Nissan Leaf's Days Are Numbered, Report Says

The was a pioneer. But according to a report from Automotive News on Thursday, the affordable, compact electric vehicle might not be long for this world.

Sources within Nissan told Automotive News the Leaf will likely be phased out by mid-decade. It's expected to be replaced by an all-new electric vehicle, one "more tuned to the needs of the modern EV buyer," Automotive News said. The sources were also unsure if the Leaf name would remain.

"We are seeing renewed interest in Leaf with the increased demand for EVs and its overall value proposition," Nissan said in a statement. However, the company did not comment on the Leaf's future overall.

Now in its second generation, the Leaf received a small update for the 2023 model year. This includes revised styling and a simplified lineup, and at $28,895 (including $1,095 for destination), the Leaf is still one of the most affordable EVs on sale today.

However, a growing crop of compelling small electric crossovers are making the Leaf irrelevant. Newcomers like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are seriously good, and mainstays like the and Bolt EUV offer more space and longer driving range for not that much more money.

Nissan is far from out of the EV game, though. The company will soon launch its Ariya crossover in the US, following a number of delays. The Ariya is larger than the Leaf and offers more power, more range and a far more luxurious cabin. That definitely leaves room for a smaller, more affordable EV in Nissan's lineup, but it seems the Leaf no longer fits that bill.

2023 Nissan Leaf Debuts Simplified Design

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