Although Nissan’s LEAF was once the world’s top-selling electric vehicle, it has since slipped from its pedestal as newer, more advanced models entered the market. Nissan’s plan to introduce a revamped LEAF in the coming year notwithstanding, its current iteration has witnessed a remarkable 187% spike in US sales during Q3.
When we introduced LEAF in 2010, it quickly became the world’s most affordable and widely available electric vehicle.
While automakers introduce ultra-affordable electric vehicles in select markets, such as China’s BYD Seagull priced under $10,000, the LEAF remains the most budget-friendly all-electric option in the US market.
Starting at a competitive $28,140, the Nissan LEAF holds the distinction of being America’s most affordable electric vehicle currently available. Now that the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt has been discontinued with a starting price of $26,500, this assertion gains significant traction.
Nissan continues to experience strong demand for its legacy electric vehicles. In the third quarter, Nissan reported a significant surge in LEAF sales in the US, with 4,514 units sold, representing an impressive 187% year-over-year increase from the 1,570 units purchased during the same period in 2023?
Although not substantial, LEAF sales have seen a significant surge from the 1,925 units sold in Q2 and 1,142 models purchased during the initial nine months of 2024. By September, Nissan had sold 7,581 LEAFs in the US market.
Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle has seen a remarkable surge in sales in the US market ahead of the launch of its new model.
Nissan reported that it delivered 5,552 additional Ariya electric SUVs in the United States during the third quarter, bringing the total to 14,897 units sold through the first nine months of 2024.
The Ariya stands out as a significant improvement over the LEAF, boasting an impressive range of up to 304 miles – a notable increase from the LEAF’s 212-mile range – alongside a more efficient powertrain and a convenient CCS1 charging port.
Notwithstanding its superior features and performance, the 2024 Ariya SUV comes at a significantly higher price point, starting at $39,590 and exceeding the LEAF’s cost by over $10,000.
Although the LEAF currently offers the most affordable entry price for an electric vehicle (EV) in the US market, it is only eligible for a partial $3,750 federal tax credit. As a partial credit score becomes available, new entrants such as the Chevy Equinox EV and Volvo EX30, priced starting at around $35,000, may siphon off market share from established brands.
| Nissan LEAF | $28,140 | 212 miles (*SV Plus mannequin) |
| Nissan Ariya | $39,590 | 304 miles (*Enterprise+ trim) |
Luckily, Nissan has announced its intention to introduce the next-generation LEAF within the next year. In line with the company’s established branding, a concept previously introduced and refined in 2021, dubbed Chill Out.
The all-new LEAF is expected to take on a more crossover-inspired design, drawing similarities with the Nissan Ariya’s coupe-like SUV silhouette. One small step towards regaining dominance in the electric vehicle market is Nissan’s mini-Ariya, a compact offering designed to boost its EV presence.
