2014 Nissan Leaf price climbs $180 to $28,980*, Ghosn predicts sales doubling

A year ago, Nissan changed the fortunes of its all-electric Leaf in the US market by lopping a serious $6,400 off of the price. The entry-level 2012 Leaf started at $35,200, and the 2013 Leaf S instantly became a much better deal since it started at $28,800. For 2014, the trend is in the opposite direction, but only just. The 2014 Leaf S will start at $28,980. The other two trim levels will start at $32,000 for the SV and $35,020 for the SL. Oh well, we can’t get a $6k drop every year, can we?

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A year ago, Nissan changed the fortunes of its all-electric Leaf in the US market by lopping a serious $6,400 off of the price. The entry-level 2012 Leaf started at $35,200, and the 2013 Leaf S instantly became a much better deal since it started at $28,800. For 2014, the trend is in the opposite direction, but only just. The 2014 Leaf S will start at $28,980. The other two trim levels will start at $32,000 for the SV and $35,020 for the SL. Oh well, we can’t get a $6k drop every year, can we?

What do you get for your extra $180? Well, as described in July, the 2014 model has the rear camera as standard and there is an available voice command navigation system and text message reader. We’ve got the full specification breakdown and pricing press release below.

We doubt the small extra cost will do much to dent the Leaf’s current sales upswing. December 2013 was the EV’s best sales month ever, and a grand total of 22,610 units in 2013. That’s more EVs than Nissan sold in 2011 and 2012 put together. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said earlier today that he thinks US Leaf sales will double, but didn’t say when. “We are now on a trend of 3,000 cars a month in the US, which is about 36,000 cars” a year, Ghosn told Automotive News. “The next step is moving up to 4,000 a month, which is going to be approximately 50,000.”

The prices listed above do not include Nissan’s $850 destination fee, but all Leaf EVs can qualify for the $7,500 federal income tax credit, as well as state and local incentives in some areas.

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NISSAN ANNOUNCES U.S. PRICING FOR 2014 LEAF™

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 8, 2014) – Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2014 Nissan LEAF™, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 100 percent electric LEAF continues to offer outstanding value, with prices comparable to similar gasoline-powered vehicles after applicable tax credits. Sales of the zero emission LEAF in the U.S. and around the world set all-time records in 2013.

The 2014 Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels: LEAF S, SV and SL, along with option packages offering advanced systems such as Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® audio. Enhancements for 2014 include the addition of the RearView Monitor as standard equipment on all models (previously part of the Charge Package) and one new exterior color – Gun Metallic (seven total available colors).

The established leader in the “no gas, no tailpipe” zero-emission era, the 2014 model year LEAF’s driving range is rated at 84 miles and MPGe ratings are 126 City, 101 Highway and 114 Combined.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan LEAF are:

LEAF S

$28,980 USD

LEAF SV

$32,000 USD

LEAF SL

$35,020 USD

Destination and Handling $850 USD

For 2014, LEAF is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, providing a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. Unlike internal-combustion engine-equipped vehicles, LEAF’s powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven.

LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger. Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately five hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger (approximately eight hours with the S grade’s standard 3.6 kW charger). The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

LEAF is assembled in the United States at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn. assembly plant, with battery assembly taking place next door in the country’s largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

2014 NISSAN LEAF SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are based on latest product information available at the time of release

Mechanical

Body/Chassis

Type

Unibody

Primary materials

Corrosion-resistant high strength steel

Exterior

Interior

Instrumentation

Digital gauges

Speedometer
Battery temperature
Power meter
Remaining energy gauge
Capacity level gauge
Distance to empty display
Eco indicator
Outside temperature gauge

Safety & Security

Child Safety

Child seat upper tether anchor

S

LATCH System

S

Child safety rear door locks

S

Safety Structure

Energy-absorbing steering column

S

Zone Body construction with front & rear crumple zones

S

Side door guard beams

S

Active Safety

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

S

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

S

Traction Control System (TCS)

S

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

S

Security

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System

S

Vehicle Security System (VSS)

S

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase

106.3 in.

Overall Length

175.0 in.

Overall Width

69.7 in.

Overall Height

61.0 in.

Track width front/rear

60.6/60.4 in.

Ground clearance

6.3 in.

Angle of approach

16.9°

Angle of departure

26.0°

Coefficient of drag (Cd)

0.28

Weights & Capacities

EPA Estimated Fuel Economy

City (MPGe)

126

Highway (MPGe)

101

Combined (MPGe)

114

Classification

Midsize

Options & Packages

Charge Package: 6.6 kW onboard charger (6 kW output), quick charge port

O

–

–

LED Headlights + Quick Charge Port: LED headlights, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, quick charge port

–

O

–

Premium Package: Around View® Monitor, Bose® 7-speaker audio system

–

O

O

*Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age. The 6.6 kW onboard charger is a standard feature on SV and SL trims. It is an optional feature on the S trim.

S – Standard

O – Optional