Nissan took a huge leap forward today in pricing the entry level LEAF at $28,800. That is $6,400 cheaper (about 18% less) than the most inexpensive 2012 model on sale today. With the federal incentive applied, you are talking a very enticing $21,300, and as low as $18,800 in California once their state rebate has been discounted.

Truly, being freed of the pressure from importing the car from Japan (and the yen) has meant a much more affordable car for North America.

Both the mid-grade SV and SL also got significantly cheaper at $31,820 and $34,480 respectively. As a refresher, the old SV trim level came in at $35,200, and $37,250 for the SL, a difference of only $2,050.

“With nearly 50,000 LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better,” said Billy Hayes, Global vice president of LEAF sales for Nissan. “From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers won't have to pay a premium for owning a green car that's really fun to drive, and that's exciting.”

UPDATE: Individual option pricing specs added to article at bottom

2013 LEAFs Come With Remote Charging Port Release

LEAF S Model ($28,800)

Standard features include a 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage and 3.6 kW onboard charger, a 12-volt power outlet and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers.

The mid-grade trim level adds the Nissan Navigation system we have been used to in the past couple years, (7.0-inch color LCD screen, CARWINGS telematics, 6-speaker audio system), but also adds Pandora® link for iPhone®, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 6.6 kW onboard charger, hybrid heater system, cruise control, auto-dimming inside mirror, and "B-mode" regenerative braking.

At the top end of the lineup, added features are a (mostly just for show) photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, fog lights, auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, Quick Charge Port, leather seats, LED headlights and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Only Minor Tweaks To 2013 LEAF Dash, But We Really Like The Darker Color

LEAF SV Model (LEAV SL Model (

Nissan also highlights three option packages.

The Quick Charge Package (S grade only - $1,300 ) includes the 6.6 kW onboard charger, Quick Charge Port and RearView Monitor.

(S grade only - ) includes the 6.6 kW onboard charger, Quick Charge Port and RearView Monitor. The LED Headlights + Quick Charge Port Package (SV grade only - $1,630 ) includes LED headlights, auto on/off headlights, fog lights and Quick Charge Port.

(SV grade only - ) includes LED headlights, auto on/off headlights, fog lights and Quick Charge Port. The Premium Package (SV and SL grades - $1,050) offers the advanced Around View® Monitor and Bose® 7-speaker audio.

There is also a $850 destination charge, and Nissan is already promoting alease deal (which includes the destination).

While this price reduction out paces that of the Japanese-spec model that was released publically a couple months ago (12% less), we have been told to likely not expect a besting of the 14% increase in range announced in Japan (228 km vs 200 km) due to US EPA testing methodology.

UPDATE: 2013 Nissan LEAF Range has been rated at 75 miles. However, that is due to a blending of a 80% and a 100% charge. In a 100% charge scenario, the '13 LEAF gets 84 miles to the charge, as compared tot he 73 of the outgoing 2012 LEAF. (Full story here)

To see all the technical specs and a model overview, check out the full recap here. More photos of the 2013 LEAF can be found at the gallery here.

MY 2013 Nissan LEAF Option Pricing