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What is the Cheapest Electric Vehicle on the Market?

Owning an electric vehicle might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds considering there are still issues when it comes to range anxiety and the inconvenience of charging. However, the electric vehicle segment is currently growing and there are even many on the used market that can be purchased for a low price. But …

Owning an electric vehicle might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds considering there are still issues when it comes to range anxiety and the inconvenience of charging. However, the electric vehicle segment is currently growing and there are even many on the used market that can be purchased for a low price. But if you’re looking for a new electric vehicle, and don’t want to shell out the money for a Tesla, then the Nissan Leaf might be just the ticket.

The Nissan Leaf is affordable and plentiful

We know, the Nissan Leaf isn’t exactly the most attractive electric car on the market. In fact, next to a Tesla Model 3, it looks like the lonely nerdy kid that everyone points and laughs at. We attribute that to its hatchback shape and availability in weird colors. However, no one will be pointing and laughing when they learned that you only paid around $25,000 (after rebates) for it.

In fact, without the rebates, the base-model Nissan Leaf S is priced at $31,600. At that cost of entry, you’ll get a 110-kWh electric motor that is connected to a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and churns out 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the range is the most important aspect of any electric car, and with the Nissan Leaf, you can expect about 150 total miles on a single charge with a 9-hour charge time on a 240-volt supply. Just plug it in overnight like your cell phone and you’ll have a full tank the next day.

RELATED: Is the Nissan Leaf a Better Buy Over a Tesla Model 3?

2020 Nissan Leaf | Nissan

If that’s not enough, then get the Nissan Leaf Plus

In case that’s enough of a charge for you, then you can always opt for the Nissan Leaf Plus, which retails for $38,200. According to Nissan, you can expect to pay around $30,000 with any available tax credits and rebates, which makes it much more affordable than a Tesla. The “Plus” designation refers to the larger battery pack and bigger electric motor. The Leaf Plus is powered by a 160-kWh motor that is connected to a 62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that puts out a combined 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

Along with the added power comes added range as the Leaf Plus is able to achieve 226 miles of range out of a complete charge and is able to be topped-up overnight as well. In addition to the added power and range, the Nissan Leaf comes standard with a host of amenities and safety features including Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Opting for the higher SV and SL trim levels will come with more luxurious features like leather seating surfaces, an around-view monitor, a Bose premium audio system, and the ProPilot Assist, which is Nissan suite of driver-assist features. Although, those trim levels could cost around $40,000 before the rebates and incentives.

RELATED: The Nissan Leaf Won Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 5-Year Cost to Own Award

Nissan Leaf Interior
Nissan Leaf Interior | Nissan

It’s a great time to buy one now

While you might not have any need or capability in your daily life for an all-electric vehicle, just know that there are options for you when you are ready. In fact, the Nissan Leaf is even more affordable on the used market, but we highly suggest opting for a new one if possible due to the tax incentives and longer warranty. And while you might feel nerdy sitting next to a Tesla at a stoplight, you can smile knowing that you saved a lot more money while still doing your part to keep the planet cleaner.

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