When Nissan unveiled the 2018 Leaf many people where
surprised the model would have a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an
EPA-estimated range of just 241 km.
The decision to use such a small battery enabled the
automaker to price the model at US$ 29,990 before incentives but it seemed like an
odd choice considering its key rivals offer a significantly longer range.In
particular, the entry-level Tesla Model 3 can travel up to 354 km on
a single charge while the Chevrolet Bolt can go 383 km.
Nissan will correct this shortcoming next year when
the automaker will introduce an option for a 60 kWh battery pack. The company
didn't say much about the model but Nissan's Executive Vice President of global
sales and marketing reportedly told Forbes contributor Bertel Schmitt the car
will have a range in excess of 360 km.
That would make the car's range competitive with the
Bolt and Model 3 but the bigger question is now the model's cost. Tesla's
entry-level model starts at US$ 35,000 while the Bolt retails for US$ 37,495. If
Nissan can manage to undercut both these competitors, the Leaf could be in a
good position to sway a number of buyers.
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