The Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV) enters the 2025 model year completely unchanged. Nissan has added no new features for the latest model year and will not change the car’s price. 2024 Leaf EVs and 2025 Leaf EVs on dealer lots will be identical.
Still, you’ll want the 2024 model. Through a quirk of federal law, the sticker price of the two cars will be the same, but the out-the-door price you pay will be different.
About the Leaf
The Leaf is the original modern electric car. Nissan introduced it in 2010 before Tesla launched its Model S (though the company did exist, selling a Lotus-derived Roadster at the time).
Now in its second generation, the Leaf remains among the few EVs with sticker prices under $30,000. Our expert test driver says it makes a solid second car. “It’s not especially thrilling, but it’s stable and predictable, quiet and easy, comfortable and competent.” It’s easy to park, and its hatchback form makes it roomy for a subcompact car.
However, the Leaf uses a charging port called “ChaDeMo,” which is becoming rare on public chargers. Most rivals now use a port called “CCS,” and all are switching to the Tesla-derived North American Charging System (NACS) port.
If you buy a leaf, you can easily install a ChaDeMo charger at your home and use it for all your around-town driving needs. But if you need to drive beyond its range (up to 212 miles, depending on configuration), public chargers that suit your car will likely grow less common yearly.
Tax Break For 2024, Not 2025
There’s also the matter of price.
The federal government offers a tax rebate of up to $7,500 on many new EVs. The rebate is income-limited. Only individuals reporting adjusted gross incomes of $150,000 or less on taxes, $225,000 for those filing as head of household, and $300,000 for joint filers can take advantage.
Related: How Do Electric Car Tax Credits Work in 2024?
The car must also meet specific criteria to qualify. Half of the credit depends on where the battery is built and half on where critical minerals inside it originate.
Nissan says the 2025 model doesn’t qualify at all. “However, eligible customers may still qualify for up to $3,750 in potential Federal EV tax credits on any remaining new 2024 LEAF vehicles that were manufactured in 2024 if purchased and delivered to the customer before January 1, 2025.”
Since the two cars are identical, source a 2024 model to save $3,750.
2025 Nissan Leaf Pricing
All prices include the mandatory $1,140 destination fee.
| Model | Range | MSRP |
| S | Up to 149 miles | $28,140 |
| SV PLUS | Up to 212 miles | $36,190 |
