Nissan LEAF

Now in its third model year, the highly innovative, industry leading Nissan LEAF pure electric vehicle features an extensive list of important enhancements for 2013. Importantly, LEAF is now assembled in the United States at Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. assembly plant, with battery production taking place right next door in the country's largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant.

Changes to the 2013 Nissan LEAF start with improved energy efficiency* due to   refined aerodynamics, a wider range of regenerative braking, improved energy   management and a newly available 6.6 kW onboard charger that reduces 220V   charging time nearly in half to approximately four hours for full charge*. In addition,   a new lower priced entry-level LEAF S grade joins the previous SV and SL grades,   while an array of feature enhancements are added to the LEAF SL grade, including   leather-appointed seating and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Also, three new   option packages are available – offering advanced systems such as Around View®   Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio.

With efficiency improvements, the 2013 Nissan LEAF is expected to offer an EPA-estimated range of 75 miles at a 90 percent charge. Customers who fully charge may get up to 84 miles of range.

2013 Nissan LEAF Front Angle

The 2013 LEAF is a great example of how Nissan listens to our customers to improve our products. While some buyers simply wanted a more affordable option like the new LEAF S trim, many asked us for additional features and functionality, such as a state of charge meter, faster charging, improved range and more premium amenities such as leather seating and Bose audio," said Erik Gottfried, Nissan's director of Electric Vehicle Marketing and Sales Strategy. "We are delivering these items and more to LEAF customers—and at a lower price than the 2012 model."

Other 2013 model year additions include an available hybrid heater system that   provides superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy; a new   available "B" drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration;   and a new charge port light and lock, with a charge port door release button added   to the intelligent key fob.

Enhanced interior features range from a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel to   a new black interior color and sun visor extensions. Rear cargo space has been   increased to 24 cubic feet with the 2nd row seat upright by relocating the onboard   charger to the front of the vehicle. There is 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the   standard 60/40-split rear seat folded down.

EV-IT improvements for 2013 include a new "Eco route" feature added to the   available navigation system that includes suggested power-saving alternative routes   – plus Google® local search, Pandora® link for iPhone® and iPod® cover art. The new   Google Places search function allows LEAF owners to look for area restaurants, shops   and other points of interest and browse user reviews using Google's POI database to   get the most up-to-date information at all times.

"Since its launch, Nissan LEAF has delighted customers with its environmental friendliness, its quiet and spacious interior and its surprising, fun-to-drive character," said Gottfried. "The changes to the new, U.S.-built 2013 LEAF will help Nissan achieve our goal to offer truly attainable zero-emission vehicles to the mass-market."

A Dedicated EV Platform, Innovative Battery Design

The front-wheel drive LEAF again uses a dedicated EV platform with batteries housed   in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The body design   includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity   compared to a conventional compact car.

LEAF rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175.0-inch overall length, 69.7-inch   width and 61.0-inch height. Dimensionally, the Nissan LEAF falls in between the   Nissan Altima and Nissan Versa, and like those vehicles provides room for five adults   and a good-sized cargo area. Placing the batteries in the floor of the vehicle provides   optimum weight distribution to help enhance handling and allows for five-passenger   seating by not intruding into the cabin space. LEAF's 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion)   battery is comprised of 48 compact modules of four cells each (192 cells total),   which allows a high degree of packaging flexibility. The batteries are designed to   maximize drive time and minimize charging time.

The battery was developed by the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a   joint venture of Nissan and NEC. Unlike conventional cylindrical batteries, the thin,   compact laminated cells offer more flexibility in design applications. The battery   powers a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor, rated at 107 horsepower and   187 lb-ft of torque, which drives the front wheels through a single speed reducer.   Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, LEAF has 100 percent of its torque   available from start, delivering smooth, consistent acceleration and the driving feel   similar to a conventional V6 engine.

The Nissan LEAF offers a number of charging options. A charge port is located in the   front body for the 220V charger and portable trickle charge cable (110V). A charge   port light and lock has been added for 2013. The available Quick Charge Port   (standard on SL, optional on S, SV) allows charging to 80 percent capacity in 30   minutes at public charging stations using a DC fast charger. There is also a standard   photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt   battery for vehicle accessories.

