Who loves Nissan LEAF better than Berlin City Nissan of Portland, Maine? Apparently, all of Norway. Overseas, this new Nissan EV has been one of the best selling models since its introduction late last year.

The Japanese auto company sold 1000 Nissan Leafs in Norway over six months. The LEAF has become the second-best selling Nissan in Norway, along with that country's ninth-best selling passenger car for February, 2012.

Infrastructure and incentives are how Norwegian drivers have come to love EV cars like LEAF.

Nissan LEAF sells well since the country is committed to an alternative fuel transportation strategy. They have made alternative fuels accessible, attractive, and all around hip. It has grown to be a normal choice for customers, just like pulling into a gas station in this country.

Norway is the top European country when it comes to support for electric vehicle purchases. There's no tax on an EV; EV drivers get free parking, toll exemption, along with use of bus lanes. Most important of all, there are currently 3500 public charging ports, many free to use.

Olivier Paturet, GM of Zero Emission Strategy at Nissan Europe, noted that "We are very happy to see that the ambition of the Norwegian government has matched our own with strong support for the widespread introduction of electric vehicles. The Norwegian package of incentives is unsurpassed and the recharging infrastructure is established and accessible."¹

North America is trying to get up to speed with EV car infrastructure. Money is being poured into EV research, and charging stations are popping up all over the US and Canada. It is a step in the right direction, with hopes that one day Nissan LEAF EV will be a best selling electric car in both Europe and the western hemisphere.

Source: ¹http://www.earthtechling.com/2012/05/norway-loves-the-nissan-leaf-but-why/