The 2022 Nissan Leaf Cuts the Price and Adds Some Extras

• Nissan drops Leaf prices for 2022, with a new $27,400 starting price.

• Nissan also is adding standard CHAdeMO quick charging to all 2022 Leaf models.

• The extra features heading to Nissan Leaf SV Plus models were formerly attached to the optional technology package.

As electric vehicles keep gaining traction, prices will come down: especially for entry points into EV ownership. We’ve seen Chevrolet cut the prices of its Bolt EV, and Nissan is taking the same approach with its 2022 Leaf. The upcoming Leaf drops from $31,670 before destination charges to the new $27,400 starting price. Nissan is also adding extra content to the base model despite the new, lower price.

The major piece of new tech heading to the base-model Leaf is a standard CHAdeMO quick-charging port. This oddly named charging port is fighting to become one of the future standards of quick charging. This should make the quality of life better for entry-level Leaf buyers as access to fast charging isn’t tied to a higher trim level’s price point.

Nissan is adding extra content to higher trim levels, too. The Nissan Leaf SV Plus now includes a handful of the features previously found on the optional technology package as standard equipment. Those features include ProPilot Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, and more. This also comes in at slightly more than the current base Leaf’s starting price at $35,400. In between, the S-Plus model does not have the extra features but does come with the larger range battery for nearly the same price as the previous base Leaf.

As for range, the base model 2022 Leaf S matches that of the previous entry-level Leaf. That means this $27,400 Leaf S will carry you 149 miles on a single charge. That is thanks to a 40-kWh battery that feeds a single motor making 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Nissan Leaf Plus models crank that battery size up to 62 kWh and swap in a more powerful electric motor. The Plus-badged Leaf EVs use an electric motor that makes 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The range is best in Leaf S Plus models, which can travel 226 miles; it drops to 215 miles on the top two trims.

Nissan hasn’t announced the new Leaf’s availability, but you can likely expect it before the end of the year. Also, these new Leaf EVs are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Will dropping prices help with earlier adoption of an electric vehicle? Let us know what you think in the comments below.