RegGuheert said:
I'm quite impressed with the range of improvements that Nissan has been able to achieve after 2+ years of additional development...
Yes, the improvements are more than I expected, and they may be enough to have even those like myself, that are still somewhat in awe of our 2011-12 LEAFs' performance, considering an upgrade.
Remember, the US 2013 LEAF will almost certainly have features differing from the Japanese market LEAF beyond the 6.6 kW charger option, and the range increase on the higher-speed EPA test will almost certainly be a smaller percentage increase, so I'd expect something like a 78 to 80 mile US EPA range.
Still, along with the impressive weight decrease, this would give a significant improvement in range for drivers like me, who do much of our longer drives in slow speed mountain driving, and of course the handling improvement from the lighter weight will be another bonus.
I didn't expect a significant battery change, since, IMO, the LEAF doesn't need it. We just need clarity from Nissan as to the cost of the battery trade-in/ replacement/refurbishment process, when we decide we need greater range due to capacity loss over time.
I hope that Nissan USA announces something more to increase public DC in the USA, as they plan to for Japan (~700 dealer Chademos) as my inability to use my fast-charge port, has been the only major "flaw" in my 2011 LEAF, since delivery, and unfortunately, will still be the major "flaw", if I buy a 2013.