The Nissan Leaf Just Became the Cheapest Electric Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicles have taken a larger percentage of the total new-vehicle market share than ever before. Most automakers are either currently rolling out their flagship EVs or planning to in the coming years. Nissan got into the electric vehicle game early on with the Nissan Leaf in 2010. Now, the Nissan Leaf is about to become the most affordable EV on the market.

Nissan just produced the cheapest EV

The Nissan Leaf | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The Nissan Leaf has been around for over a decade. The electric vehicle is a pioneer in its vehicle class and has only improved with time. The Leaf has managed to stay relevant in the EV space despite the arrival of newer and often more capable competitors.

The compact Nissan Leaf has always been affordable, and thanks to federal and local tax incentives, it is actually cheaper than many gas-powered new compact cars. According to Electrek, Nissan’s newest Leaf will start at $27,400. This shockingly low new price means that Nissan Leaf models could potentially start at under $20,000 with the help of EV incentives, making it the cheapest EV on the market by far.

The Nissan Leaf’s new price reduction makes it cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 by almost $20,000. It is cheaper than the Chevrolet Bolt EV by over $11,000. The base model Nissan Leaf can only travel an estimated 150 miles on a single charge. It isn’t the most capable EV by far, but its affordability is unmatched, making it one of the best entry-level EVs on the market.

Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car?

A white Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

Car maintenance can get expensive. EV maintenance can get even more expensive with brands like Tesla. The Nissan Leaf requires very little maintenance over years of use. It is extremely affordable to maintain. The newest Nissan Leaf should provide years of great use and reliability at an unbeatable price.

Nissan Leaf batteries don’t usually experience degradation until at least 8 years or 60,000 miles. They can last much longer with battery changes and proper maintenance. The Nissan Leaf has proven itself to be reliable and is also a very popular used EV.

Why are Nissan Leafs so cheap used?

An orange Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

Used Nissan Leafs are extremely cheap because they don’t have the best range. The Leaf’s design is very basic, and replacing its battery can be costly. Used Nissan Leaf models depreciate quickly. They aren’t the most practical used electric vehicles, but they are perfect for drivers who want an inexpensive EV to travel short distances with.

The Nissan Leaf can be a great choice for a used EV as long as you know what you’re signing up for. The Lithium-ion battery pack costs thousands of dollars alone and the labor costs for EVs are often more expensive and complex than gas-powered vehicles at the moment. If you are looking for an entry-level compact electric car then the Nissan Leaf is a great way to test the waters. Its newest model creates the perfect opportunity to make the shift to electric.

RELATED: Is the Nissan Leaf Plus Worth Its Big Price Tag?

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