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.
| Nissan EV Model | Starting US Price | Max Range |
| Nissan LEAF | $28,140 | 212 miles (*SV Plus model) |
| Nissan Ariya | $39,590 | 304 miles (*Venture+ trim) |
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.
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Tesla’s retro-futuristic diner with Superchargers and giant movie screens is ready to open, and I have to admit, it looks pretty sick.
This project has been in the works for a long time.
In 2018, Elon Musk said that Tesla planned to open an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in Los Angeles.” It was yet another “Is he joking?” kind of Elon Musk idea, but he wasn’t kidding.
A few months later, Tesla applied for building permits for “a restaurant and Supercharger station” at a location in Santa Monica. However, the project stalled for a long time, apparently due to local regulations.
Nevertheless, Tesla still moved forward with a Supercharger at the location, but it had to move the diner project to Hollywood. In 2022, Tesla filed the construction plans with the city, giving us the first look at what the automaker intends to build.
In 2023, the automaker broke ground on the site of the diner.
7 years after being originally announced, the project appears now ready to open:
Musk said that he ate at the diner last night and claimed that it is “one of the coolest spots in LA.” He didn’t say when it will open, but Tesla vehicles have been spotted at Supercharger and people appear to be testing the dinning experience inside.
A Tesla Optimus Robot can be seen inside the diner on a test rack. It looks like Tesla might use one for some tasks inside the diner.
Earlier this year, Tesla integrated the diner into its mobile app – hinting at some interaction through the app – possibly ordering from it.
Electrek’s Take
I think it looks pretty cool. I am a fan of the design and concept.
However, considering the state of the Tesla community, I don’t think I’d like the vibes. That said, it looks like Tesla isn’t prominently pushing its branding on the diner.
You can come and charge there, but it looks like Tesla is also aiming to get a wider clientele just for dining.
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Hyundai’s electric minivan is finally out in the open. The Staria EV was caught without camo near Hyundai’s R&D center in Korea, giving us a closer look at the electric minivan undisguised.
Hyundai’s electric minivan drops camo ahead of debut
The Staria arrived in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, Hyundai’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Although the Staria has received several updates throughout the years, 2026 will be its biggest by far.
Hyundai will launch the Staria EV, its first electric minivan. Like the current model, the 2026 Staria will be available in several different configurations, including cargo, passenger, and even a camper version.
We’ve seen the Staria EV out in public a few times already. Last month, we got a glimpse of it while driving on public roads in Korea.
Despite the camouflage, new EV-like design elements were visible, including updated LED headlights and a full-length light bar. Although it’s still unclear, the electric version appears to be roughly the same size as the current Staria from the side, but slightly wider from the front.
New images posted on the South Korean forum Clien reveal a test car, expected to be Hyundai’s Staria electric minivan, without camo.
Like most Hyundai test cars, the prototype has a black front and a grey body. It still features a similar look to other prototypes we’ve seen, but you can clearly see the new facelift.
Earlier this year, a Staria EV was spotted in a parking lot in Korea, featuring a similar look. The electric version is nearly identical to the Staria Lounge, but with an added charge port and closed-off grille.
The Hyundai Staria EV is expected to make its global debut later this year. Technical details have yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to feature either a 76 kWh or 84 kWh battery, providing a range of around 350 km (217 miles) to 400 km (249 miles).
Hyundai’s electric SUV arrives after Kia introduced its first electric van, the PV5, which launched in Europe and Korea earlier this year.
In Europe, the Kia Passenger PV5 model is available with two battery pack options: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, providing WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. The Cargo version has a WLTP range of 181 miles or 247 miles.
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, Clien
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