2012 US-spec Nissan Leaf

Nissan has decided to enhance the standard specification of its electric Leaf.

All 2012 model year cars sold in the United States will come with a battery warmer, heated steering wheel and heated seats - features that should make ownership a more attractive proposition in cooler climates, although their use is also sure to drain the battery faster.

To help get around that issue, SL variants are going to get the DC Fast Charge capability as standard. This allows recharging at 480 volts, which means fully depleted batteries can be 80% charged in under thirty minutes.

Nissan Leaf (2011) Front Side 1

The move coincides with Nissan’s plans to make the Leaf more widely available. From 25th July, customers living in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington DC who already have a reservation will be able to place an order.

Then, in the autumn, orders will be accepted from residents of Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will follow by the end of 2011.

The MSRP for the 2012 Nissan Leaf has been set at $35,200 for the SV, while the SL is $37,250. Leasing plans will start from $369 per month.

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