The 2026 Nissan LEAF Is Here With 300 Miles of Range — But Good Luck Getting One

2026 Nissan LEAF: For 2026, Nissan’s recognizable electric hatchback received a significant makeover.  The 2017 Nissan LEAF appears to be the ideal vehicle for EV purchasers on a tight budget because of its more than 300-mile range, proximity to Tesla Superchargers, and lowest pricing of any new EV in the United States. But here’s the catch: actually buying one may be harder than you think.

The Nissan LEAF Gets a Complete Makeover

Forget the compact hatch you remember — the 2026 Nissan LEAF now arrives in a sleek crossover style. Nissan designed it to compete not only on price, but also on practicality. Inside, buyers will find an upgraded cabin, modern tech, and a fresh look that feels more in line with today’s EV expectations.

Over 300 Miles of Range at an Unbelievable Price

In a market where EV prices are climbing, Nissan flipped the script. The 2017 LEAF is now the most reasonably priced new EV available for purchase in the United States with a starting price of just $29,990.  That is less expensive than the 2025 model which retailed for $34,230 and even less expensive than the 2011 model, which debuted for $32,780.

And with 300+ miles of driving range, Nissan is finally giving EV shoppers something they’ve been asking for — real-world range at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Tesla Supercharger Access: A Game-Changer

Thanks to the addition of the NACS charging port, the LEAF now gives drivers access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network across the U.S. This instantly eliminates one of the biggest barriers for first-time EV buyers — charging anxiety.

The Bad News: Production Snags

Here’s where things get tricky. According to reports, Nissan has slashed production of the new LEAF by more than half between September and November 2025 due to battery shortages at its Tochigi plant in Japan.

That means supply will be tight, and finding a new LEAF on dealership lots could be a serious challenge. Expect limited availability through the end of 2025, with “particularly steep” production cuts this fall.

Why This Matters for Nissan

As part of its return plan, Nissan is placing a large wager on the LEAF.  Due to growing competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Tesla, the automaker recently fell out of the top 10 worldwide automakers by sales. If Nissan can’t get enough LEAFs on the road it could face an even tougher battle in the EV market.

Final Thought

The 2026 Nissan LEAF is shaping up to be one of the most exciting affordable EVs in years — long range, Tesla charging access, and a sub-$30K price tag. But unless Nissan can fix its battery supply issues, this “perfect EV” might stay out of reach for most U.S. buyers, at least in the short term.

So, if you want one? Better get on a dealer’s waiting list now.

FAQ’s

Q1: What is the price of the 2026 LEAF in the United States? 

A: Being the cheapest new electric vehicle to ever be sold in the US, this vehicle starts at an MSRP of $29,990.

Q2: Could you use Tesla Superchargers with the LEAF?

A: YES! Because the 2026 LEAF has NACS charging port, drivers can certainly use Tesla’s Superchargers.

Q3: Why did one person say the new Nissan LEAF was hard to find?

A: Nissan suffers a battery shortage at the Tochigi plant in Japan forcing it to curtail production by over half until late 2025. 

Q4: Is the LEAF worth buying against the Tesla or BYD models? 

A: The LEAF remains the cheapest long range EV available in the USA but it might be limited by availability or wait times.

Also Read: 10 Fastest New Cars Under $40K You Can Actually Buy in 2025