It hasn’t hit dealership lots, but it’s already a hot item. According to Nissan, it’s all-electric Leaf sedan has sold out thanks to the nearly 13,000 pre-orders that have piled up from U.S. drivers. The car, which is expected to appear on roads in December, runs for roughly $33,000 but with federal and state credits will cost consumers closer to $25,000. Of that, $100 was required to plunk down on a pre-order.

So where will you see the LEAF, first? California tops the list of deliveries, since it’s the state best set up to accommodate the plug-ins at this point in time. Don’t fret, however. Last week, Congress introduced two bills that will spend up to $10 billion boosting the infrastructure for EVs in the U.S.  The proposed dollars would go toward prepping community grids, investing in further research, boosting the EV tax credit for cars like Leaf and the Chevy VOLT, and possibly, creating a $10 million award for the first manufacturer to develop a battery that allows 500 miles of travel on a single charge. Another factor addressed in the bills: disposal of EV batteries in places other than landfills.

Related:  previously on altCon
(8.3.09) Nissan unveils all-new, zero emissions LEAF

(4.28.10) Reserve a LEAF today, for tomorrow