For 2013, LEAF SV and SL grades feature a new 6.6 kW onboard charger that   reduces 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately 4 hours for a full charge.   The system is optionally available on the LEAF S, which in standard form will utilize a   3.6 kW onboard charger. All LEAF models come with a standard portable trickle   charge cable.

"The combination of increased range, faster level-two charging and the growing availability of infrastructure in the U.S., including quick chargers, gives LEAF owners even more flexibility and confidence that the car will meet their everyday driving needs," said Gottfried.

The 2013 Nissan LEAF again uses an independent strut suspension with stabilizer bar   in front and a torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabilizer bar.   Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system.

Braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with   Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake   Assist. LEAF's standard regenerative braking system helps increase range. By   applying the brakes or reducing speed by letting off the accelerator, the electric   motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy that would otherwise be   wasted into battery energy. The new "B-mode" (SV and SL grades) allows the driver   to engage an even more aggressive level of regenerative braking while decelerating,   such as when going down hills. The "B-mode" is in addition to the normal and Eco   drive modes. The Eco mode increases regenerative braking, assists in limiting motor output and reduces HVAC power output.

Because Nissan LEAF does not have an internal combustion engine, Nissan has   incorporated an "Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians" system, which is   designed to alert pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching. When driving at low   speeds, the system emits a sound from a speaker at the front of the vehicle. When   the vehicle's speed reaches 19 mph, pedestrians are able to hear the car moving and   the "approaching sound" automatically turns off. If the vehicle speed drops below 16   mph, the sound comes on again.

Exterior Designed for "Smart Fluidity"

Nissan LEAF's dedicated EV body is designed to offer "smart fluidity" – a fusion of   sophisticated aerodynamic management and aerodynamic acoustics with the   freedom provided by the new EV layout.

The smooth, elegant movement of the body starts from the low, compact hood,   moves through the iconic shoulder character line and on toward the large rear   spoiler.

The distinctive exterior styling is characterized by sharp, upright V-shaped design   featuring long, up-slanting headlights with a blue internal reflective appearance. The   headlights split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise   and drag. LED headlights, which consume about 50 percent of the electricity of   halogen headlights, are standard on LEAF SL (and optional on SV). Heated outside   mirrors are standard on all grades.

In the rear, the slim-type aerodynamic LED taillight design and crisp corners   combine with the aerodynamic rear bumper with rear diffuser to manage the   aerodynamics of the rear end without compromising rear interior roominess. The   coefficient of drag for 2013 has been improved to 0.28 (versus the previous 0.29).

The exterior also utilizes a flat underbody (including a large front flat floor cover,   electric motor area undercover, front undercover and rear diffuser with fins) to help   manage airflow under the vehicle. An innovative vortex-shedding roof-mounted   antenna is one of many design elements utilized to help reduce wind noise. Other   noise reduction features include a quiet-operation windshield wiper motor, a sound   insulation windshield design and a dual-isolated motor-mounting system. The 5-door   hatchback design also features chrome door handles, aerodynamic outside mirrors   and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior environment.

Three different wheel designs are offered for 2013: 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel   covers for LEAF S, 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy for LEAF SV and new split   5-spoke 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for LEAF SL. Bridgestone Ecopia 205/55R16   all-season tires are used with the S and SV grades, while 215/50R17 Michelin Energy   Saver all-season tires are standard on SL.

Seven exterior colors are available: new for the 2013 model year Metallic Slate and   Glacier White, along with the previously offered Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Cayenne   Red, Pearl White and Blue Ocean.

Distinctive "EV Touch" Interior

The roomy Nissan LEAF interior offers a pleasingly modern design created to provide   a unique "EV touch" with "simple and human flow." The bright, welcoming   atmosphere starts with the wide, high tech instrument panel design – which is   dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center   "floating" C-stack with a 4.3-inch color LCD display (S grade). A 7.0-inch display is   standard on SV and SL grades. The digital "eyebrow" display at the top of the   instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while   the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the new percentage style state-of charge   meter, power meter, battery temperature gauge, multi-function display,   remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance to empty display.

