The North American arm of Nissan Motors announced today that the all-electric Nissan Leaf will become more widely-available in the U.S.

Starting today, the company will be taking orders for the 2012 model year Leaf from consumers in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. "A prioritized ordering phase" will be in place for customers in these states who have previously placed a reservation for the Nissan Leaf, says the company.

On Monday, the company says it will open to the general public a new reservation process for the all-electric car. And by the end of this year, Nissan hopes to take actual consumer orders for the 2012 Nissan Leaf in seven more states—Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Consumer Reports car experts have reviewed the Nissan Leaf as well as other electric cars and fuel-efficient vehicles. And check out our Guide to alternative fuels if you're shopping for a environmentally friendly vehicle.

Nissan Launches All-electric Leaf in New U.S. Markets [Nissan America]