Chicago Nissan Leaf News Available Soon As A Rental

Weve all heard at least a few of the pros and cons of the electric vehicle by now, but what are the real facts we should be concerned with? Obviously the environment is top on most peoples lists, but what about the logistics of owning, driving and charging an electric vehicle?
Chicago Nissan dealers hope customers will get a chance to test that out soon. Nissan plans to rent the new electric Leaf as a way to get customer feedback and promote this mysterious phenomenon. Toyota is trying a similar program, leasing its plug-in Prius to government agencies and corporations in hopes of working out any difficulties before the vehicle goes mainstream in the United States.
The difference with Nissan is that the Leaf should be available to the public to rent. Early in 2011 Hertz is slated to begin renting the Nissan Leaf in the U.S. and Europe. Although the Leaf probably wont be available at every car rental counter across the nation, it will be in enough places to let customers get a feel for how they feel about electric in general.
The car will be offered for sale at that time as well, and the sales and rentals will likely be in the same geographic markets to begin with. We can expect that the car will migrate east from Japan, so far western states like Hawaii and California will probably get the first shot at driving the electric.
Nissan Chicago buyers may have to wait a while for a turn, unless they can try out the Leaf as a rental while vacationing or traveling for business. One factor that will definitely affect the popularity of the Leaf, and other electrics as well is the availability of charging for the cars.
As of yet, I am not aware that anyone has stepped forward and begun building charging on every corner or even in McDonalds and Wal-Mart parking lots or next to hotels. Sounds like a ground-floor opportunity for a great little business, doesnt it. Chicago Nissan dealers will, no doubt, be thrilled to see this happen, as it will allow electric cars like the Leaf to go more mainstream.
So, once we overcome this small hurdle of charging stations, were good to go with electric. I mean, the mileage range keeps increasing and the purchase price will continue to decrease so this really may be a partial solution to our oil dependence and the ride of the future.
While you wait you can keep up with what your Nissan Chicago dealer has in the showroom and watch for that charging station to go up on the corner.