Nissan will more than double the number of states where it offers its Leaf electric car by this fall. But buyers will have to pay more to get it. The base price of the 2012 model-year Leaf will be $35,200, up nearly $2,500 from the 2011 model year. Drivers can also lease the Leaf for $369 per month, up $20.

The 2012 Leaf goes on sale this fall. Buyers will still be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit, which will lower the starting price to $27,700.

Nissan spokeswoman Katherine Zachary said the price is going up because Nissan is adding some standard features, including a battery warmer, heated steering wheel and front and rear heated seats. Until now, Nissan has only sold the car in six warm states, including California and Hawaii, but it plans to start selling the Leaf in New York and other colder states this fall.

The company also will include a fast-charging port if customers opt for the SL trim level, which starts at $37,250. The port has a 480-volt outlet that charges the car in 30 minutes, compared with eight hours using a 220-volt outlet. The fast-charging port is a $700 option on the 2011 Leaf.

By: DocMemory
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