Depending on location, some consumers may purchase the Nissan LEAF at prices on par with gas powered vehicles of its size with provincial tax rebates, when it goes on sale in EV-certified dealer showrooms this July. Residents of Ontario, Quebec and BC are eligible for $8,500, $8,000 and $5,000 toward their purchase of a Nissan LEAF, respectively.
Nissan's objective for the Nissan LEAF has always been to produce an affordable zero-emission vehicle for the mass market, and the 2013 Nissan LEAF is a prime example of that commitment with increased value at every trim level, making it more accessible for more people.
"With more than 60,000 Nissan LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better," said Brian Thomas, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers won't have to pay a premium for owning a green car that's really fun to drive, and that's exciting."
Additions to the 2013 Nissan LEAF include: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather appointed interior, Around View Monitor and 7-speaker Bose energy efficient audio system on SL models and a standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times by nearly half on all models. Also new is the availability of the Nissan LEAF App for Canadian Android users which will allow even more customers to control their Nissan LEAF from the comfort of their smart phone and will be backward compatible to previous generation models.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan LEAF:
LEAF S: $31,698 CAN
LEAF SV: $34,998 CAN
LEAF SL: $38,398 CAN
Nissan began U.S. assembly of the 2013 Nissan LEAF at its manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., a localization initiative that further drives efficiencies by leveraging already-existing equipment and processes while also reducing exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency. The battery packs that power Nissan LEAF are built in an adjacent facility in Smyrna while the vehicle's electric motor comes from Nissan's powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn., further supporting efficient manufacturing.
Now in its third model year, the Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling pure electric vehicle with over 62,000 cumulative sales worldwide. For 2013, the Nissan LEAF features numerous customer-focused upgrades, including a standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times and available 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed interior, Around View Monitor and 7-speaker Bose energy efficient audio system.
Nissan LEAF is powered by a responsive 80kW AC synchronous motor produced at Nissan's Powertrain Assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn. The 2013 Nissan LEAF's output is 107 horsepower, with 187 lb-ft. of torque. Energy is supplied by an advanced 48-module lithium-ion battery made at the new battery plant in Smyrna, Tenn.
The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the S, SV and SL. Standard features include 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual bucket front passenger's seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), centre console storage and 6.6 kW onboard charger. Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge port door release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM/CD with MP3 playback capability and a 12-volt power outlet.
Nissan LEAF SV models are upgraded to 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, energy saving hybrid heating system, an upgraded 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch color LCD display, Nissan Navigation system with CARWINGS telematics and B-mode setting for increased regenerative braking. At an MSRP of $34,998, the 2013 LEAF SV represents a $3,397 savings over a similar 2012 model.
Nissan LEAF SL adds leather-appointed seats, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels, DC 480V fast charge port, automatic on/off LED headlights, fog lights, photovoltaic solar panel rear spoiler and HomeLink Universal Transceiver. At an MSRP of $ 38,398, the 2013 Nissan LEAF SL represents a $2,497 savings over a similar 2012 model.