The Nissan Leaf one of the few cars that pioneered the electric vehicle market. However, according to Automotive News, the affordable, compact electric vehicle is nearing the end of its life cycle.
Source says that production of the LEAF (currently at three locations: Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom) is expected to end by mid-decade. Given that we are already in mid-2022, this only means a few more years.
There will be no next-generation LEAF, but rather an entirely new replacement model will come.
Automotive News states that the replacement vehicle will be all electric and “more tuned to the needs of the modern EV buyer.” According to the sources, it was also unclear whether the Leaf name would be retained.
The Leaf, now in its second generation, received a minor update for the 2023 model year. This includes new styling and at $28,895 (plus $1,095 for destination), the Leaf remains one of the most affordable EVs on the market today.
However, a growing number of compelling small electric crossovers are rendering the Leaf obsolete. Newcomers such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and long-standing models such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV provide more space and a longer driving range at a slightly higher selling price.