Summary
- Nissan’s LEAF was once the world’s best-selling EV but has lost ground to newer models
- Despite competition from cheaper EVs in other markets, the LEAF remains the most affordable option in the US
- Sales of the LEAF surged 187% in the third quarter, with demand still strong
- Nissan also sold 5,552 Ariya electric SUVs in the US in the third quarter
- Nissan plans to launch an upgraded LEAF next year, styled as a crossover coupe SUV, to regain market share in the EV market
Article
Nissan’s LEAF, which was once the world’s best-selling EV, has seen a resurgence in sales in the US despite facing competition from newer electric vehicle models. The LEAF remains America’s cheapest EV, starting at $28,140, and saw a significant surge in sales of 187% in the third quarter of the year. This increase in demand for the legacy electric hatchback indicates continued interest from consumers, with Nissan selling a total of 7,581 LEAF models in the US through September.
In addition to the LEAF, Nissan also sold 5,552 units of the Ariya electric SUV in the US in the third quarter, bringing the total to 14,897 sold in the first nine months of 2024. The Ariya is seen as a major upgrade over the LEAF, offering up to 304 miles of range, a more powerful drive system, and a CCS1 port. However, the Ariya comes at a higher starting price of $39,590, making the LEAF a more budget-friendly option for consumers looking to purchase an electric vehicle.
Despite the competitive pricing of the LEAF, the model is only eligible for a partial $3,750 federal tax credit, which may impact its market share as newer electric vehicles with similar starting prices, such as the Chevy Equinox EV and Volvo EX30, enter the market. Nissan plans to launch an updated version of the LEAF next year, following the preview of the Chill Out concept in 2021. The new LEAF is expected to have a crossover coupe SUV design, resembling the Ariya and aiming to regain its share of the EV market.
The Nissan LEAF and Ariya offer consumers affordable and environmentally friendly options for electric vehicles in the US, with the LEAF being the cheapest EV available currently. The LEAF boasts a starting price of $28,140 and a range of 212 miles for the SV Plus model, while the Ariya features a starting price of $39,590 and a range of 304 miles for the Venture+ trim. The upcoming release of the next-generation LEAF is anticipated to further enhance Nissan’s EV lineup and cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Overall, Nissan’s LEAF has experienced a resurgence in sales in the US, demonstrating continued interest in the affordable electric vehicle. While facing competition from newer and more advanced models, the LEAF remains a popular choice for consumers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles. With the upcoming launch of the next-gen LEAF and the success of the Ariya electric SUV, Nissan is poised to maintain its position in the EV market and offer consumers a diverse range of options for sustainable transportation.
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