2023 Nissan Leaf: EPA Range, Prices And Competitiveness Without Tax Credit

The Nissan Leaf was one of many first trendy all-electric vehicles out there in the USA (since 2010) and at the moment we’ll check out the 2023 mannequin 12 months version.

The corporate introduced a simplified lineup for the 2023 mannequin 12 months with two major variations – S, geared up with a 40-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, and SV Plus with a 60-kWh battery (which replaces the 62-kWh model).

As we all know, since mid-2022, the MSRP costs of the 2 variations begin at respectively $27,800 and $35,800 (plus $1,095 vacation spot and dealing with).

In response to the EPA, the Nissan Leaf S (40 kWh) presents a Mixed vary of 149 miles (240 km), which is similar as within the case of the 2022 mannequin 12 months model. There aren’t any modifications to the powertrain, together with the 110-kilowatt (kW) electrical motor on the entrance.

The brand new SV Plus (60 kWh) model has an EPA Mixed vary of 212 miles (341 km), which is lower than the retired 62-kWh battery model (215 miles in SV/SL trim or 226 miles in S trim). The SV Plus model has a 160-kW electrical motor.

2023 Nissan Leaf EPA Mixed vary:

• S (40 kWh): 149 miles (240 km)
• SV Plus (60 kWh): 212 miles (341 km)
  [63 miles or 42% more]

Power consumption, together with charging losses, is estimated at 109-111 MPGe or 304-309 Wh/mi (189-192 Wh/km) for the 2.

Each Nissan Leafs are geared up with a 6.6 kW onboard charger. When it comes to DC quick charging, there may be nonetheless the CHAdeMO inlet (as a substitute of the extra standard CCS Combo 1). Apparently, the S model is proscribed to 50 kW, whereas the system within the SV Plus model theoretically presents as much as 100 kW charging (we guess that the real-world energy output is decrease).

The principle query is whether or not the brand new Nissan Leaf continues to be aggressive within the US. The gross sales quantity of two,354 items (down 46 % year-over-year) in Q1 2023 doesn’t point out any success to this point.

The entry-level model begins at $29,135 ($28,040 + $1,095 DST), whereas the SV Plus is $8,000 dearer.

The principle challenge for the Nissan Leaf now’s that it is now not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit score. It was when the Inflation Discount Act of 2022 (IRA) got here into energy in mid-2022 as a result of the automotive is regionally produced (since 2013). Nonetheless, after the steerage on the crucial minerals and battery element necessities was launched on April 18, it turned out that regardless of the native manufacturing of batteries, the Leaf isn’t eligible for the inducement.

Solely fashions which can be regionally produced and meet two new necessities will obtain the total credit score:

• 40% of the worth of crucial minerals must be mined or processed in the USA (or FTA international locations), or recycled in North America
• 50% of the worth of battery parts should be manufactured or assembled in North America

As we perceive, Nissan was unable to fulfill the required stage of native manufacturing. There’s a probability that it’s going to change sooner or later if the producer applies modifications to its provide chain.

One other mannequin that has misplaced entry to the federal tax credit score in the same manner is the Genesis Electrified GV70, which was eligible just for a number of weeks when manufacturing began in early 2023.

Anyway, so long as there isn’t any $7,500 federal tax credit score, the Nissan Leaf shall be in a really difficult place, in comparison with among the different BEVs. The entry-level model is likely to be just too costly in comparison with the vehicles with the incentives. On the opposite finish, the SV Plus worth is barely marginally decrease than the efficient worth of the Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD ($37,880, after deducting compulsory prices and a $3,750 tax credit score), which has 272 miles of EPA Mixed vary.

If we embrace additionally some frustration with the outgoing CHAdeMO charging commonplace within the US, we aren’t too optimistic concerning the Leaf.