The flat panel center C-stack cluster continues the "EV touch" feel with the color   monitor for the available navigation system, available RearView Monitor or Around   View® Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems.

2013 Nissan LEAF Interior

The display also provides access to the CARWINGS telematics system (standard on   SV and SL), which is connected to a Nissan data center, (subscription required, no   charge for 36 months). Through CARWINGS, Nissan LEAF drivers are able to use   mobile smart phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely,   even when the vehicle is powered down. The system also displays "reachable area,"   as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations. An on-board charging   timer can also be programmed to start the charging event whenever desired. Also   standard on SV and SL grades is the Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic   (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

The Nissan LEAF interior also includes comfortable heated front bucket seats and a   60/40 split folding heated rear seat and rear HVAC duct. LEAF SV seat fabric is made   with partially recycled materials.

Recycled materials are also used for the back door trim, roof trim and headliner,   carpeting and a number of other interior pieces such as the door panels and center   console storage cover. LEAF SL includes new standard leather-appointed seats for   2013.

The center console area includes the palm shifter (inspired by a PC mouse) for the   "by wire" drive selector. The standard 3-spoke heated leather-wrapped steering   wheel houses controls for the cruise control (except S), audio system and standard   Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription   required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver   standard on SL models.

Three audio systems are offered, starting with an AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD   playback capability, 4 speakers and 4.3-inch color LCD display for LEAF S. LEAF SV   and SL add two additional speakers, the 7.0-inch display and Pandora® link for   iPhone®. The Bose® 7-speaker premium audio system is optionally available with SV   and SL grades. Two interior colors are offered: new Black (S, SV, SL) or Light Gray   (SV only).

Standard 2013 LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)   with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant   classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roofmounted   curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard   occupant head protection, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's seat ELR only) with   pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower   Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks. Vehicle   Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all   LEAF models.

Three Well-Equipped Models, Three Option Packages

The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the LEAF S, LEAF SV   and LEAF SL. Standard features include a 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual   front passenger's seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption,   driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature   Control (ATC), center console storage and 3.6 kW onboard charger.

Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start,   power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with   auto locking feature, remote charge door release, two cupholders, four bottle   holders, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 12-volt power outlet and 16-inch   steel wheels with full wheel covers.

The Nissan LEAF SV model adds Nissan Navigation system, 7.0-inch color LCD   screen, CARWINGS telematics, 6-speaker audio system, Pandora® link for iPhone®,   16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 6.6 kW onboard charger, hybrid heater system,   cruise control, auto-dimming inside mirror, partially recycled cloth seat fabric,   passenger side map pocket and "B-mode" regenerative braking.

The 2013 LEAF SL model adds a photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, auto   on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Quick Charge Port,   leather-appointed seats, LED headlights and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Three new option packages are added for 2013, allowing buyers to further select the   exact equipment and features for their needs. The Quick Charge Package (S grade   only) includes the 6.6 kW onboard charger, Quick Charge Port and RearView Monitor.   The LED Headlights + Quick Charge Port Package (SV grade only) includes LED   headlights, auto on/off headlights, fog lights and Quick Charge Port. Finally, the   Premium Package (SV and SL grades) offers the advanced Around View® Monitor and   Bose® 7-speaker audio.

A Roadside Assistance program is offered for 36 months at no charge, as is service   for the CARWINGS telematics system.

The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8   years or 100,000 miles. Under an expanded New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty,   Nissan will protect against capacity loss in LEAF batteries that fall below nine bars, of   the available 12 bars displayed on the vehicle's battery capacity gauge, for the first   five years or 60,000 miles in the United States, whichever comes first.

U.S. Nissan LEAF production is sourced from assembly and battery production   facilities in Smyrna, Tennessee. It is assembled on the same line as the Nissan   Maxima and Nissan Altima. Nissan has a 30-year history of building quality vehicles   in Smyrna. Nissan's new lithium-ion battery plant is in an adjacent facility. Nissan is   the only automaker that manufactures its own electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Source: Nissan

Gallery: Nissan LEAF (2013)