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Cheap cars are a diminishing asset. Don’t believe me? The list of new cars under $20,000 is about to have just one model. It’s even worse for budget-minded electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Even the cheapest electric car on the market is dangerously close to the $30,000 mark. Still, the Nissan LEAF keeps things affordable compared to some of its closest competitors. 

The 2025 Nissan LEAF is cheaper and more long-legged than many of its closest North American market competitors 

At around $29,280, the starting price of the 2025 Nissan LEAF represents the cheapest electric car on the market. Of course, that price point is for the entry-level LEAF S. For that price, you’ll get around 149 miles of EPA-estimated range courtesy of a 40-kWh battery pack.

The Nissan LEAF SV PLUS punches that single-charge range up to 212 miles with its 62-kWh battery pack. However, new EV buyers looking to get their hands on the more endurant SV PLUS will have to part with an additional $8,050. 

2025 Nissan LEAF trim levelStarting price
S$29,280
SV PLUS$37,330

Still, the base LEAF is considerably cheaper than much of its competition. For instance, the cute-as-a-button 2024 FIAT 500e starts at around $34,095, nearly $5,000 more than the LEAF with a shorter range. Make no mention of pricier, long-range competition like the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 and 2024 Tesla Model 3.

Incidentally, Nissan holds another budget-minded claim. I’m talking about the 2024 Nissan Versa being the cheapest car on the market. At around $16,680, the Versa is the most affordable new car for 2024. Oh, and the Versa’s closest competition, the Mitsubishi Mirage, is throwing in the towel for 2025. In short, you don’t have many options below the $20,000 mark. Just one, really.

However, 2025 competition like the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt will certainly challenge the LEAF’s claims to be the cheapest electric car.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).