Nissan Just Delayed Its Cheapest EV

Nissan had plotted an even cheaper trim level for the already cheap Leaf EV. The Leaf starts at under $30,000, and the recent redesign makes the crossover EV feel like the first genuinely fresh and innovative car Nissan has made in recent memory. But the problem with making cheap cars is margins. The line on the stock chart must go up every quarter, and Nissan can't make that happen if its margins are razor-thin. So, it delayed the Leaf S, a cheaper alternative to the new EV, until at least 2027, says InsideEVs.

Nissan delayed its cheapest Leaf EV

Nissan confirmed to the outlet that it would delay the Leaf S until at least 2027. Originally, the brand planned to introduce the trim this year. The Laf S would have had a smaller 52-kilowatt battery and 174-horsepower drivetrain to save on costs, which Nissan was clearly hoping to pass on to buyers. Nissan is likely waiting to see how basic versions of the existing Leaf do on the market before further investing in the vehicle. You can read the brand's full statement below:

“Nissan continually evaluates market trends, customer preferences, and the evolving EV landscape to ensure we are focusing our resources where they create the most value. As part of that process, we have decided not to introduce the smaller‑battery variant of the 2026 Nissan LEAF in the U.S. this model year. We remain committed to delivering the right products at the right time, and we will continue to assess future battery configurations based on customer demand and segment needs."

Nissan's Leaf S is a victim of circumstance

Nissan's "evolving EV landscape" is a federally incentivized move away from EVs. The Trump Administration, almost to the inverse of the previous Biden admin., has chosen to heavily deregulate emissions, combat previous initiatives for automakers and consumers, and repeal what it calls an "EV mandate." Without federal aid, consumer demand, or any of the circumstances that automakers were planning their electrified lineups around in the US, it's no surprise most are backing away from further EV expansion.

Mass adoption of electric vehicles was a key strategy in reducing emissions generated from commuting, something most Americans are still made to do five days a week. Hybrids are now the consumer vehicle of choice, offering flexibility most believed they wouldn't get with an EV, and at a more competitive price point after the evaporation of federal tax incentives last September. The problem is, their tailpipe emissions are still worse than EVs, and with automakers and regulators stepping away, the path toward cutting emissions in the auto industry has been filled with obstacles again.