You know that whole argument that electric cars are just too expensive for most people? Well, maybe not now that Nissan Ireland and Allied Irish Bank (AIB) have teamed up to offer prospective Nissan Leaf buyers zero per cent finance.
The new 'Power Of Zero' campaign claims that those buying a Leaf with zero per cent finance can, in combination with the car's running costs compared to a conventional car, save some €13,000 over the lifetime of the loan. The claim also includes a supposed 11 tonnes of CO2 saved, which Nissan says is the equivalent of planting 181,887 trees. The promotion also includes one year's free servicing.
"This integrated approach has been taken by Nissan and AIB in recognition of our joint commitment to creating a sustainable Ireland. We looked at what consumers required to make the switch to EV driving and responded with an initiative that delivers great value and a greener future for Ireland," said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland. "This is a golden opportunity to make the switch into an EV today and to make very significant savings now and into the future. The Government's environment policy is aimed at removing diesel and petrol cars from Irish roads and motorists already driving EVs will have a distinct advantage over customers trading in diesel and petrol engines in the years to come. We are delighted to join forces with forward-looking businesses like AIB to help motorists make the switch to 100 per cent electric driving. One in two Irish EV drivers already drives a Nissan Leaf and this is an incredible opportunity for all other motorists to join them in saving money and the environment. Our 'Power of Zero' initiative with AIB is designed to encourage more families and businesses to switch to 100 per cent electric driving, to become more sustainable and to make a very real impact in reducing Ireland's CO2 emissions"
Yvonne Holmes, Chief Sustainability Officer, AIB said: "The sustainability agenda is accelerating at AIB and for the last two years green lending has been the fastest-growing part of our balance sheet as customers seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit harmful air pollutants. We are delighted to be working with Nissan to help meet customers' growing demand for cleaner transport as they take this important step on the road to a more sustainable future. Electric Vehicles can help consumers shrink their carbon foot print, while improving the quality of life for all through cleaner air and less noise pollution."
Nissan says that the Leaf is currently Ireland's best-selling electric car, with some 5,046 having found homes here. In total, since the first-generation Leaf was launched, some 400,000 have been sold worldwide. "The Nissan Leaf has achieved this status because it offers a range of at least 270 kilometres on a single charge for a sub €30k entry price and because it is a very well spec-ed car with a good sized boot and spacious interior to meet the needs of any family or business," said Mr. McCarthy.