This Compact EV Proves That Going Electric Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a taboo topic to discuss with that one uncle at the family get-together. With more automakers expanding their EV lineups and the segment continuing to grow, finding an affordable, all-electric vehicle is easier than ever. Some may immediately think of Tesla when affordable EVs are mentioned, as the brand has lowered prices across its lineup in the last 12 months. While Tesla does offer some of the most budget-friendly EVs on the market, the model in question here isn’t one of them.
Instead, this EV comes from Nissan, a brand with a long history of bringing affordable, reliable cars to the market. It proves that going electric doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, and it offers a driving range that works for most people. For anyone who may think switching to electric is still out of reach due to high costs, this model makes it clear that affordability and electrification can go hand in hand.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Nissan, Hyundai, and fueleconomy.gov.
White 2023 Nissan Leaf parked on a street
2024 Nissan Leaf: What Makes It a Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
The newest and the last Nissan Leaf offers modest performance and range at a low price.
The 2025 Nissan Leaf Is The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Compact EV
Side shot of a Nissan Leaf
Pricing Breakdown By Trim
Trim | Starting Price |
Leaf S | $28,140 |
Leaf SV Plus | $36,190 |
The Leaf Is The Cheapest EV On The Market
Nissan continues to offer the Leaf as the most affordable EV on the market. Until you upgrade to the higher-tiered trim, that is. The base Leaf S starts at $28,140, maintaining its place as the cheapest EV even if it doesn't qualify for the tax credit anymore. For those looking for more features and a longer driving range, the Leaf SV Plus comes in at $36,190, which is much closer to the starting price of many other models out there. For the extra cash, however, Nissan loads it up with all sorts of extra features and amenities.
The SV Plus includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, all of which are absent from the base trim. It also comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 360-degree camera system to assist with parking. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology, is also exclusive to the SV Plus. The upgraded trim also features NissanConnect EV for remote access to vehicle functions and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, letting drivers get the latest software updates without driving to the dealership.
Top Features Of The 2025 Nissan Leaf
Nissan Press Release
- Extreme affordability, starting at under $30,000
- Spacious cabin with up to 30 cubic feet of storage space
- Plenty of tech for a vehicle in its class
- Available ProPILOT Assist in the SV Plus
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto
The 2025 Nissan Leaf may be the most affordable EV on the market, but it doesn't sacrifice the amenities you'd expect in a modern model. Its hatchback design provides a surprising amount of cargo space of 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, enough room for groceries, sports equipment, and luggage for a quick getaway. Standard technology includes an 8.0-inch infotainment center touchscreen, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports for staying charged on the go. Both trims also come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something that Tesla models still lack to this day, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
The Nissan Leaf Offers Solid Performance And Range
Nissan
Performance Specifications
Nissan Leaf S | Nissan Leaf SV Plus | |
Motor | Single electric motor | Single electric motor |
Horsepower | 147 HP | 214 HP |
Torque | 236 LB-FT | 250 LB-FT |
Driveline | FWD | FWD |
Battery Capacity | 40.0 kWh | 60.0 kWh |
0-60 MPH | Not specified | Not specified |
Let me tell you right off the bat, the Nissan Leaf is not designed for straight-line acceleration, which is why Nissan does not even publish official 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) times. But it still offers more than enough power and instant torque to push your back against the seat here and there. The base Leaf S produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded SV Plus increases output to 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.
The base model Leaf S is equipped with a 40.0 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, while the Leaf SV Plus gets a larger 60.0 kWh pack, improving both performance and range. Both trims feature a single electric motor and a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain, keeping the Leaf lightweight and easy to get around town.
Driving Range And Charging Options
Nissan
Nissan Leaf | |
Fuel Economy (CMB) | 109-111 MPGe |
Range | 150-215 Miles |
Charge Time (240-volt) | 8-11 Hours |
DC Fast Charge Time | 40-45 Minutes |
Max Charging Rate | 50 kW |
The 2025 Nissan Leaf offers 150 to 215 miles of range, depending on the trim. It also provides 109 to 111 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined, solid efficiency for its class. Charging times vary based on the power source, with a 240-volt home charger taking between 8 and 11 hours for a full charge. For anyone on the go, DC fast charging can charge the battery in 40 to 45 minutes at a maximum charging rate of 50 kilowatts (kW). While this is among the slowest-charging EVs on the market with a max rate of just 50 kW, it gets the job done when it comes to getting around town or running errands.
