Will The New Nissan Leaf Be An Affordable EV Hit, Or Too Rare To Matter?

We're amped for the launch of Nissan's new entry-level EV, but the rollout may be limited. Plus: Now is the time to go electric if you can.

Patrick George

By: Patrick George

Jun 20, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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On paper, the new 2026 Nissan Leaf seems like it could be everything electric-vehicle fans have wanted for years. It looks sharp (at least, I think so), the 300-mile range is highly compelling, and we're told Nissan is targeting a low-$30,000 starting price.

The market has been craving good, affordably priced modern EVs for a while now, and so this new Leaf—an entirely different machine than the outgoing and outdated hatchback that shares its name—seems like a win all around.

But when something seems too good to be true, it often is. And on this week's Plugged-In Podcast, my co-host Tim Levin and I discuss what the new Nissan Leaf's catch might be.

What dampens our enthusiasm somewhat is an interview Nissan's U.S. marketing chief gave to Automotive News this week where he concedes the American launch of the Leaf will be "conservative and targeted," mostly focused on EV-friendly states like California or Colorado. And probably without a ton of marketing, in part because of Nissan's precarious financial situation. On top of that, it's made in Japan, so you can add tariffs to its list of headaches.

It's a lot to deal with. On this week's episode, Tim and I discuss the Leaf's chances to be a hit in the U.S.

Plus, we'll explain why the changing tax credit system make now—yes, right now—an ideal time to buy or lease a new EV or pick up a used one. And then we get into a rousing (I hope, anyway) debate about the merits of Ferrari going electric amid news that it will delay its second electric model over uncertain demand. I'm no huge Ferrari stan, but does an EV from the Prancing Horse brand even matter at all?

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Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com