The vehicle that helped launch the modern electric car era limps into 2025 virtually unchanged, as Nissan’s groundbreaking Leaf approaches its final production years with outdated technology and modest capabilities. Despite maintaining its position as one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, the aging pioneer increasingly struggles to compete in a rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Starting at $28,140, the 2025 Leaf continues to serve as an entry point into electric vehicle ownership, offering basic electric mobility at a price point few competitors can match. The base model pairs a 147-horsepower electric motor delivering 236 lb-ft of instant torque with a 40 kWh battery pack, providing a modest 149-mile range. Buyers seeking more capability can opt for the SV Plus trim at $36,190, which upgrades to a more potent 214-horsepower motor and larger 60 kWh battery, extending range to 212 miles.
The Leaf’s practical hatchback design and surprisingly spacious interior remain among its strongest attributes. Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the compact EV accommodates five passengers while offering 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 30 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. Standard technology includes an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, four USB ports, and Nissan’s hands-free text messaging assistant.
However, the Leaf’s dated technical specifications increasingly highlight its position as a holdover from an earlier era of electric vehicles. The base model’s 149-mile range falls well short of current market expectations, while even the upgraded SV Plus trim’s 212-mile range trails significantly behind contemporary competitors. The Hyundai Ioniq 6, starting at $37,750, delivers up to 240 miles of range in its base configuration.
Charging capabilities present another area where the Leaf shows its age. While equipped with DC fast charging, the model’s charging speeds lag notably behind modern rivals. The 40 kWh battery requires approximately 40 minutes to reach 80% charge at a DC fast charging station, while the larger 60 kWh pack needs about an hour. For comparison, the base Hyundai Ioniq 6 can achieve an 80% charge in just 18 minutes using contemporary fast-charging infrastructure.
The Leaf’s impending departure from Nissan’s lineup, announced in 2023, reflects the rapidly shifting expectations in the electric vehicle market. As the automaker focuses on its next generation of EVs, exemplified by the new Ariya SUV, the current Leaf increasingly appears as a remnant of electric vehicles’ early days rather than a competitive modern offering.
Looking ahead, Nissan has indicated that while the current Leaf will be phased out, the nameplate may return on an all-new platform shared with the Ariya. This suggests the automaker recognizes both the historical significance of the Leaf brand and the need to thoroughly modernize its technology to meet contemporary market demands.
For potential buyers, the 2025 Leaf presents a mixed value proposition. While its low entry price and practical design maintain appeal for budget-conscious shoppers seeking basic electric transportation, the model’s limited range and slow charging capabilities may prove frustrating for users requiring more flexibility. Prospective purchasers might consider alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 or even the used EV market, where recent-model vehicles often offer superior range and charging capabilities at competitive prices.
As the Leaf enters its twilight years, its story serves as both a testament to Nissan’s early leadership in electric vehicles and a cautionary tale about the importance of continuous innovation in the rapidly evolving EV market. While the model helped establish the viability of mass-market electric vehicles, its minimal updates over recent years have left it increasingly overshadowed by more capable contemporary offerings.
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