2025 Nissan Leaf Is the Most cost-effective New EV You Can Purchase

• The 2025 Nissan Leaf begins at $29,280 earlier than incentives, the identical because the 2024 mannequin.

• The Leaf continues with two battery decisions, with the bottom mannequin returning a 149-mile vary.

• The Leaf is one in every of simply 5 EVs which are at present being offered below $35,000.

The second-generation Nissan Leaf, first launched in 2018, troopers into 2025 as the most affordable new electrical car on sale in the USA. The bottom Leaf S begins at $29,280, which is unchanged from the 2024 mannequin yr and would not embrace the available $3750 federal EV tax credit that successfully drops its value to $25,530. Whereas the Leaf’s powertrain is actually dated, it is laborious to argue with such a low value.

The Leaf S packs a 40.0-kWh battery that gives an EPA-estimated 149 miles of vary—dismal in 2018 and downright laughable in 2024. Upgrading to the SV Plus ekes out 212 miles of EPA-rated vary from its 60.0-kWh battery however sees the worth bounce to $37,330, calling the Leaf’s worth play into query.

The Competitors

Nonetheless, the Leaf is one in every of simply 5 EVs at present accessible in America with a beginning value under $35,000, and its closest rivals do not carry out considerably higher. Take the 2024 Fiat 500e, which solely just lately reached U.S. dealerships regardless of being on sale in Europe since 2020. The diminutive hatchback opens at $34,095 however manages simply 141 miles on a full cost.

The 2024 Mini Cooper Electric, in the meantime, begins at $31,895 however lags behind the Leaf with simply 110 miles of vary. Mini is preparing an updated version that needs to be able to round 200 miles when geared up with the larger battery choice. However modifications to the tariffs utilized to EVs imported from China has delayed the subsequent Cooper Electrical’s U.S. launch, because the hatchback will probably be in-built Zhangjiagang, China.

One other sub-$35K EV choice is the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric ($34,050). A tad shorter than the Leaf, the Kona Electrical is considerably bigger than the others—round 20 inches longer than the Mini and practically 30 inches longer than the Fiat. It additionally sports activities a contemporary SUV look and gives 200 miles of vary from its base SE mannequin, which has a 48.6-kWh battery. Upgrading to the SEL brings a 261-mile vary estimate from a 64.8-kWh battery, however the value leaps to $38,050.

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The ultimate choice is the Fisker Ocean. Whereas the Ocean’s unique value was considerably greater—over $60,000 for the Excessive trim—the corporate’s monetary challenges have resulted in large reductions. New 2023 Ocean Extremes are going for $35,500, and the Extremely mannequin, beforehand a $55K automobile, is being supplied slightly below $35K. The bottom Sport mannequin is marketed at $27,437, though it would not seem there are greater than a handful accessible proper now.

The worth is actually engaging, particularly given the Fisker’s upscale seems to be, potent dual-motor powertrain, and EPA-rated vary of 360 miles. Nonetheless, shopping for an Ocean means trusting in an organization on the verge of chapter and hoping the SUV is not nonetheless plagued with the software program points that final yr affected early fashions. If Fisker would not make it by way of this tumultuous interval, it is unclear how homeowners can have their Oceans repaired if one thing goes unsuitable.

Coming Quickly

A powerful different to the Leaf is a used Chevrolet Bolt EV, which was discontinued after 2023 however price simply $27,495 in its remaining mannequin yr. With 259 miles of vary, the Bolt was an important reasonably priced selection. Chevy says it is bringing the nameplate again on a brand new entry-level EV, and we anticipate to see it by the tip of subsequent yr.

Chevy can also be poised to have one other sub-$35K EV when it finishes rolling out the brand new Equinox EV. The bottom 1LT trim is ready to price $34,995, however it isn’t but accessible; the most affordable Equinox EV you may at present discover is the 2LT at $43,295. The Equinox EV—which has a 319- or 285-mile vary relying on the spec—additionally qualifies for the total $7500 tax credit score, making its value much more appetizing.

The Leaf is actually due for a alternative, and a alternative is anticipated to reach inside the subsequent couple of years. Within the meantime, the Leaf stays one of many few reasonably priced new EVs you should buy, so long as you persist with the bottom Leaf S grade.

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