2013 Nissan LEAF Press Kit: Overview

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, Nissan 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 new 6.6 kW onboard charger that reduces 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately four hours for full charge*.

For 2013, a new entry-level Nissan LEAF S grade joins the SV and SL grades to provide a lower-priced entry point for potential customers. Building on this new S grade, an array of feature enhancements are also now added to the Nissan LEAF SL grade, including leather-appointed seating, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio.

“The 2013 Nissan LEAF continues to be the EV benchmark in the automotive industry and with even greater efficiency, shorter charging time and a new entry-level S grade, this vehicle now fits the lives of more Canadians than ever,” said Brian Thomas, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada. "This is a great example of how Nissan listens to our customers to improve our products."

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 standard 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 colour and sun visor extensions. Rear cargo space has been increased to 24 cubic feet (680L) with the 2nd row seat upright by relocating the onboard charger to the front of the vehicle. There is 30 cubic feet (850L) 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. The new  Google Places search function allows Nissan 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.

Also new is the availability of the Nissan LEAF App for Canadian Android users which will allow even more customers to control their Nissan LEAF from the comfort of their smart phone and will be backward compatible to previous generation models.

A Dedicated EV Platform, Innovative Battery Design

The front-wheel drive Nissan LEAF 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.

Nissan LEAF rides on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, with a 4,445 mm overall length, 1,770 mm width and 1,550 mm 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. Nissan 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, Nissan 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. Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL) 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, Nissan LEAF features a new standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that reduces 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately 4 hours for a full charge. All Nissan LEAF models come with a standard portable trickle charge cable.

"The combination of increased efficiency, faster charging and the growing availability of infrastructure gives Nissan LEAF owners even more flexibility and confidence that the car will meet their everyday driving needs," said Thomas.

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/vented rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Nissan 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.

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 SL. 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 S, 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy for SV and new split 5-spoke 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for 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.

Five exterior colours are available: new for the 2013 model year Metallic Slate and Pearl White, along with the previously offered Super Black, Cayenne Red, 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 centre "floating" C-stack with a 4.3-inch colour LCD display (S grade). A 7-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 centre C-stack cluster continues the "EV touch" feel with the colour monitor for the available navigation system, available Around View® Monitor and control of the audio and climate systems.

The display also provides access to the CARWINGS telematics system (standard on SV and SL), which is connected to a Nissan data centre, (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. 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 centre console storage cover. Nissan LEAF SL includes new standard leather-appointed seats for 2013.

The centre 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 colour LCD display for S trim. SV add two additional speakers, the 7.0-inch display and SL adds the Bose® 7-speaker premium audio system. New for 2013, Black interior replaces light grey.

Standard 2013 Nissan 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, roof mounted 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 Nissan LEAF models.

Three Well-Equipped Models

The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the S, SV and 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), centre console storage and 6.6 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, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, 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 colour LCD screen, CARWINGS telematics, Quick Charge Port, 6-speaker audio system, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 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 Nissan LEAF SL model adds a photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Aroundview Monitor, leather-appointed seats, LED headlights and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

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 160,000 kms. Under an expanded New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, Nissan will protect against capacity loss in Nissan 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 100,000 kms in the Canada, whichever comes first.

Canada'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.

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*Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age.

At A Glance: 2013 Nissan LEAF™

The highly innovative, industry leading Nissan LEAF™ pure electric vehicle enters its third year of production in 2013 with a long list of important enhancements:

• Improved energy efficiency* due to improved aerodynamics, wider range of regenerative braking for increased energy recapture and improved energy management
• Addition of a new, entry-level S grade
• An array of feature enhancements for the SL grade, including leather appointed seating and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• New standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that reduces 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately four hours for a full charge
• New available hybrid heater system that provides superior cold weather performance while consuming less energy
• New available "B" drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration
• New charge port door light and lock, with new intelligent key charge port door release button
• Enhanced interior features, including standard leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, new black interior colour and sun visor extensions
• Smarter packaging, with onboard charger relocated to the front of the vehicle to create more rear cargo space
• EV-IT improvements, with "Eco route" feature added to navigation system – plus Google® local search, link for iPhone® and iPod® cover art
• Availability of the Nissan LEAF App for Canadian Android users which will allow even more customers to control their Nissan LEAF from the comfort of their smart phone and will be backward compatible to previous generation models.
• State of charge percentage added to the trip computer for more accurate energy monitoring
• Two new exterior colours (5 total): Metallic Slate and Pearl White

The established leader in the "no gas, no tailpipe" zero-emission era, Nissan LEAF is now assembled in Smyrna, Tenn., including battery production, nearly 60,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold worldwide (through March 2013).

