2013 Nissan Leaf Preview: Detroit Auto Show

Future electric vehicles are going to ride on the shoulders of today’s crop of alternative fuel-powered machines. That includes vehicles such as the 2013 Nissan Leaf, and it’s arrived for the new model year with some new features and upgrades.

Among those upgrades? Improved efficiency, and an expected range improvement (after EPA testing concludes). Not only that, but there is now a lower-priced base model called the Leaf S.

What’s New for the 2013 Nissan Leaf:

• Improved aerodynamics.
• A wider range of regenerative braking.
• The entry-level S trim.
• New optional extras and running modes

New 2013 Nissan Leaf: Styling and Design

There’s nothing really new in terms of style and design for the 2013 Nissan Leaf. It’s still a vehicle that boasts a function over form aesthetic, and that can be hit or miss for consumers.

A few tweaks happened on the exterior, however, and it was to improve the aerodynamics of the Leaf. This helps extend the driving range. Additionally, the SL trim gets a few package bumps to separate it from the new S trim. This includes leather-appointed seating and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

New 2013 Nissan Leaf: What’s Under the Hood

There’s no internal combustion happening here. Instead, the Leaf is powered by a high-response 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor, which produces 107 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. The motor gets its energy from 192 battery cells, which are laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion units.

All of the power is sent out to the front wheels by way of a single-speed transmission,

New 2013 Nissan Leaf: Features and Technology

Everything about the Leaf is technology moving forward, and it’s the starting point for progression into the future. Currently the Leaf offers three selectable driving modes; Normal, Eco, and B-Mode. Normal is, well, normal, and Eco-Mode increases the regen braking effects while also reducing HVAC power output. In B-Mode, the Leaf sees even more aggressive regenerative braking efforts and the vehicle decreases more quickly when the throttle is disengaged.

New 2013 Nissan Leaf: What Autobytel Thinks

The 2013 Nissan Leaf is an attempt to right some perceived wrongs, while also pushing driving range ever farther. A car like the Leaf is good for a large amount of the population, if it’s being used as a commuter vehicle and around-town runabout. Still, the idea of range anxiety remains scary to many, and it will take improved efficiency and battery life to put more electric vehicles into the garages of the American car-buying public.