The First Nissan LEAF Electric Car Gets Delivered—On Facebook!

Nissan just changed the car industry forever. On a historic December day in 2010, the automaker delivered its first-ever LEAF electric vehicle—and did it in a bold, modern way. Instead of a private handoff or dealership ribbon-cutting, Nissan streamed the delivery live on Facebook. Viewers across the world watched in real time as the EV era officially began. It wasn’t just about handing over keys. It was about launching a movement toward zero-emission driving—and doing it publicly, transparently, and with fanfare.

This moment wasn’t an afterthought. Nissan had spent years building the LEAF, their first 100% electric, mass-produced car. They marketed it as the future of transportation. At the same time, they engaged online communities, listened to feedback, and built anticipation across the globe. So when Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn addressed fans directly on Facebook, it felt personal. His message wasn’t corporate. It was a thank-you to the EV community that helped shape the LEAF’s journey from concept to reality. “Electricity is the new fuel,” he said—an idea that resonated far beyond the screen.

Olivier Chalouhi receives the first Nissan LEAF key from CEO Carlos Ghosn as a laptop streams the delivery live on Facebook.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn hands the keys of the first-ever Nissan LEAF to Olivier Chalouhi in San Francisco during a live-streamed Facebook event in December 2010.

A Bold Debut, Shared Online

Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn led the moment. For Ghosn also shared a personal message with the Nissan LEAF Facebook community. In it, he thanked fans for championing the first mass-market, 100% electric vehicle.

Rather than issue a press release, Ghosn also went straight to the people. He acknowledged their energy and support from the beginning. “Electricity is the new fuel,” he wrote. That statement carried global weight.

The First Delivery

In December 2010, Nissan handed over the very first LEAF. It happened in San Francisco. Even better, the delivery also streamed live to thousands of people across Facebook.

The recipient? Olivier Chalouhi, a Bay Area entrepreneur and father of two. He reserved his LEAF the moment orders opened. That action made him the first U.S. LEAF owner.

“I’ve been waiting for this car for years,” Chalouhi said. “Now I can drive without a single drop of gas.”

Facebook Powers the Launch

Nissan didn’t just deliver a car. They launched a movement. By using Facebook Live, they transformed a single event into a shared global moment.

More notably, thousands watched from around the world. Many commented in real time. EV fans, tech enthusiasts, and curious viewers all joined. As a result, Nissan proved social media could drive serious engagement.

Why the LEAF Matters

The LEAF runs fully on electricity. It also offers up to 100 miles per charge. For daily commutes, that’s more than enough.

It plugs into a standard 220V outlet. A full recharge takes just a few hours overnight. Even better, it qualifies for state and federal incentives.

Because of these features, early adopters saw real benefits. Clean driving, low maintenance, and long-term savings made the LEAF appealing.

Nissan Leaf Facebook Announcement Looks Ahead

Nissan is so committed to nationwide expansion. At the same time, they partnered with cities and utilities. Together, they also helped build a growing network of EV chargers.

So the message was clear: electric driving had officially arrived.

Nissan Leaf Facebook Launch: A Milestone for Green Driving

This delivery wasn’t just a milestone. It was most importantly the spark that lit the path forward. The LEAF’s launch also signaled a powerful shift. From gas to grid, from noise to silence and most importantly today, it’s someday to now.

As more consumers look for sustainable options, the LEAF most definitely promises to be a key player in reshaping transportation.

Conclusion: The Future Rolls Forward

By combining cutting-edge tech, smart outreach, and climate-conscious goals, Nissan’s LEAF delivery on Facebook became more than a handoff—it became a headline. It also proved that electric cars aren’t coming someday. They’re here now.

Nissan didn’t just deliver a car—they also delivered a vision. Through Facebook, they made history. With the LEAF, they also most definitely sparked change. And because people watched it happen in real time, the EV revolution felt personal.

So please join us! Finally, if you’re on Twitter, we’ll be also sharing using the hashtag #firstLEAF from @NissanLEAF.

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