- The base 2012 Nissan Leaf SV starts at $36,050, reflecting a $2,420 price hike over the 2011 model - even as pricing was cut recently on the Chevrolet Volt.
- The uplevel 2012 Nissan Leaf SL starts at $38,100, reflecting a $3,530 price increase over the 2011 model.
- When asked by Inside Line if a price increase puts the Leaf at a psychological disadvantage against the Volt, a Nissan spokesperson said: "This idea that these two cars are battling it out for the hearts and minds of consumers isn't what we're seeing."
FRANKLIN, Tennessee — The base 2012 Nissan Leaf SV starts at $36,050, reflecting a $2,420 price hike over the 2011 model — even as pricing was cut recently on the Chevrolet Volt. But the starting price of the 2012 Volt is still nearly $4,000 more expensive than the Leaf.
The uplevel 2012 Nissan Leaf SL starts at $38,100, reflecting a $3,530 price increase over the 2011 model, said Nissan in Tuesday's pricing announcement. Nissan has deleted the Leaf SL-e model for 2012. That version was priced at $34,570 for the 2011 model year and was part of a federal electric-vehicle project through a special U.S. Department of Energy grant. The 2012 Leaf goes on sale this fall.
The base 2011 Nissan Leaf SV started at $33,630, including an $850 destination charge.
The 2012 Leaf is a carry-over model.
General Motors announced in mid-June that it was cutting the price of the Volt by $1,005. The 2012 Chevrolet Volt starts at $39,995, including an $850 destination charge. The price cut was achieved by cutting content.
When asked by Inside Line if a price increase puts the Leaf at a psychological disadvantage against the Volt, Nissan spokesperson Katherine Zachary said: "This idea that these two cars are battling it out for the hearts and minds of consumers isn't what we're seeing."
She said the Leaf price was hiked because "consumers are asking for added content. Our decision was based on consumer feedback."
Zachary also cited Nissan research that shows 75 percent of Nissan Leaf "intenders didn't even look at or consider another car."
Zachary said that the price increase on the Leaf is attributable to added standard equipment, including quick charging and cold-weather features. The cold-weather features include a battery warmer, heated steering wheel, and heated seats in both the front and rear.
Nissan is also making DC Fast Charge capability standard on the 2012 Nissan Leaf SL. Zachary said the SL has so far accounted for 95 percent of Leaf sales and that 90 percent of buyers have been opting for the quick charger.
Nissan also announced on Tuesday that it is pulling forward the launch of the Leaf in Illinois now, instead of the last phase of the Leaf rollout in late 2012, as originally planned. The Leaf rollout to customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington D.C. kicks off on July 25, said Nissan in a statement. The nationwide rollout of the Volt has already begun.
Inside Line says: Nissan expects very little pushback from buyers as it raises the price on the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
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bob474 says:
06:55 AM, 02/13/2012
Its great to see this initiative to produce green and effecient cars. But why are they so expensive! These prices are beyond the average family who would benefit most. Please Please make them affordable .This is a rich person's eco car. Where is the orginal Ford or VW spirit who made their first cars for the nation to afford
sranger says:
09:06 PM, 07/20/2011
So basically Nissan had to raise the price very close to what the Volt is with Tax rebates.....
The best part is the the Volt is does not quit running at about 70 miles.....
Interesting.....
tbone85 says:
12:40 PM, 07/20/2011
"At least the Leaf is honest. You'll get about 75 miles on a full charge."
Nothing dishonest about the clearly stated range of the Volt either. It's capabilities are only slightly more complicated than the Leaf. Each has its own strengths and limitations. Neither is priced right for it's capabilities in my book, but both involve emerging technology so that's no surprise either. A decade ago a 50" plasma TV cost nearly $10k. I bought one for $750 2 years ago. I doubt battery tech pricing/performance will proceed anywhere near that pace, but I do expect significant improvement over the next ten years. I'd pay a $3k premium for a Volt type vehicle over a Civic type vehicle. That's going to take a while if it ever happens. In the mean time, I hope the early adopters enjoy and I appreciate their support.
arthurbishop says:
11:16 AM, 07/20/2011
I think the Prius, when it debuted in the US, was already being sold in Japan, so the economies of scale were already in motion. The price of the Prius was also a lot higher in Japan ( almost 40K for some models) then it was in the States so they could afford to sell it here at lower prices... plus the fact that the Japanese Government subsidized its development might have made it a little easier to lose money on it.
blackdynamite1 says:
09:49 AM, 07/20/2011
Bishop
I wouldn't consider either the Volt or Leaf at $35-40k. Most buyers agree with me.
My point is they should learn from history. Toyota sold over 15k Prius in their first year, when a hybrid was akin to getting a frisbee with a battery pack. They did it by taking a loss, and keeping the price down.
Sales are pathetic because of GM's price. The economy stinks, and GM isn't exactly in good with the American people right now. They need to buy down that price. If it were under $30k, it would move.
My major problem with the Volt is it weighs 3800 lbs and only seats 4.
If it didn't have 2 refrigerators worth of weight over a Prius, it could get 40-45MPG when not in electric mode, and it would be infinitely more attractive.
You want 45MPG or 35MPG for you $40k?
I want 45MPG
35 miles electric, 35 MPG on gas, 4 seats, $40k, isn't a strong value to me
But if you're impressed......
