KEARNY MESA, Calif. -- Nissan unveiled its Leaf electric vehicle Thursday at San Diego Gas & Electric's Kearny Mesa headquarters.

The first 1,000 Nissan Leaf vehicles, which produce no emissions, will be delivered to fleet operators and select members of the public late next year and hit showrooms in 2012, according to SDG&E.

The utility has partnered with Nissan to make San Diego County one of the nation's first "plug-in" ready regions capable of supporting all- electric vehicles.

Under the partnership, SDG&E is working to convert fleets used by municipalities, universities, the military, port and private businesses to electric and investing in the necessary charging infrastructure the cars use.

SDG&E plans to add 15 Nissan Leafs to its current fleet of 200 alternative-fuel vehicles.

"As the region becomes a pioneer launch site for these advanced vehicles and the charging infrastructure, San Diego will continue on its course to become `plug-in ready' and a national center for clean technology, fostering less dependence on fossil fuels, new `green' jobs and a healthier environment," said Debra Reed, SDG&E's chief executive officer.

The five-passenger Leaf cars will be capable of traveling 100 miles on a single charge, and charging the vehicle's lithium-ion battery will take about eight hours. There's no word on what the Leaf will cost.