New 303-mile Nissan Leaf EV becomes the cheapest EV in the US
Published on Aug 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Aug 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Priced below $30,000, the Nissan Leaf is now the cheapest EV in America, giving it a clear advantage in the EV market.
The 2026 model has been confirmed with up to 303 miles of range and a more powerful setup.
Nissan has set the starting point at $29,990 for the S Plus trim, with an even cheaper S version to follow.
With pricing, range, and design updates now official, the Leaf has positioned itself as one of the key models to watch in the next wave of affordable electric vehicles.
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Leaf price hits new low
The 2026 Nissan Leaf S Plus starts at $29,990, but the base S trim will arrive later with an even lower price, making it the cheapest EV on sale in the country.
Meanwhile, the SV Plus is listed at $34,230, nearly $2,000 less than last year’s version, while the Platinum+ comes in at $38,990.
Pricing the S Plus just under the $30,000 mark is significant, as few electric vehicles can match it on price.
Once the S trim figure is confirmed, the Nissan Leaf is expected to hold a clear lead as the cheapest EV in the US.
Under the hood, the S Plus, SV Plus, and Platinum+ all feature a 75 kWh battery paired with a 215 hp motor.
That setup delivers up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range.
The entry S trim uses a smaller 52 kWh battery with a 174 hp motor, which still improves on the outgoing model.
Every Nissan Leaf now includes a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access and vehicle-to-load capability.
Nissan Leaf redesign
The 2026 Nissan Leaf moves into fastback crossover territory, replacing the hatchback shape of previous generations.
The body measures 173.4 inches long, and the sleeker profile boosts efficiency while updating the car’s look.
LED lighting is standard, and the Platinum+ trim adds Z-inspired taillights for distinction.
Wheel choices range from steel 18-inch units with aero covers on the S and S Plus to 19-inch alloys on the Platinum+.
Inside, the flat floor improves space, and all versions feature a digital cockpit.
The S and S Plus come with dual 12.3-inch screens, while higher trims step up to 14.3-inch displays.
Top trims also bring extra equipment. The Platinum+ includes a panoramic roof with switchable transparency, a Bose audio system, a head-up display, and ambient lighting.
Driver-assistance technology comes standard across the entire lineup.
Deliveries of the 2026 Nissan Leaf will begin in the US in fall 2025, with launches in Japan, Europe, and Australia to follow.
With a longer driving range, refreshed design, and the lowest Leaf price in the electric vehicles market, the Nissan Leaf stands out as the cheapest EV in America and a central player in the push toward wider EV adoption.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
