When the first-generation Nissan Leaf debuted back in 2010, it was received with mixed emotions. Electric vehicles were a novelty that didn’t make sense to many. But the Leaf remains one of the best-known EVs produced thus far, and one of the first to tackle the mainstream market. With over five billion EV miles driven worldwide, the Leaf is the second most popular EV to be made, selling over 500,000 units last year
Now customers in the U.S. can pick up a 2022 Nissan Leaf for the lower price of $27,400 (excluding a destination charge of $975). This represents a saving of over $4000 from the 2020/2021 model. That gets you the Leaf S model, which will come equipped with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor with 147 hp (149 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque.
Driven: 2021 Nissan Leaf e+ Is A Great But Pricey, EV Option
The quoted range is just below 150 miles (240 km). The aforementioned specs apply to the ‘SV’ trim as well, which comes in at $28,800 before delivery. Last year’s model cost $34,190, so that’s a massive chunk of change saved; $5,390 to be exact.
Qualified purchasers may also be eligible for a potential federal tax credit of up to $7,500 too.
The Leaf Plus comes with the larger 62 kWh battery, giving it a total range of 226 miles (360 km), along with a more powerful electric motor, bumping its power output up to 214hp (217 PS) and 250 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. The Plus variant comes in three trim levels: S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus, ranging from $32,400 to $37,400. The latter top-spec model is $6,500 less than the MY2021 model year.
The 2022 model year Nissan Leaf will include a CHAdeMo quick charge port and 240-volt charging cable as standard across the range. And in another minor update, eight features that were only available on SV Plus’ ‘Technology Pack’ will now feature as standard.
According to Aditya Jairaj, director, EV Sales and Marketing, Nissan U.S, the company has been the very first automaker in the world with a globally available mass-market electric vehicle and hopes to use the LEAF as a platform that will make electric vehicles available to everyone, with great technology, competitive pricing, and great value.