet. Not to mention the development of new technology tends to yield something even more precious: jobs.

Well, if you’re someone who has been following the progression of EVs – today is a day to celebrate.

Nissan has launched its zero emissions Leaf vehicle – slated to be one of the most impactful of its kind – and the ripples are being felt on the other side of the pond.

“With today's launch ... we mark the start of a new era for the global auto industry as well as for a sustainable, low-carbon society," Nissan’s chief operating officer, Toshiyuki Shiga, said while standing near a new Leaf outside of Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama.

Delivery will begin in the U.S. and Japan this month – and it is being reported that the initial orders total about 20,000 in the U.S. and 6,000 in Japan.

The Leaf is reportedly capable of running up to 124 miles on a full charge – which should make it a tolerable bargain for most Americans.

"When you take the scale of their (Nissan's) commitment, it's a big bet," Kurt Sanger, auto analyst at Deutsche Securities, said on Friday. He added, “The challenge for Nissan is to capitalize on its early lead and solidify in consumers' minds the perception that EVs equal Nissan. It's hard to find a car maker that's not planning an electric car over the next five years."

Other companies are expected to follow with their own electric vehicles, many of which vary in price and capacity.