America’s cheapest EV defies the odds as Nissan LEAF sales make US comeback

Nissan’s LEAF was once the world’s best-selling EV, but it’s lost some ground over the years as new, more advanced models hit the market. Although Nissan plans to launch an upgraded LEAF next year, America’s cheapest EV saw sales surge 187% in the third quarter.

“When we launched LEAF in 2010, it instantly became the most affordable, mass-market EV in the world,” Nissan Motor North America CEO Jose Munoz previously claimed.

Although automakers are launching extremely low-priced EVs in some markets, like China (see BYD’s Seagull, starting under $10,000), the LEAF is still the most affordable all-electric option in the US.

Starting at $28,140, the Nissan LEAF is, in fact, America’s cheapest EV right now. This is especially true now that the Chevy Bolt (2023MY started at $26,500) is off the market.

As such, Nissan is still seeing demand for the legacy electric hatchback. In the third quarter, Nissan sold 4,514 LEAF models in the US, up 187% from the 1,570 sold in Q3 2023.

Although not a monumental number, LEAF sales are up significantly from the 1,925 sold in Q2 and 1,142 models sold in the first three months of 2024. Nissan has now sold 7,581 LEAFs in the US through September.

Nissan LEAF sales surge in the US ahead of new model

Nissan sold another 5,552 Ariya electric SUVs in the US in the third quarter for a total of 14,897 through the first nine months of 2024.

The Ariya is viewed as a major upgrade over the LEAF, with up to 304 miles range (compared to the LEAF’s 212-mile range), a more powerful drive system, and a CCS1 port.

However, it costs over $10,000 more than the LEAF, with 2024 Ariya SUV prices starting at $39,590.

Although the LEAF currently has the lowest starting price for an EV in the US, it’s only eligible for a partial $3,750 federal tax credit. With only a partial credit, incoming rivals like the Chevy Equinox EV and Volvo EX30, starting around $35,000, will likely take market share.

Luckily, Nissan plans to launch the next-gen LEAF next year. According to the company, it was already previewed with the Chill Out concept, unveiled in 2021.

According to sources, the new LEAF will be more of a crossover coupe SUV, closer in style to the Ariya. One source even called it a “mini Ariya” as Nissan aims to regain its share of the EV market.

The Nissan LEAF is still one of the most affordable EVs in the US, starting at $28,140. If you want to scoop one up while it’s still available, use our link to view offers at a dealer near you. You can also see deals on the Nissan Ariya here.