Nissan announces lower MSRP, new trim for LEAF

Nissan Canada appears to be playing the value card with changes to its all-electric LEAF aimed at making it the least-expensive five-passenger electric vehicle sold in Canada.

The automaker said it is adding a new S-grade trim that will carry an MSRP of $31,698
 
The 2013 model is set to hit Nissan’s network of EV-certified dealer showrooms in 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 said its objective for the LEAF has always been to produce an “affordable zero-emission vehicle” for the mass market. Combining the S-grade trim price and select provincial incentives and it may have accomplished its goal.

“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 of Nissan’s marketing office.

“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 interior, Around View monitor 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 that allows customers to control their Nissan LEAF with their smart phone and will be backward compatible to previous generation models.

MSRP for the 2013 Nissan LEAF:
LEAF S: $31,698 CAN
LEAF SV: $34,998 CAN
LEAF SL: $38,398 CAN