dsr302 said:
I have read in previous threads that the 6.6 charger is more expensive than the 3.3.....the total cost being impacted by the more expensive charger itself plus a different more robust harness as well. This was the reasoning why the 3.3 equipped cars couldn't be retro-fitted cost effectively and thus nixing that as an offered option.
So, if the cold-weather pkg on the 2012 increased the cost of it, why wouldn't the 2013 LEAF's price increase with the installation of a more expensive charger?....especially since Nissan is supposedly taking a loss on every 2011-2012 Japan-produced LEAF. Will producing in Nashville drop the price that much initially?....how?.....are Japan-to-US shipping costs that much of a component in the cost and thus pricing? I can see that if the Nashville plant starts pumping out far larger quantities over time, both cars and battery packs, then costs will go down allowing a lower price but I don't see how initially, the cost could go down. I also have read how the price is expected to go down after the tax incentives go away.....I am not seeing/understanding that correlation either, unless the price is being artificially kept high to absorb the Fed and State tax breaks. Nissan must not really be taking a loss or making a minimal amount on each.
In addition to reduced transportation costs, forgoing the Dollar/Yen exchange rate through domestic production will improve profitability of the Smyrna built LEAF (and batteries), starting with the first car off the line.
Carlos Ghosn’s other job is running Renault. They have introduced the
ZOE which has a 43kW charger and costs less than the LEAF. It will be difficult to justify raising the price of the LEAF for 6.6kW on board charging
