New Nissan Leaf Enters Production In Tennessee Ahead Of US Debut


The all-new 2018 Nissan Leaf has entered production at the company’s assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee ahead of its U.S. market launch.

Set to go on sale nationwide early next month, the all-new Leaf will be priced from $29,990, offering a driving range of 150 miles on a single charge.

A 40kWh battery pack feeds a single electric motor with 147hp and 236lb-ft of torque. A full charge takes 16 hours via a 3kW plug, 8 hours from a 6kW plug while the quick charging function can charge a depleted battery to 80 percent in just 40 minutes.

Along with the 2018 Rogue, the new Nissan Leaf offers the company’s semi-autonomous Pro-Pilot Assist technology. Other features include Automatic Emergency Braking and the e-pedal tech, which allows drivers to accelerate and stop using just the gas pedal.

“We’re committed to vehicle electrification and manufacturing in the United States,” said Jeff Younginer, VP of manufacturing, Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant. “With the LEAF’s low starting price and latest suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features, we’re excited to ramp up production and bring the LEAF to market next month.”

Nissan’s Smyrna facility currently produces six models, including the Altima, Leaf, Maxima, Pathfinder, Rogue and the Infiniti QX60. Other factories building the new Nissan Leaf include the Oppama Plant in Yokosuka, Japan and the company’s Sunderland factory in the UK.

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