2013 Nissan Leaf Battery Cells Getting Cheaper
Nissan will be switching to cells supplied by Hitachi for its 2013 Leaf model rather than the ones currently supplied by Automotive Energy Supply Corp.
The change to Hitachi-supplied cells will help reduce the cost of the battery pack for the automaker. Unfortunately it’s not clear if these new cells will help extend the range of the Leaf, or if it’s strictly a cost-cutting measure.
Previous information suggested that Nissan is hoping to extend the range of its Leaf electric vehicle while reducing its price, and it appears that the Japanese automaker will be utilizing new lithium-ion cells in its battery pack in order to reduce costs.
Definite changes to the 2013 Nissan Leaf include options for an upgraded 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger, leather seats, and a more efficient cabin heater.
Either way, Nissan will have to improve the mileage range of its Leaf in order to improve its sales.
[Source: Daily Yomiuri Online]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Super duper! My next car!
Get me to 200 miles and I'm sold! (Incidentally, There ARE existing electric car user groups who told me I could definitely extend my range to 200 miles with the right supplemental batteries. Probably cost an additional $5-10K)