As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to gain momentum, two key obstacles remain in the path to widespread adoption: price and range. While Tesla has made strides in addressing the range issue through recent partnerships, Nissan is now focusing on the affordability aspect with its announcement of the 2024 Leaf. However, the Leaf faces certain challenges in a market where rivals have already solved some of the critical issues.
Nissan’s all-electric Leaf, which has been on the market for a decade, now offers the 2024 model for sale. The base S model starts at an attractive price of $28,140, while the SV Plus variant offers an extended range of 212 miles, compared to the S model’s 149 miles, starting at $36,190. While the S model can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes, the SV Plus takes a full hour to reach the same level.
Car And Driver magazine highlighted that, despite its competitive pricing, the Leaf falls short compared to its rivals in terms of driving range and outdated charging technology, which affects user-friendliness. Tesla’s Model 3, for example, recently qualified for a $7,500 federal tax credit and starts at around $32,000, making it a strong contender in the market, especially with added state tax credits that further lower the price.
Unfortunately, as of April 2023, the Leaf became ineligible for the federal tax credit due to updated rules. However, there is a possibility that the vehicle could be reinstated on the list of eligible EVs, potentially reducing the starting price to just over $20,000. Meanwhile, rumors circulate that Nissan is gradually phasing out the Leaf, planning to introduce a new electric crossover as its replacement, set to begin production around 2025.
Nissan’s 2024 Leaf attempts to address the challenge of affordability in the EV market, offering attractive pricing options. However, it faces criticism for its comparatively lower driving range and outdated charging technology. As the market becomes increasingly competitive, Nissan will need to overcome these obstacles to ensure its continued relevance in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
