FRANKLIN, TN -- Nissan North America Inc. said it is expanding availability of the all-electric Nissan Leaf to U.S. consumers for the 2012 model year. Nissan on July 25 will open up the ordering process to consumers with existing reservations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. 

After the prioritized ordering phase for existing reservations in those markets, Nissan on Aug. 4 will open new reservations and orders to the general public, both in these new markets as well as places where the Nissan Leaf already has been on sale (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington). Expected delivery of the first 2012 Nissan Leafs will begin in the fall. 

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the 2012 Nissan Leaf is $35,200 for the SV trim level, and $37,250 for the SL trim level. 

The automaker is also adding upgrades to the Leaf, based on customer feedback. Additional standard equipment will include quick-charging and cold-weather features for the 2012 model year. The vast majority of MY 2011 Leaf consumers have opted for the DC fast charge port, which allows the vehicle to be charged at 480V. This reduces charging time to under 30 minutes for charging the vehicle to 80 percent from a fully depleted state. As DC fast charge stations proliferate across the country, Nissan expects this feature to become even more popular. For 2012, fast-charging capability will be standard on the SL trim level.

Moreover, as the Leaf rolls out to U.S. markets with colder climates, cold weather features become standard equipment on all trim levels of the Leaf. These features include a battery warmer, heated steering wheel, and heated seats in both the front and rear.

“Many enthusiastic consumers have eagerly anticipated ordering a Nissan Leaf of their own, and now we can make zero-emissions mobility a reality in more markets,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America. 

Nissan will expand into additional new markets as the year continues. In the fall, orders from existing reservations and new reservations will begin in Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. By the end of the year, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will be added as markets where the Leaf will be available for order. 

More than 4,000 Nissan Leafs have been delivered to U.S. customers.