For 2013, Nissan LEAF is again 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, Nissan LEAF's powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven.

The Nissan 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 four hours with the new 6.6 kW onboard charger. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8 years or 160,000 kilometres.

The Nissan LEAF's distinctive exterior styling is characterized by sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting halogen headlights. LED headlights and fog lights are standard on SL models. The headlights split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag.

The exterior also utilizes a standard rear spoiler, flat underbody with rear diffuser and aerodynamically shaped LED taillights. The charging port is hidden under a small door located in the front of the vehicle, with a new light and door lock feature added for 2013. The 5-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles, aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior environment. Enhancements to the design result in a lower coefficient of drag of just 0.28 (previously 0.29).

Three different wheel designs are offered in 2013: 16-inch steel with full-wheel covers for S trim, 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy for SV and new split 5-spoke 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for 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.

Five exterior colours are available for 2013: Metallic Slate, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White and Blue Ocean.

Nissan LEAF drivers (except Nissan LEAF S grade) are able to use web-enabled mobile phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be programmed to start the charging event (standard on all grades).

Nissan LEAF's digital instrument panel includes a speedometer, battery temperature gauge, power meter, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge, distance to empty display and Eco indicator. A new state-of-charge percentage display has been added to the trip computer. The standard monitor also displays "reachable area," as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations. A Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) is standard on SV and SL grades.

All grades include Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. The advanced Around View® Monitor system, which helps provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle is standard on the SL.

Nissan LEAF safety systems include six air bags, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped grades: S, SV and SL.

Highlights of the 2013 Nissan LEAF include:

Body

• Body designed for aerodynamic efficiency with 0.28 coefficient of drag
• 2,700 mm wheelbase, 4,445 mm overall length, 1,770 mm width, 1,550 mm height Standard rear spoiler, flat underbody with rear diffuser
• Aerodynamically shaped headlights (LED on SL grade) designed to help reduce drag and wind noise
• Slim-type aerodynamic LED taillights
• Fog lights standard on SL)
• Automatic on/off headlights (standard on SL
• Body-colour front and rear bumpers
• Charge ports located above front grille
• Standard charge port light and door lock
• Portable trickle charge cable (110V)
• Available photovoltaic solar panel spoiler (standard on SL)
• Dual power remote-controlled heated outside mirrors
• Chrome outside door handles
• Fixed vortex-shedding roof antenna
• Five available exterior colours: Metallic Slate, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White and Blue Ocean

Motor and Driveline

• Front motor/front-wheel drive
• Single speed gear reducer
• Battery housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution
• AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) laminated lithium-ion battery with 48 compact 4-cell modules
• High-response 80kW AC synchronous motor
• Laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
• 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque
• Standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that reduces 220V charging time nearly in half to approximately four hours for a full charge
• Available Quick Charge Port – allows charging to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at public DC fast charging stations (standard on SL, and SV)
• Shift-by-wire drive selector
• Standard battery heater
• Standard Hill Start Assist
• Suspension, Steering and Braking
• Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabilizer bar
• Vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering
• Regenerative braking system, allowing Nissan LEAF to produce its own electric energy for storage in its battery
• Power-assisted front vented disc/vented rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• 16-inch steel wheels with full covers (S grade), 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55R16 Bridgestone Ecopia all-season tires (SV grade)
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver all-season tires (SL grade)
• Tire Repair Kit

Interior Features

• Modern interior design with "floating" C-stack
• 5-passenger seating capacity
• 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat
• Available seat fabric partially made with recycled materials (SV)
• Available leather-appointed seating (SL)
• Heated front and rear seats
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Rear HVAC duct
• Available passenger seat map pockets
• High quality gauges with unique EV-IT design for intuitive communication with driver
• Digital gauges: Speedometer, battery temperature, power meter, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge, distance to empty display, Eco indicator, outside temperature gauge
• Standard trip computer (percent SOC, instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range)
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
• Available hybrid heater system
• Centre console storage
• Palm shifter
• AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability and 4 speakers (S), standard 6-speaker system on SV and SL
• Available Bose® 7-speaker energy efficient audio system (SL)
• Auxiliary input jack and USB Connection Port for iPod® and other compatible devices
• Standard 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 (front centre console), two bottle holders (door panels)
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• 12-volt power outlet
• Front and rear assist grips
• Floor and trunk carpeting
• Available cargo cover (standard on SL)
• Standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Available Nissan Navigation System (standard on SV and SL)
• Available CARWINGS telematics (no charge for 36 months), allowing for remote connection to vehicle – monitor battery state of charge/charging status, start charging event, turn on HVAC system (standard on SV and SL)
• Standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)
• Standard Roadside Assistance program (no charge for 36 months)
• Available HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (standard on SL)
• Available Around View® Monitor (standard on SL)
• Black cloth interior with available leather (SL)

