On 12 Aug 2009 15:07:55 GMT, Adrian wrote:
Bruce gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

I understand your scepticism, but the Nissan Leaf and its Renault
equivalent (the two companies are closely linked) will be the first
available mass production electric cars.

No, they won't. Not by a long chalk.


Well there aren't *any* at the moment. All available electric cars,
from the £8299 G-Wizz to the £64000 Tesla Roadster, are low volume,
mostly handmade products. Only the Chevrolet Volt is anywhere near as
advanced (in terms of getting to mass production) as the
Nissan/Renault models, and the Volt isn't expected until at least a
year after them. Besides, it's a hybrid and not a full electric car.

Production of the Nissan Leaf is imminent and it is due to go on sale
in the USA and Japan in 2010. The Volt was originally announced for a
2011 release but with all GM's problems, that has slipped, probably
until 2013.