Nissan LEAF sales down 56% again ahead of 2016 launch

Fred Lambert | Oct 1 2015 - 12:01 pm PT

For the 2016 model year, LEAF adds a number of significant enhancements - beginning with a new 30 kWh battery for LEAF SV and LEAF SL models that delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of 107 miles* on a fully charged battery. The range of a LEAF S model is 84 miles, giving buyers a choice in affordability and range.

Last month we reported that Nissan’s LEAF US sales were down 56% in August. Today the Japan-based automaker released its September US sales report and sales are still down 56% from September last year.

The company delivered 1,247 LEAFs last month versus 2,881 during the same period last year.

The decrease in sales is largely attributed to first the leaked information that Nissan would offer a bigger battery pack option for the 2016 LEAF, and then the company confirming the information at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.

Presumably potential buyers are waiting for the 2016 version of the electric car to be available before pulling the trigger on the LEAF.

The new battery pack option is 30 kWh and will get an estimated EPA-rated range of 107 miles. The pack is standard on the LEAF SV and LEAF SL models which starts at $34,200 and $36,790 respectively. Nissan also still offers the 24 kWh pack option on the LEAF S which is expected to have an 84 miles EPA-rated range. The LEAF S will start at $29,010.

The new 2016 models are expected to arrive this month in the US.

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