It’s a new year and anther new car for Nissan as the 2013 Leaf enters production next week. The 2013 Leaf gains some substantial upgrades over the 2012 model like new trim levels, new interior entertainment options, and two new paint colors. Most importantly, the Leaf gains a new 240-volt charging system that enables recharging almost two times faster than the current model.
The car itself isn’t the only thing different about the Leaf; its home turf changes too. Production moves inside the US to Nissan’s Smyrna assembly plant outside Nashville, Tennessee. The lithium-ion batteries will be produced directly next door in America’s largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant. Nissan says that by keeping production localized, they’re helping to stabilize the local economy and job markets. Nissan also boasts they’re the only automaker that produces their own batteries.
The Leaf isn’t the only vehicle Nissan rolls out of Smyrna. The Leaf will share its cradle with the Altima and Maxima sedans as the build process differs only slightly from a regular gasoline-powered car.
The Leaf will go on sale in February though prices have yet to be announced.