2024-Nissan-Leaf-SV-Plus
2024 Nissan Leaf: An Overlooked Electric Vehicle Perfect For First-Time EV Buyers
The Nissan Leaf has matured into a practical and reliable option for urban commuters seeking an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
How The Nissan Leaf Compares To Rivals
2025 Nissan Leaf Front Three-Quarter
Specifications Comparison
Nissan Leaf | Hyundai Kona Electric | Fiat 500e Red | |
Motor | Single electric motor | Single electric motor | Single electric motor |
Horsepower | 147-214 HP | 133-201 HP | 117 HP |
Torque | 236-250 LB-FT | 188 LB-FT | 162 LB-FT |
Driveline | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Battery Capacity | 40.0-60.0 kWh | 48.6-64.8 kWh | 37.0 kWh |
Range | 150-215 Miles | 200-261 Miles | 149 Miles |
Starting Price | $28,140 | $32,875 | $32,500 |
The Nissan Leaf competes in the budget-friendly EV segment against other compact models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Fiat 500e Red. While each model has something to offer, the Leaf offers arguably the best combination of performance and affordability. As mentioned above, the base model Leaf S produces 147 horsepower, while the SV Plus increases output to 214 horsepower. This makes it more powerful than both the Hyundai Kona Electric’s 133-201 horsepower output and the Fiat 500e’s 117 horsepower. With torque ranging from 236 to 250 pound-feet, the Leaf also outperforms its competitors in low-end acceleration.
The Leaf loses out a bit when it comes to range, with the Hyundai Kona Electric offering between 200 and 261 miles per charge compared to the Leaf's 150-215 miles of range. All of that said about performance and range, the Leaf remains the most affordable of the three, starting at $28,140 compared to $32,875 for the Hyundai Kona Electric and $32,500 for the Fiat 500e Red. For buyers looking to get the absolute most bang for your buck possible, the Leaf is the clear answer here.
The Leaf Has Been A Staple In The EV Market
The Nissan Leaf has been in production since 2010, making it one of the longest-running EV models in the world. For nearly a decade and a half, Nissan has refined the Leaf to improve efficiency, range, and technology while keeping it one of the most affordable electric cars available. As one of the first widely available EVs, the Leaf played a bigger role than people think in helping to bring electric transportation to the mainstream, and it's great to see people finally starting to respect it for what it is.
Nissan Leaf Long-Term Ownership Benefits
FrimuFilms / Shutterstock
Lower Maintenance Costs Than Other EVs
One of the biggest advantages of the Nissan Leaf is its low maintenance costs. Over a five-year period, the Leaf is expected to cost just $1,724 to maintain, which breaks down to less than $350 per year. That’s significantly lower than many luxury EVs, such as the BMW iX or Jaguar I-Pace, which can rack up higher maintenance costs in a single year than the Leaf does in five.
Beyond just EV comparisons, the Leaf’s low operating costs make it more affordable to own than many gas-powered vehicles. EV owners typically save hundreds of dollars per year on energy costs alone, and with fewer moving parts, there’s less need for expensive repairs. According to research by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average cost of maintaining an EV is roughly half of what it costs to maintain a gas burner.
Depreciation And Resale Value
Like most EVs on the market, the Nissan Leaf experiences notable depreciation, but its low starting price minimizes the actual financial impact. The Leaf is expected to depreciate by about 44.4 percent over five years, meaning a base model priced at $28,140 should be worth around $15,646 after that period. While the percentage of depreciation is higher than some other EVs, the actual dollar loss is relatively low. The total depreciation comes out to around $12,500, averaging just $2,500 per year, which is far less than the depreciation seen on many other cars out there, EVs and gas burners alike.
