Nissan has built its first lithium-ion cells for its electric vehicle’s batteries at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, which will first be used in its 2013 Leaf.
The cell fabrication facility in Smyrna is the largest plant in America that builds automotive lithium-ion batteries and can produce batteries for up to 200,000 electric cars a year. It is one of three that Nissan has worldwide.
SEE ALSO: Nissan Begins eMotor Trails at Tennessee Plant – Video
Although exact details haven’t been released, the 2013 model year Leaf will see subtle changes and will be built alongside the Altima and Maxima sedans. According to the Japanese automaker, the opening of the cell plant in Tennessee has created more than 300 jobs and at full production volumes of 150,000 cars and 200,000 batteries annually, up to 1,000 new jobs could be added.
Details on the 2013 Nissan Leaf will be released closer to its on-sale date, which is scheduled to be early next year.