Nissan was an early proponent of local sourcing for the Leaf, when it constructed a dedicated battery plant next to its Smyrna vehicle assembly that produced its own battery cells.
Japanese supplier Envision AESC now operates that battery production center on the Smyrna site.
But now, to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, at least 40 percent of the value of the EV battery’s critical minerals must be extracted or processed in the US or in a country where the US has a free-trade agreement, or from materials recycled in North America. In addition, at least half of the value of the EV’s battery components must be made or assembled in North America.
Those percentages ramp up over time, maxing out at 80 percent in 2027 for minerals and 100 percent in 2029 for battery components.
“Nissan has not yet been able to certify that it meets new battery components and critical mineral requirements,” Brockman said. “We are working closely with our suppliers and are hopeful that Leaf will qualify for at least partial credit in the future.”
But at a starting price of $29,135, including shipping, Brockman said, the Leaf offers “good value” even without the tax break.