Today, Nissan revealed the U.S. market version of the 2013 Leaf in advance of its debut at next week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The 2013 Leaf that will be sold in the States features a similar host of technical and equipment improvements as the Japanese domestic market (JDM) model presented in November last year, with one important exception.
From now on, the North American Leaf will be assembled locally at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, factory, with battery production taking place at an adjacent lithium-ion automotive battery plant, instead of being imported from Japan.
While the styling remains unchanged, the 2013 Leaf offers improved energy efficiency thanks to refined aerodynamics (0.28 vs. 0.29 coefficient of drag), a wider range of regenerative braking and enhanced energy management, while there’s also a newly available 6.6 kW onboard charger that cuts 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately four hours for full charge.
Nissan is also adding a new lower priced entry-level “S” grade that joins the previously available SV and SL trims.
Standard features on the “S” model include a trip computer, Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), Push Button Start, power windows and locks, 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and a 3.6 kW onboard charger.
For 2013, the SL gains leather-appointed seating and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
There are three new option packages for 2013, including the Quick Charge Package (S grade only), LED Headlights + Quick Charge Port Package (SV grade only) and the Premium Package (SV and SL grades).
Pricing for the 2013 Leaf will be announced at a later date.
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