Leaf remains affordable EV option in US market

The 2026 Leaf arrives this fall with a low starting price that keeps it in the affordable EV tier.

Nissan Leaf remains among the cheapest EVs in America

The 2026 Nissan Leaf Refresh introduces a crossover body, dual charging ports, and more than 300 miles of range. The Leaf S Plus starts at $29,990 before destination charges, or $31,485 including the $1,495 destination fee. The SV Plus trim begins at $35,725 including destination charges. Nissan notes this is the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the United States and says the price reflects a commitment to making EV mobility accessible to all. The company emphasizes it is not relying on federal incentives or fuel savings to justify the price.

When the Leaf reaches dealerships this fall, it will be positioned against an average new EV price around $55,689, according to Kelley Blue Book, down 4.2 percent from a year ago. For context, gas-powered cars average about $48,800, up 1.5 percent year over year. Tesla, still the market leader in EVs, has an average transaction price near $52,900, down more than 9 percent from last year.

The Leaf’s price point matters because it shifts the conversation from subsidies to sticker value and total cost of ownership. By packaging range and practicality at a low entry price, Nissan is nudging the market toward affordability as a selling point rather than a niche benefit. If competitors respond with similar price floors, the EV market could widen beyond early adopters toward more mainstream buyers.

The mention of incentives and politics around policy introduces a risk layer. Buyers may read the price as contingent on political factors rather than product value, which could spark confusion or backlash if incentives change. In the long run, reliable charging networks and dependable ownership costs will determine whether the Leaf’s affordability translates into sustained demand.

Highlights

Time will tell if price alone can move a broader group of buyers toward electric driving.