Nissan LEAF sales are down 52% in the US as buyers are still waiting for 2016 models

Fred Lambert | Nov 3 2015 - 1:32 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.

Today Nissan released its October US sales report, which confirmed lagging LEAF sales, now down 52% over October 2014. Nissan delivered 1,238 LEAFs in the US in October versus 2,589 during the same period last year.Monthly sales of the flagship electric vehicle have been steadily decreasing for a total of 14,868 units delivered in 2015 – down 39% versus 2014.

The decrease in sales is largely attributed to 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.

Nissan will offer a new 30 kWh battery pack option for the 2016 models, which 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.

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