The Nissan Leaf used to have an uncrowded lane. It was one of the first practical electric cars offered for sale by a non-luxury automaker. But that lane is suddenly full. Almost every car manufacturer is bringing out more than one new electric car for the 2022 model year.
So how can Nissan get you to pay attention to its plucky little EV? With a big price cut.
Short-Range Model Gets $4k Discount
The 2022 edition of the Leaf will start at $27,400, plus $975 shipping and handling. That’s a price cut of $4,245 compared to the 2021 edition. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, you’ll be able to get into a 2022 Leaf for under $20,000.
That price applies to the short-range version of the Leaf, which the EPA certifies for just 149 miles of driving between charges. But the average American, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drives less than 30 miles per day. So, the shortest-range Leaf is an emissions-free way to get around, with a spacious cabin and automatic climate control that can start to heat or cool the car while it’s parked so that it’s comfortable when you begin your drive.
Longer-Range Model Gets $5k Discount
A longer-range version of the Leaf is available, with an EPA-rated 229 miles of driving on a charge. And while that one costs more, its price drop for 2022 is bigger. The 2022 Nissan Leaf Plus starts at $33,375 – more than $5,000 lower than 2021 pricing.
For 2022, the Leaf gains Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist active cruise control and lane-keeping assist system, a 360-degree camera view, and a CHAdeMO Quick Charge Port and portable 240-volt charging cable enabling drivers to use almost every variety of quick charger outside of Tesla’s supercharger network.
Buyers will find plenty of appealing electric cars from mainstream manufacturers in 2022. Affordable options include the Chevy Bolt and the Hyundai Ioniq (recently discontinued but still found on dealership lots in 13 states). But nothing comes close to a sub-$20,000 price tag, making the Leaf an intriguing value.
2022 Nissan Leaf prices
- Leaf
- S: $27,400
- SV: $28,800
- Leaf Plus
-
- S: $32,400
- SV: $35,400
- SL: $37,400
Related: 5 Best Electric Cars Under $40,000
