Nissan is showcasing a revised version of the Leaf at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. The new US-market version is being produced in the Tennessee for the North American market and encompasses a series of updates. The electric vehicle now benefits from improved aerodynamics, cutting its drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.28, gets a new regenerative braking system and an available onboard quick-charger to cut its charging time in half from a 220-volt wall socket.

In addition to the SV and SL trim levels, Nissan is also offering the Leaf in a new entry-level S spec. The SL models also gets a partial leather interior and 17-inch alloys. But the local production, coupled with batteries to be manufactured at an adjacent facility instead of importing from Japan, is what will make the new Leaf competitive with the likes of the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, Ford Focus Electric and the new Tesla Model S.