Nissan Leaf gains faster charging with 6.6kW onboard upgrade
The 2013 Nissan Leaf, revealed at the Detroit Auto Show, features a new 6.6kW charger that cuts home charging time to around four hours.
Nissan has introduced a faster charging system for the Leaf, unveiling a 6.6kW onboard charger on the 2013 model at the Detroit Auto Show. This upgrade reduces the time needed for a full charge from a standard home charging point to about four hours, nearly halving the previous charge time. Nissan aims to address concerns about electric vehicle usability and make the Leaf a more practical option for drivers with regular commutes.
The new charging hardware is the most substantial technical change for the Leaf in 2013. The 6.6kW charger allows owners to replenish the battery much more quickly when using compatible home or workplace charging stations. For many drivers, this means a full recharge can be completed within a typical workday or overnight, making the car more appealing for those who need flexibility in their daily routines.
Charging improvements and workplace focus
Nissan’s product planning chief for the Americas, Pierre Loing, said the company is also exploring ways to make charging at work easier for customers. Faster workplace charging could broaden the Leaf’s appeal beyond those with short commutes or home charging access. The company sees this as key to expanding the Leaf’s customer base in the US and Europe, where charging infrastructure and range anxiety remain common barriers to adoption.
Production of the Leaf and its battery pack for North America is underway at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee facility. European production is due to begin at Sunderland in the UK in spring 2013, supporting local supply and potentially reducing costs for those markets. This localisation is part of Nissan’s broader strategy to expand electric vehicle production and infrastructure.
Other updates to the 2013 Nissan Leaf
Alongside the charging upgrade, the 2013 Leaf receives a more energy-efficient heating system. This is designed to reduce the impact of cabin heating on driving range, a common issue for electric vehicles in colder climates. There is also a new drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration, allowing the car to recover more energy and extend range in stop-start driving conditions.
- 6.6kW onboard charger for faster charging
- Energy-efficient heating system to improve winter range
- New drive mode with increased regenerative braking
The 2013 Leaf’s improvements are aimed at making electric vehicle ownership more practical for a wider range of users. Nissan’s focus on charging speed, workplace charging options and local production reflects the company’s response to customer feedback and competitive pressure from rivals such as the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Focus Electric. For more on the Leaf’s sales performance and battery warranty changes, see Nissan Expands Leaf Battery Warranty After Capacity Complaints.
