• Nissan Leaf Nissan Nissan pulls the plug on the under-$30,000 LEAF EV for 2026 The new and improvedLEAFis one of the most affordable EVs on the market, but Nissan was supposed to add a new entry-level trim, starting at under $30,000. • Nissan cancels cheaper LEAF trim for the 2026 model Nissan updated the iconic electric hatch with a taller, more SUV-like design, longer driving range, and a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. • The 2026 Nissan LEAF S+ starts at $29,990. • With the destination fee, it’s still just $31,485, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the US alongside the new 2027 Chevy Bolt, which starts at $28,995 (including a $1,395 destintion fee). • Afterannouncing priceslast year, Nissan said the $30,000 LEAF S+ had “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US,” but the company promised an even more affordable S trim would be added to the lineup soon. • The entry-level model was set to offer a smaller 52 kWh battery and a less powerful electric motor for a lower price.
Article Summaries:
- Nissan has dropped its planned entry‑level 2026 LEAF S trim, eliminating the smaller 52‑kWh battery and lower‑power motor that would have offered a price below $30,000. All 2026 LEAFs will now feature a 75‑kWh pack, delivering 259-303 miles of range across the S+, SV+, and Platinum+ variants. The company said it will “continue to assess future battery configurations based on customer demand and segment needs,” leaving a 2027 model undecided. The decision follows broader EV market shifts, including the loss of federal tax credits and increased competition from other automakers’ cheaper electric models.
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