Nissan undaunted by bid to stop electric vehicle tax credits

SMYRNA, Tenn. (AP) — The head of Nissan Motor Co.'s operations in North America said the Japanese automaker is undaunted by congressional efforts to do away with a tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles.

Nissan on Monday celebrated the production of the first new Leaf electric car at its massive plant on the outskirts of Nashville.

Boasting a 40 percent increase in battery range to 150 miles (240 kilometers), the 2018 Leaf will hit dealerships early in the new year with a sticker price of just under $30,000. That's before the $7,500 federal tax credit that would remain in effect under the Senate version of a tax overhaul bill, but disappear in the House version.

Nissan North America Chairman Jose Munoz says there is "strong natural demand" for electric vehicles even without the incentives.