2013 Nissan Leaf at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show
Competes with: Chevrolet Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Toyota Prius Plug-In
Looks like: A lot of small — but important — improvements could lift the Leaf's dismal sales
Drivetrain: 107-hp, 80-kWh electric motor with electrically variable transmission; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: February
Time will tell if a less-expensive trim level plus improved range and available faster charging can help the Nissan Leaf, which has struggled on the sales front since it arrived in late 2010. But that's what Nissan is hoping for with the 2013 version. There is a new Leaf S trim level, which slots below the SV and SL. Pricing is still pending, but it should start well below the 2012 Leaf SV's $27,700 (after a $7,500 federal tax credit) thanks to a number of equipment deletions: alloy wheels, a 7-inch dashboard display, cruise control, a navigation system and two of the six stereo speakers.
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The bigger news is a new 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger that comes with the SV and SL. It reduces charging times on a 220-volt (Level 2) outlet to just four hours versus the earlier seven. The faster charger is optional on the Leaf S, which otherwise gets a 3.6-kW charger to accept a 220-volt charge in last year's seven-hour span. All trims also accept a 110-volt trickle charger that plugs into a standard household outlet; a Level 3 DC quick charger is standard on the SL and optional on lesser trims.
Nissan says range improvements come courtesy of better aerodynamics and a wider range of regenerative braking. We hope the braking changes don't compromise the Leaf's brake-pedal feel, which is excellent as regenerative brakes go. SL and SV grades get a "B" drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration, as well as a more efficient hybrid heating system. The EPA rated the 2012 Leaf’s range at 73 miles on a full charge, but the agency has yet to rate the 2013 model.
Additional features on the Leaf SL include leather seats and 17-inch alloy wheels (versus the prior 16s); Nissan's Around View Monitor and a Bose stereo are now optional. The available navigation system adds Eco routes that maximize efficiency, as well as Google Places searching and Pandora functionality. All Leaf models get heated front and rear seats.
For 2013, Nissan moved Leaf production from overseas to Smyrna, Tenn., alongside half-dozen other Nissan and Infiniti products. The automaker also produces the Leaf's lithium-ion battery in Smyrna. After two dismal sales years, things can only improve. Nissan sold just 9,819 Leafs in 2012 — about even with 2011 and well short of the automaker's goal of 20,000 sales for the year. The rival Chevrolet Volt sold more than double that figure (23,461) in 2012, and even Toyota sold more Prius Plug-In hybrids (12,750).
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We have a 2011 Leaf. It's a great car. I'm happy to see the 6.6kw charger and leather seats. I'd like to see a bigger battery. While we can easily live with the 24kwh, the car would be a lot more versatile with 35kwh.
Upgrade to car is great but I HATE the new interior. Hope the beige option is still available or else seat covers for me and a paint job on the dash
Frank, fortunately the light interior is still available. I saw the black in person and didn't like it, either. I have a 2012 and am happy with it; sort of wish I would have waited 9 more months to get the 2013 with the Bose and possibly improved range, but then that'd be 9 months without the great gas savings, either! :o
I purchased a used, 2011 Nissan LEAF: come along with me on my journey! http://evearlyadopter.blogspot.com/