The new Nissan Leaf’s smaller price tag makes it the cheapest EV in the US

Nissan has revealed its 2022 Leaf EV, which not only comes with more standard features than last year’s model, but is priced significantly lower as well — like more than $4,000 lower.

In fact, the Leaf is now the cheapest EV in the US market, as Endgadget pointed out. And from our research that does seem to be the case, with the next car on the budget list being the 2022 Mini Cooper SE at $29,900.

Specifically, the Leaf S, the most basic model, now costs $27,400 or $28,375 including the destination charge. 

Considering its pretty decent 40kWh battery, which gives it approximately 238km of range, I’d say that’s not a bad bargain at all. 

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The Leaf SV, which comes with the same powertrain and range, drops from $34,935 to $28,800 — an even more striking decrease of $6,135. 

The same goes for the Plus editions featuring a more powerful 62kWh battery pack, which have all dropped more than $5,000.

The longest-range (364km) S Plus costs $32,400 compared to $38,245, while the SV and SL Plus, with up to 346km of range, are now at $35,400 and $37,400, respectively. 

Apart from the lower costs, Nissan is offering some more extras.

All 2022 Leafs come standard with a CHAdeMO quick charge port and a portable 240-volt charging cable.

What’s more, eight features previously included in the Technology Package of the SV Plus now become standard. ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Around View Monitor are definitely the most notable among them.

So Nissan is reducing the prices and increasing the standard equipment. What’s going on?

On the one hand, the automaker remarks its commitment to “mass-market electric cars […] to make [the Leaf] more accessible and provide even more value to customers than ever before.”

On the other hand, the price shift seems less dramatic if we take into account the generous incentives available last year for the 2021 model — for instance, Nissan’s $7,500 rebate for cash payments.

In any case,  the price drops do make an impact to potential consumers, who can get a decent EV with improved features even when on a budget.

Especially the Leaf S can cost as low as $20,875 for those who qualify for the $7,5000 federal tax credit.

I’d say, though, that the best value for money model is the SV, which is now just $1,400 more expensive than the basic S.

Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up? 

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