Nissan North America Inc. said it has selected Hawai'i to be one of its initial launch markets in the U.S. beginning in early 2011.

Nissan and the State of Hawai'i are working towards a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle network.

"We appreciate Nissan's recognition of Hawai'i as a global model for electric vehicles and a leader in clean energy," said Governor Linda Lingle. "The introduction of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle will build on Hawai'i's progress to end our state's over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase our energy security."

Nissan saidt the LEAF would have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $32,780. A federal tax credit of $7,500 for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible is available. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.

At $3.50 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon has a fuel cost of 14 cents per mile. At 23 cents per kilowatt-hour, the Nissan LEAF has a fuel cost of 5 cents per mile.