2013 Leaf to get redesign, ~25% more range & possible lower cost/range version

[Daox]

Looks like there will be some substancial changes done to the 2013 Leaf. It looks like it'll get a 25% increase in range. There is also a possibility of a cheaper version of the Leaf with a reduce range. Japan will be getting it for sure, there is no news of it comming here yet though.

2013 Nissan Leaf: More Range, Cheaper Model, Report Says

Now a report from Japan suggests that Nissan will offer a 2013 Leaf with longer range, as well as a lower-cost model with a smaller battery pack (which could be restricted to sales in that country).

The improvement in usable range is attributed to improved performance from the battery's lithium-ion cells and a more efficient electric motor.

...

If so, that would put the 2013 Leaf ahead of the Ford Focus Electric (76 miles), Honda Fit EV (82 miles), and Coda Sedan (88 miles) in rated range.

The less expensive 2013 Leaf with lower range may be limited to buyers in Japan, which has different tax subsidies and buyer incentives. Mitsubishi already sells a lower-range model of its i-MiEV electric minicar there.

[MetroMPG]

Also of note (I added to the thread title :P):

The Sankei report also says that Nissan will "dramatically change the appearance" of the Leaf's design.

Here's hoping they incorporate aerodynamic improvements. The car's current drag coefficient is pretty poor for an EV. Maybe they're already factoring aero optimization into the range increase.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Also of note (I added to the thread title :P):



Here's hoping they incorporate aerodynamic improvements. The car's current drag coefficient is pretty poor for an EV. Maybe they're already factoring aero optimization into the range increase.

+1 !

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Here's hoping they incorporate aerodynamic improvements. The car's current drag coefficient is pretty poor for an EV. Maybe they're already factoring aero optimization into the range increase.

God forbid a 1000lb weight loss and aerostreaming

[NeilBlanchard]

If they can reduce the Cd close to EV1, then they would have a hit on their hands! I hope it looks a bit better, too.

[NeilBlanchard]

A little more information on the 2013 Leaf, being built in Tennessee; along with the batteries and the new motor, too.

2013 US Leaf has improved range, charging speed, and lower price

Range is not yet officially determined, but Nissan says it should be ~14% better, or about 83 miles. The Leaf S will be significantly less expensive (maybe $5K?) but it won't have the new 6.6Kwh charger (though you could add it as an option). The new charger is in the front, which frees ~1.5cu ft of trunk space. The new Cd is allegedly 0.28 vs the 0.29 it was - which is probably due almost entirely to the new more closed wheels. The mid and top models will have a better more efficient heating system.

Here's the Leaf S with it's steel wheels and covers:


This is the new alloy wheels on the mid and upper models:

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

It's still possible to do a lot of improvements in the Nissan LEAF to improve its overall efficiency.

workaround ideas to discuss among friends: Some considerations about the Nissan LEAF

[NeilBlanchard]

You're totally correct. Let's hope that the Nissan engineers continue to work on it aggressively. Better aerodynamics could get the range up to ~140 miles.

[NeilBlanchard]

Nissan has announced the price for the new Leaf S: $28,800.

This should have ripple effects through the EV market - the prices on the Mitsubishi i MiEV and the Chevy Spark EV etc. might now be lower, and Nissan should sell more of the US built 2013 Leaf's.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Nissan has announced the price for the new Leaf S: $28,800.

This should have ripple effects through the EV market - the prices on the Mitsubishi i MiEV and the Chevy Spark EV etc. might now be lower, and Nissan should sell more of the US built 2013 Leaf's.

Now how much for the base s with the small battery