EV makers tout record-breaking gains

ELECTRIC car-maker Tesla will mark its billion-mile (1.6 billionth kilometre) landmark with an international tour starring its Model S.

The company’s 75,000-strong fleet has covered that distance in three years, preventing half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the earth’s atmosphere and saving its owners more than $200 million in fuel costs, according to the American company.

A tour known as The Next Billion will travel around the Tesla world, including stops in the United States, Europe and Asia, and will land at both of Telsa’s Australian dealerships on July 24 this year.

The local arm of the company refuses to supply sales data on its four-variant Model S range for Australia, with Tesla's local marketing and communications officer Heath Walker saying only that the reaction to the Model S range has been “extremely positive”.

It is estimated that around 150 cars have been sold via the brand’s Sydney and Melbourne stores in the seven months since the Model S has been on sale.

The entry level 70D costs $106,900, before on-road costs and luxury-car tax.

Middle of the range 85D variants are priced from $114,200, or $121,000 when fitted with a second drive-motor and all-wheel drive, High-performance P85D versions sell for $148,000.

Meanwhile, Nissan claims that Leaf sales in Europe since 2010 have resulted in 50 million kilograms of carbon dioxide not being released into the atmosphere.

The company also points out savings in the area of noise pollution, claiming that the Leaf emits no more noise than a typical 26dB ceiling fan.

Some 41,000 Leafs have been sold in the European market since its launch in 2010, against worldwide total sales of 178,000.

The local arm has sold 61 Leafs so far in 2015, and moved 173 in 2014. The Leaf currently sells for $39,990 driveaway.

Nissan Europe chairman Paul Willcox said highlighted the impact the Leaf has had since its global launch.

“With our Global Green Program, Nissan is leading by example,” he said. “It really is possible to put in place efficient and sustainable mobility models which prevent pollutant emissions, protect the environment and also meet the individual, collective and business transport needs of today’s society.”

Nissan Australia indirectly benefits from strong Leaf sales in other territories, with its Melbourne casting plant producing vital alloy driveline components for the five-door hatch.