Electric sedan

Nissan Leaf

Name: Nissan Leaf
Brand: Nissan
Price: 29000 USD
Availability: InStock

The cheapest new EV in America. Perfect commuter.

Starting price (MSRP)

$29,000

EPA range

212 mi

Body style

Sedan / hatchback

Budget tier

Under $35,000

See local listings →Research & reviews on Edmunds →

Who it's for

City-only or short-commute drivers who want the cheapest new EV on the market. Best as a second car, urban runabout, or short-commute solution.

What works

· Cheapest new EV in America at under $30k starting (the 2026 redesigned crossover-style Leaf)
· Nissan dealer network is huge — service is widely available
· Long history means parts inventory and repair expertise are mature
· CHAdeMO fast charging is dying but L2 home charging works fine for the typical Leaf use case

What doesn't

· 212-mile range is below the modern competitive set
· Air-cooled battery in older Leafs (pre-2018) ages much faster in hot climates — skip those on the used market in Arizona/Texas/Florida
· CHAdeMO charging port is being phased out across the US fast-charge network — public fast charging will become harder over the next 5-10 years
· Cabin and tech are basic — feels like the budget car it is

Context

The original mass-market EV (2010 launch) and now in its 2026 crossover-styled redesign. The latest generation finally addresses the cooling issue with proper liquid-cooled batteries. Good for buyers who'll keep it as a city runabout; less good as a primary household car given the range and charging limitations.

Owner reviews

No owner reviews yet. If you own a Nissan Leaf, we'd love to publish your honest take — email spencerdstone@gmail.com.

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