Nissan announced Thursday that the 2016 Leaf would run more than 100 miles on a single charge in SV and SL trim, increasing its range by 25 percent over last year. The base S model will keep the 24 kWh battery that manages more than 80 miles on a charge.
For the dozens and dozens of 2015 Leafs wilting on lots around the Denver metro area — where a combination of tax credits and cash back from the manufacturer makes the Leaf the least-expensive new car in America — I can hear them calling. And after Nissan sweetened its own deal this month with no interest for 72 months, it's getting louder.
Let's get down to brass tacks here: not since Cash for Clunkers can I remember a new car being so affordable. In 2009, I was a fledgling newspaper journalist who didn't make enough to pay attention so I missed that boat.
Six years later, and I'm still not the Sultan of Brunei, but even I can do the math:
$29,010 — Base price
-$7,500 — Federal tax credit
-$5,200 — Colorado tax credit
-$5,000 — NMAC finance credit
– No interest for 72 months
– Free charging for two years
= $11,310 before you factor in dealer desperation to move a year-old electric car off their lot while gasoline is at a historically low price.
Beyond the increase in range, not much has changed for the Leaf from 2015. It still has four wheels (five if you count the steering wheel) and some seats. The Leaf faces an uphill battle after Chevrolet announced that its 2016 (nay, 2017) Volt would increase its all-electric range to 53 miles, and the 2016 Toyota Prius will reportedly go 34 miles on electrons alone.
Basically, what I'm saying is I have a date at a Nissan dealer later today.
The post At This Point, Nissan Is Just Daring Me Not To Buy A Leaf appeared first on The Truth About Cars.
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