BD
arthurbishop says:
08:28 AM, 07/20/2011
bd
So once the charge is done the Volt turns into a civic. So? Unfortunately there isn't the technology out that can make the Volt stay as efficient as an electric car for 300 miles. And it's design wasn't meant for it to be used in generating mode all the time. The engine is there to help extend the range if needed, otherwise it is supposed to be an electric commuter car.
How do you decide that the Volt shouldn't be over 30K? Did you email Nissan and tell them the Leaf should cost not more than 24k? Is teh electric Fusion going to be less than 25K.
I'm, sure as teh technology gets distributed and becomes more common, the upcoming generations will be both more efficient, and less expensive.
mardani977 says:
05:32 PM, 07/19/2011
Nissan is not the only car company who raises the price of a car when they change the equipment around and make things that use to be options standard they all do it. In the long run it makes the uild process more streamlined because instead of adding stuff to random cars on the line everyone gets it.
As for Leaf Vs Volt, I get why people compare them, they aren't totally different vehicles, the Leaf is a great car to have for running errands and commutes less than on average I would say 60 miles daily and if you stay mostly around town, since highway usage cuts the range. The Volt can do the same but if you lived in the Philadelphia suburbs and wanted to head to the Jersey shore (if you aren't afraid of Snooki) you can do that in the Volt without fear of not finding a place that lets you plug in, and though the highway kills the range also, at least you have a back up. The Leaf is a great car to have if you have another car for road trips, with the Volt you do not need a second car for road trips unless you need to haul 3 passengers and their stuff as well.
wjtinatl says:
04:14 PM, 07/19/2011
I certainly appreciate the technology in both the Volt and Leaf, but cannot comprehend raising the price if you are attempting to encourage more widespread acceptance of your new technology. It's also counter to consumers expectations that new tech costs more but prices rapidly come down as production and acceptance rise. And, outside of including the Quick Charge capability in the price, there does not seem to be any new technology. Almost 40k for a vehicle that offers minimal versatility, performance and appeal seems laughable, especially since the commitment to building out infrastructure to support EV's does not appear overwhelming. I guess it does make a statement however, much as the Prius did when it came on the scene. Prius really took off however once the 2nd generation with it's unique styling was introduced. I guess you could describe Leaf styling as "unique" as well. The Volt seems to make much more sense from a practical standpoint, although as described above in reality it doesn't offer much real-world advantage over a traditional Hybrid given the limited battery only range and poor mileage once the gas engine kicks in. For my money, I'll take a 2012 Focus and put the 20k saved into planting a few trees and saving the rest.
blackdynamite1 says:
03:50 PM, 07/19/2011
I don't "hate" the Volt any more than I "like" the Leaf. I couldn't give a rat's tail about either one of them! I don't think either is practical, at least for what you get.
But GM made fun of the Prius, for the longest, and now they want to jump over the Prius? For $40k?
Why don't they take a loss like Toyota did for their first 6-7 years?
The first Prius hit the market for $19995. The Volt shouldn't be anywhere over $30k. Period!
The economy sucks, you have no brand in the alternative marketplace. You need to put people into the car, and get it in homes.
My biggest problem is the Volt turns into a 3800 lb Civic when the electricity is gone. With less room, and twice the price?
At least the Leaf is honest. You'll get about 75 miles on a full charge. But that's not enough either
Strangely, the Rav4 EV will be out next year, as reported today, and it is expected to have 100 mile range, courtesy of Tesla.
When public charging stations are really available, and the range starts over 100 miles, let me know. Until then, these are baby steps towards where we need to go. I'm not interested.
BD
arthurbishop says:
03:38 PM, 07/19/2011
blackdynamite1 says:
03:22 PM, 07/19/2011
The Volt has many marks against it:
1. GM has no history behind building this car. It's a new venture
2. It only seats 4, and the interior isn't exactly roomy
3. It's the most expensive in this class
4. When it's off electricity, it is really no more efficient than a Civic or Corolla. So the 35-40 electric miles is it's real value.
5. You will need an actual house and garage to make it work. City apartment dwellers, who may get the most out it, need not apply
BD
I've seen you make these points before and I still don't understande how you can validate any of them.
1. Nissan has no history building the Leaf, GM did build the EV1.. Toyota never had preious experience building hybrids until the Prius... so just because you've never built a revolutionary vehicle means never build one?
2. 4 seats is all most families need and more than most single people or couples need.
3. It's expensive because it's also new tech.. and it's the only car in it's class that can do what it can. Add a range extender to the Leaf and it would be in the same ballpark if not more.
4. UIt's not meant to be used off electric for long periods. The motor is a range extender if you need it, otherwise it's an electric car for 85% of commuters 95% of the time, using its gas engien rarely.
5. Actually this point makes more sense about the LEaf. The Volt can be used fine if you own an apartment and can't charge it. The Leaf would be a lawn ornament.
I don't understand why so many dislike the Volt. If you think about the possibilities with this platform and how adaptable it is and what can be made off it, it's incredible. It can become a pure electric by removing the engine and extra motors and adding batteries. It can use different engine for generators (diesels, NG, even propane, maybe fuel cells, rotary, turbines), add a larger engine and reduce batteries and its a regular hybrid. And you know it's only going to get more and more efficient teh more specialized the variants become. Right now it has to appeal to the broadest spectrum of people, but as new models come on line they can be more specialized. The Leaf and even the Prius are limited in their expandibility. I like the Volt... I think its a step in the right direction, reduce consumption and yet still have a real car.