EV charging etiquette: Precautions at public charging stations
A little courtesy goes a long way at public electric vehicle charging stations.
- Nissan has canceled plans to produce a $25,000 version of its Leaf electric car.
- The company cited market trends and customer preferences as the basis for its decision.
- The lowest price for the 2026 Leaf will start at just under $30,000.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has decided to cancel the release of the $25,000 version of the electric vehicle Nissan Leaf, which was scheduled to be released this year.
The Japanese company confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY that it no longer plans to produce the S-level trim of the Nissan Leaf, which would have had a starting price of $25,360.
Nissan said in a statement that it “continually evaluates market trends, customer preferences and the evolving EV environment to focus resources where they create the most value.”
“As part of that process, we have decided not to introduce a small battery version of the 2026 Nissan Leaf to the United States and Canada this model year,” the auto company said in a statement. “We remain committed to delivering the right product at the right time and will continue to evaluate future battery configurations based on customer demand and segment needs.”
Nissan is currently touting the S+ as the lowest priced 2026 Leaf, starting at $29,990, the company says. The car’s most expensive trim is Platinum, which Nissan says starts at $38,990.
Why was the $25,000 Leaf important?
The Leaf is Nissan’s oldest electric car model, and the S was supposed to be one of the most affordable new electric cars on the market.
The average selling price for a new electric vehicle in the U.S. was $55,715 in January, according to Kelley Blue Book.
“Aligning our product plans and investments with what today’s EV buyers are looking for is a priority, while allocating resources responsibly and efficiently,” Nissan said in a statement.
What does Nissan say about the rest of the Leaf’s trim?
Nissan said in a news release that the 2026 Leaf “makes EV ownership a breeze. Featuring a more streamlined charging experience, improved range, a more enjoyable drive, and an incredibly sleek new design, the Leaf represents the best of Nissan EV technology.”
“The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a stylish and smart EV that is easy to charge, easy to live with, and makes everyday driving more enjoyable,” Nissan America Chairman Christian Meunier said in a statement.
“Nissan’s unparalleled level of knowledge in the mass-market electric vehicle space makes the third-generation Leaf the easiest and most intuitive EV ever,” Meunier added.
How many Leafs does Nissan sell?
According to Cox Automotive, Nissan sold 5,149 Leafs in 2025, a 54.1% decrease compared to 11,226 in 2024.
The Leaf was first introduced to the United States in 2010. According to goodcarbadcar.net, sales by year are as follows:
- 2025: 5,149 people
- 2024: 11,226 people
- 2023: 7,149 people
- 2022: 12,026
- 2021: 14,237
- 2020: 9,559 people
- 2019: 12,365 people
- 2018: 14,715 people
- 2017: 11,230
- 2016: 14,006
- 2015: 18,442 people
- 2014: 30,200
- 2013: 22,610
- 2012: 10,297
- 2011: 9,674 people
- 2010:19
