Used car prices will reach record high in Q3 2025
With used car prices exceeding $31,000 in Q3 2025, EVs are emerging as a budget-friendly option.
america today
The new 2026 Nissan Leaf was named “Car of the Year” by the Buzz Awards in the first year the Japanese automaker moved production from Smyrna, Tennessee.
“The Leaf’s striking packaging and evocative styling make it easy to love, and its excellent driving performance, range and charging characteristics make it a pleasure to live with,” Buzz Award judges said in a news release.
The Buzz Awards, a collaboration between automotive publications CarBuzz, HotCars and TopSpeed, have announced their inaugural honors, with the Leaf also taking home the titles of “Best EV” and “Best Budget Model Vehicle.”
After debuting at the Smyrna factory in 2013, Leaf sales skyrocketed, surpassing the then-record monthly deliveries of more than 2,000 units set in November 2013. However, the demand did not last.
In November 2025, the company chose to transfer production of the next generation Leaf to Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, citing the downturn in the U.S. market.
Brian Crockett, vice president of Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, said, “The Leaf is doing extremely well in both the European and (Asia) markets.” “It’s OK for the U.S. market, but it doesn’t justify building in three locations.”
Nissan is prioritizing “creating places to sell,” and meeting demand is “a big driver,” Crockett said.
Now, the Leaf appears to be once again attracting the attention of Americans.
“The third-generation Leaf delivers on the promise that others have failed to deliver: an affordable, attractive, fully functional and well-equipped EV,” said the Buzz Award judges.
According to the release, the Leaf’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $29,990, making it the lowest priced new EV currently available in the United States.
According to the release, it has a range of up to 303 miles on a single charge and can charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes.
