Nissan confirms it’s phasing out one of the most popular and affordable electric cars on the market — here’s why

Japanese automaker Nissan has confirmed that it is phasing out one of the most popular and affordable electric vehicles on the market to make way for its newer, more expensive EV model.

The Nissan Leaf, which was first released in 2010, is being discontinued in part so that Nissan can shift focus to its new EV that just launched, the Nissan Ariya, and other future electric offerings. Automotive News first reported rumors the Leaf would be discontinued in June.

The Leaf spent more than a decade as one of the most affordable entry-level EVs on the market, with a price that reliably hovered around $27,000.

The Ariya, on the other hand, starts at $43,190, with upgraded versions costing closer to $60,000. (It does not qualify for the EV tax credit, as it is made in Japan.)

The Ariya offers 216 to 289 miles of range — depending on whether you go for the upgrades or not — to the Leaf’s 149 to 212 miles of range, depending on the model.

In addition to a longer range, what customers get for the increased price tag includes more luxury finishes such as leather seats and dark-grain wood paneling on the dashboard.