Nissan Delays Its Cheapest Leaf Variant Until 2027 Amid EV Market Shifts

Nissan has confirmed that the entry‑level Leaf S with a smaller 52 kWh battery and 174‑hp drivetrain will not launch in the U.S. for the 2026 model year, with no firm timeline for 2027. While the Leaf remains Nissan’s most affordable EV, the delay—driven by market dynamics, tariffs, and competition—casts doubt on when a cheaper Leaf might reappear, and the company has kept its future battery configurations under review.