The new and improved LEAF is one of the most affordable EVs on the market, but Nissan was supposed to add a new entry-level trim, starting at under $30,000. Nissan cancels cheaper LEAF trim for the 2026 model Nissan updated the iconic electric hatch with a taller, more SUV-like design, longer driving range, and a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. The 2026 Nissan LEAF S+ starts at $29,990. With the destination fee, it’s still just $31,485, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the US alongside the new 2027 Chevy Bolt, which starts at $28,995 (including a $1,395 destintion fee). After announcing prices last year, Nissan said the $30,000 LEAF S+ had “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US,” but the company promised an even more affordable S trim would be added to the lineup soon. Advertisement - scroll for more content The entry-level model was set to offer a smaller 52 kWh battery and a less powerful electric motor for a lower price. 2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan) That will no longer happen. At least not for the 2026 model year. A Nissan spokesperson confirmed with Car and Driver that “we have decided not to introduce the smaller‑battery variant of the 2026 Nissan LEAF in the US this model year.” Nissan will “continue to assess future battery configurations based on customer demand and segment needs,” the spokesperson said, so a 2027 model year has not yet been decided. 2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan) All current 2026 LEAF models are powered by a 75 kWh battery, delivering between 259 miles and 303 miles of range. While Nissan didn’t announce range estimates for the cheaper S trim, it would have been considerably less. 2026 Nissan LEAF trimStarting PriceDriving RangeLEAF S+$29,990303 milesLEAF SV+$34,230288 milesLEAF Platinum+$38,990259 miles2026 Nissan LEAF EV prices and range by trim It was expected to feature a 174-horsepower front-mounted electric motor, down from the current 214 horsepower, across all current LEAF trims. Electrek’s Take Top comment by Dan B Liked by 14 people Can I just say it? The state of the automobile industry, it's sales, it's offering and prices are just gut wrenching at this time. New vehicles are just NOT affordable any more. Buyers are getting in too deep with payments. Vehicle debt is on a crash course with no relief in site. This news with the Leaf added to GM's announcement that they have already decided to kill the new Bolt feels like someone just walked up and punched us in the face.Yesterday I had a lot of spare time (not the norm for me) as the kids were with their mother. So I decided to take a drive in my 2017 Bolt and go look at the new Bolt. I went to several dealers within 25 miles of my house and looked at about 6 different Bolt's. Very nice, but none of them caused me to feel like I had to get one and personally I like my 2017 better to be honest. But while at the dealerships, they told me about the fantastic deals on the new Equinox EV's (which I already knew about). So for fun, I asked two dealers to shoot me prices on the $38,995 MSRP model with my (paid off) 2017 Bolt to trade. The best "deal" was trading my Bolt and $23,000.00 for the Equinox. Now, remember the Bolt is paid off and using 100% of my equity for down payment, if I were to finance for 72 months (which I don't want), my payment would still be just under $400 a month with tax.That is just NOT what I call affordable. Needless to say, I'm still driving my Bolt. And full disclosure: Both dealers knew that I work in the industry. View all comments While Nissan will “continue to assess” the cheaper LEAF S trim, don’t get your hopes up too soon. Nissan has already cut the Ariya electric SUV from its 2026 lineup, leaving the LEAF as its sole EV in the US. The recent policy changes, including the removal of the $7,500 federal tax credit, have forced several automakers to delay or rethink EV plans, leaving fewer options. Kia delayed the EV4, its mass-market electric sedan, due to tariffs and other policy changes. While the 2026 LEAF is still among the most affordable EVs you can get your hands on, other automakers are racing to introduce cheaper models, such as Ford, Rivian, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The LEAF was expected to play a crucial role in Nissan’s comeback plan, and it likely still will. However, Nissan will need to beat, or at least match, upcoming entry-level EVs to make it happen. Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.