The Digester

Nissan confirmed the smaller battery Leaf S will not launch in the US for the 2026 model year, leaving its pricing and future availability uncertain.

Nissan confirmed the entry level Leaf S with a 52 kilowatt battery and 174 horsepower will not arrive in the US for 2026.
The trim is delayed until at least 2027 and has no firm launch date but has not been explicitly canceled.
The 2026 Leaf currently starts at $29,990 and offers up to 303 miles of range in higher trims.
Nissan said it is reassessing products based on market trends, customer preferences, and the evolving EV landscape.
Leaf sales fell 86 percent in Q4 2025 versus Q4 2024, and Nissan faces tariff and profitability pressures because the Leaf is built in Japan.

Nissan delays entry level Leaf S until at least 2027