Nissan Completes First Lithium-Ion Cells for 2013 Leaf
Nissan has built its first lithium-ion cells for its electric vehicle’s batteries at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, which will first be used in its 2013 Leaf.
The cell fabrication facility in Smyrna is the largest plant in America that builds automotive lithium-ion batteries and can produce batteries for up to 200,000 electric cars a year. It is one of three that Nissan has worldwide.
SEE ALSO: Nissan Begins eMotor Trails at Tennessee Plant – Video
Although exact details haven’t been released, the 2013 model year Leaf will see subtle changes and will be built alongside the Altima and Maxima sedans. According to the Japanese automaker, the opening of the cell plant in Tennessee has created more than 300 jobs and at full production volumes of 150,000 cars and 200,000 batteries annually, up to 1,000 new jobs could be added.
Details on the 2013 Nissan Leaf will be released closer to its on-sale date, which is scheduled to be early next year.
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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