Nissan reduces price, charging time for 2013 Leaf

Nissan Canada is adding a new base-level 'S' model to its 2013 Leaf lineup, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,698.

At that price-point, it becomes the lowest-priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in Canada.

Depending on where they live, the company says, provincial tax rebates may enable some consumers to buy a Leaf at a price on par with gasoline- powered vehicles of similar size.

Residents of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia are said to be eligible for $8,500, $8,000 and $5,000 rebates, respectively, toward their purchase of a new Leaf.

The 2013 Leaf will go on sale at EV-certified Nissan dealers in Canada this July. Leafs currently on sale are still designated as 2012 models.

The new models are built at Nissan's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with battery packs produced in an adjacent facility and the vehicle's and electric motors at Nissan's powertrain plant in Decherd, Tennessee.

Power is provided by an 80-kW (107-hp), with 187 lb-ft torque output and energy is stored in a 48-module lithium-ion battery.

A standard 6.6 kW on-board charger is said to reduce Level 2 (220V) charging times by nearly half on the new models.

A new App for Canadian Android users will allow customers to control Leaf functions, such as charging, from their smart phones. It will be backward compatible to previous generation models.

Three trim levels will be offered: S ($31,698); SV ($34,998); and SL ($38,398).

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), Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power windows and door locks, remote charge port door release, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability.

Other additions to the 2013 Nissan models include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather interior appointments, Around View Monitor and 7-speaker Bose audio system on top-of-the line SL models.

SV models get 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an energy-saving hybrid heating system, upgraded 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch colour LCD display, Navigation system with telematics and a B-mode setting for increased regenerative braking. The 2013 Leaf SV represents a $3,397 savings over a similar 2012 model.

The SL adds leather-appointed seats, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels, a 480V DC fast-charge port, automatic on/off LED headlights, fog lights, photovoltaic solar panel rear spoiler and HomeLink. It represents a $2,497 savings over a similar 2012 model.

Now in its third model year, the Leaf is said to be the world's best-selling pure electric vehicle with over 62,000 cumulative sales worldwide.