Safety and Security

• 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
• Roof-mounted 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
• Child safety rear door locks
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Zone Body construction with front & rear crumple zones
• Side door guard beams
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
• Vehicle Security System (VSS)

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered as three well-equipped models: S, SV and SL
• Assembled in Smyrna, Tenn.
• Batteries produced in Smyrna, Tenn.

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*Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age.

2013 Nissan LEAF™ Specifications

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

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety & Security

Dimensions

Weights & Capacities

*Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age.

∆ 2013 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Based on Natural Resources Canada formula of 8.9 kW/hour equal to one litre of gasoline energy.  Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions - use for comparison only.

S - Standard
O - Optional

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Nissan Announces Canadian Price Reduction and Faster Charging Time for 2013 Nissan LEAF

• New S trim lowers entry-level price by more than 17 per cent
• Available provincial incentives can bring price down on par with gas powered vehicles of its size
• Improved energy efficiency, faster charging times and greater customer choice headline 2013 model year improvements

MISSISSAUGA, ON – Nissan has announced that Canadian pricing for the new 2013 Nissan LEAF will start at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,698 for the newly-added S grade, making it the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in Canada.

Depending on location, some consumers may purchase the Nissan LEAF at prices on par with gas powered vehicles of its size with provincial tax rebates, when it goes on sale in EV-certified dealer showrooms this July. Residents of Ontario, Quebec and BC are eligible for $8,500, $8,000 and $5,000 toward their purchase of a Nissan LEAF, respectively. 

Nissan's objective for the Nissan LEAF has always been to produce an affordable zero-emission vehicle for the mass market, and the 2013 Nissan LEAF is a prime example of that commitment with increased value at every trim level, making it more accessible for more people.

"With more than 60,000 Nissan LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better," said Brian Thomas, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers won't have to pay a premium for owning a green car that's really fun to drive, and that's exciting."

Additions to the 2013 Nissan LEAF include: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather appointed interior, Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio system on SL models and a standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times by nearly half on all models. Also new is the availability of the Nissan LEAF App for Canadian Android users which will allow even more customers to control their Nissan LEAF from the comfort of their smart phone and will be backward compatible to previous generation models.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan LEAF:

Nissan began U.S. assembly of the 2013 Nissan LEAF at its manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., a localization initiative that further drives efficiencies by leveraging already-existing equipment and processes while also reducing exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency. The battery packs that power Nissan LEAF are built in an adjacent facility in Smyrna while the vehicle's electric motor comes from Nissan's powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn., further supporting efficient manufacturing.

About the 2013 Nissan LEAF
Now in its third model year, the Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling pure electric vehicle with over 62,000 cumulative sales worldwide. For 2013, the Nissan LEAF features numerous customer-focused upgrades, including a standard 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times and available 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed interior, Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio system.

Nissan LEAF is powered by a responsive 80kW AC synchronous motor produced at Nissan's Powertrain Assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn. The 2013 Nissan LEAF's output is 107 horsepower, with 187 lb-ft. of torque. Energy is supplied by an advanced 48-module lithium-ion battery made at the new battery plant in Smyrna, Tenn.

The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the S, SV and SL. 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), centre console storage and 6.6 kW onboard charger. Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge port door release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM/CD with MP3 playback capability and a 12-volt power outlet.

Nissan LEAF SV models are upgraded to 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, energy saving hybrid heating system, an upgraded 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch color LCD display, Nissan Navigation system with CARWINGS telematics and B-mode setting for increased regenerative braking. At an MSRP of $34,998, the 2013 LEAF SV represents a $3,397 savings over a similar 2012 model.

Nissan LEAF SL adds leather-appointed seats, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels, DC 480V fast charge port, automatic on/off LED headlights, fog lights, photovoltaic solar panel rear spoiler and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. At an MSRP of $ 38,398, the 2013 Nissan LEAF SL represents a $2,497 savings over a similar 2012 model.

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