2025 Nissan Leaf: The most affordable New Electric Car

The Leaf may be outdated, but starting at $29,280 before incentives, it’s one of just five EV’s currently available for under $35,000.

(Image: Nissan LEAF – nissanusa.com)

● The 2025 Nissan Leaf maintains its starting price of $29,280 before incentives,
unchanged from the 2024 model.
● It features two battery options, with the base model delivering a 149-mile
range.
● Among EV’s, the Leaf is one of only five priced below $35,000.

The second-generation Nissan Leaf, first introduced in 2018, continues to be the most affordable new electric vehicle in the U.S. for 2025. The base Leaf S starts at $29,280, maintaining the same price as the 2024 model. After applying the $3750 federal EV tax credit, the effective price drops to $25,530, making it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious EV buyers.

Despite its outdated powertrain, the Leaf S features a 40.0-kWh battery that delivers an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles. This range was considered poor in 2018 and remains inadequate in 2024, but the low price point compensates for this shortcoming.

For those seeking more range, the SV Plus model is available with a 60.0-kWh battery, extending the range to 212 miles. However, the price increases to $37,330, which may diminish the Leaf’s overall value proposition.

The Competition

The Nissan Leaf remains one of the only five electric vehicles in the U.S. with a starting price below $35,000. Despite its outdated powertrain, its affordability is unmatched by most competitors. The 2025 Leaf S starts at $29,280, and with the $3750 federal EV tax credit, the effective price drops to $25,530.

Among its closest rivals is the 2024 Fiat 500e, newly available in the U.S. after being on sale in Europe since 2020. Priced at $34,095, this compact hatchback offers a range of only 141 miles on a full charge, which is not notably superior to the Leaf’s 149-mile range. This positions the Leaf as a more attractive option for budget-conscious EV buyers seeking better value and comparable performance.

(Image: Fiat 500e – media.stellantis.com)

Affordable Electric Vehicles in 2024: Comparing the Mini Cooper Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Fisker Ocean. The 2024 Mini Cooper Electric, priced at $31,895, falls short compared to the Nissan Leaf with only 110 miles of range. Mini plans to release an updated version capable of approximately 200 miles with a larger battery option. However, due to changes in tariffs for EVs imported from China, the U.S. launch of the next Cooper Electric, manufactured in Zhangjiagang, China, has been delayed.

Another budget-friendly option under $35,000 is the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, priced at $34,050. Though slightly smaller than the Leaf, the Kona Electric boasts a significantly larger size compared to its competitors, being about 20 inches longer than the Mini and nearly 30 inches longer than the Fiat. This modern SUV offers a base range of 200 miles with its 48.6-kWh battery in the SE model. Upgrading to the SEL extends the range to an estimated 261 miles with a 64.8-kWh battery, but this model’s price rises to $38,050.

The last contender in the under $35,000 segment is the Fisker Ocean. Initially priced much higher, with the Extreme trim over $60,000, financial difficulties have led to substantial discounts. New 2023 Ocean Extremes are now available for $35,500, while the Ultra model, previously priced at $55,000, is now offered just under $35,000. The base Sport model is advertised at $27,437, although availability is currently limited.

(Image: Fisker Ocean – fiskerinc.com)

The Fisker Ocean’s pricing is undeniably appealing, especially given its stylish design, powerful dual-motor powertrain, and impressive EPA-rated range of 360 miles. However, purchasing an Ocean means placing trust in a company on the brink of bankruptcy and hoping the SUV is free from the software issues that plagued early models last year. If Fisker cannot navigate this challenging period, it raises uncertainty about how Ocean owners will manage potential repair needs.

Coming Soon

A compelling alternative to the Nissan Leaf is a pre-owned Chevrolet Bolt EV. Discontinued after the 2023 model year, the Bolt was priced at just $27,495 and offered an impressive range of 259 miles, making it a fantastic affordable option. Chevrolet has announced plans to reintroduce the Bolt nameplate on a new entry-level EV, anticipated to debut by the end of next year.

( Image: Chevrolet Equinox EV – news.chevrolet.com)

Chevrolet is set to introduce another affordable EV with the upcoming Equinox EV, projected to start at $34,995 for the base 1LT trim. Although the 1LT is not yet available, the cheapest current option is the 2LT, priced at $43,295. The Equinox EV offers a range of either 319 or 285 miles, depending on the specification, and qualifies for the full $7,500 tax credit, enhancing its appeal.

While the Nissan Leaf is due for a replacement in the next couple of years, it remains one of the few affordable new EV’s on the market, especially the base Leaf S grade.

Header : Nissan LEAF 2025 – nissanusa.com

Written by : Umar Javed

EVTrader® – The biggest EV-Database worldwide for all Electric Vehicles Manufacturers and Industry related companies.