Green Education: Energy

NAIAS 2013: Nissan Leaf S Model Drops $6,400 In Price

Nissan hasn’t been happy with sales of the Leaf EV in the past two years, and it has become clear that major changes were needed to make the Nissan Leaf more appealing. Credit is due to Nissan then for making a massive price cut to the Nissan Leaf, lopping off $6,400 of the lowest-priced 2012 model. When combined with certain state and Federal incentives, a Nissan Leaf could cost as little as $19,000.

The new Nissan Leaf S model will have a starting MSRP of just $28,800, compared to the $35,200 MSRP of the 2012 Nissan Leaf SV. The other Nissan Leaf Models also see a price drop, with the SV model now starting at $31,820, and the top-trim SL model going for $34,840. Nissan credits the move to American-based manufacturing in Smyrna, Tenn. for making these much-lower prices possible.

The Nissan Leaf S model still has plenty of features including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and push-button start. Stepping up from the S to SV model though gets you 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 6.6 kW onboard charger (up from the 3.3 kW charger on the S model), a hybrid heating system, upgraded speakers, and a 7-inch LCD display.

Finally, the SL model adds 17-inch wheels, leather seats, a 480-volt fast-charging port, LED lights, and a solar panel-equipped spoiler. With states like California offering a $2,500 tax rebate on EVs, combined with the $7,500 rebate from the Federal government, the Nissan Leaf now feels like the pricing is a lot more appropriate.

Can an under $20,000 Nissan Leaf save the electric vehicle? Or is this new pricing scheme too little, too late to pull Leaf sales up to expectations?

The post NAIAS 2013: Nissan Leaf S Model Drops $6,400 In Price appeared first on Gas 2.

Source: Gas2.0