2026 Nissan Leaf: America's Cheapest EV Just Crushed Its EPA-Estimated Range
The new Leaf isn't just a bargain. It's shaping up to be a range monster.
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf blew past its EPA-estimated range in an independent test.
- Edmunds drove the Leaf Platinum+ 310 miles, beating its official rating by 20%.
- The test is a good sign for America's cheapest EV.
With a modern design, better electric range and faster charging, the third-generation Nissan Leaf is easily the best Leaf ever. And apparently it's even better than advertised.
Edmunds subjected the 2026 Leaf Platinum+ to its electric vehicle range test, and the little crossover passed with flying colors. The Leaf crushed its official EPA-estimated figure of 259 miles by 20%, managing to cover 310 miles before conking out. What's more, Edmunds clocked the Leaf's efficiency at 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour.
Now, there's a reason the Leaf did better than the EPA said it would, and that's because Edmunds tests range a bit differently. Its evaluations involve 60% city driving and 40% highway driving, whereas the EPA's formula is 55:45. Edmunds says its procedure better reflects how people actually drive.
Still, it's a great showing that bodes well the lower-cost Leaf variants we're most excited about. Nissan's top-of-the-line Leaf, the Platinum+ costs just over $40,000 before any options. It's also the lowest-range variant on sale right now.
Gallery: 2026 Nissan Leaf Review
But the new Leaf's real coup de grâce for the EV market is how cheap and compelling the base model is. The S+ costs a little over $31,000—a price point practically unheard of in America's EV market—and carries a strong EPA estimate of 303 miles. That's almost 100 miles more than the outgoing model's best rating.
Edmunds' test suggests that the S+ could blow past its rating, too. That would make America's cheapest EV an even better bargain than it already is.
Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
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