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Table of Contents
⚡ This Week’s Big Charge
💡 The New Nissan Leaf Reveals Where EVs, And Cars, Need To Go Next
Of the dozens of electric vehicles I’ve driven this year, the biggest standout wasn’t some superpowered sedan with a six-figure price tag. It doesn’t wear a luxury-car badge, it won’t tear your face off with speed, and it’s under no illusion that it can “drive itself.”
But it’s thoroughly well-executed. It’s practical, fun and great on range. And it just so happens to be, for now at least, the least-expensive new EV you can buy in America.
I’m talking about the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which I did not expect to be as good as it is.
And while Route Zero isn’t a source for car reviews—you can find those anywhere—the new Leaf is a fascinating case study on America’s current new-car market, what’s next in the EV race, and what barriers stand in the way of making cars truly more affordable.
The Future of the Content Economy
beehiiv started with newsletters. Now, they’re reimagining the entire content economy.
On November 13, beehiiv’s biggest updates ever are dropping at the Winter Release Event.
For the people shaping the next generation of content, community, and media, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
🍂 What Is The 2026 Nissan Leaf?
The Nissan Leaf is an O.G. in the electric space, as much as any Tesla. Launched in 2010, it was the world’s first modern battery-electric vehicle put into mainstream production.
The second-generation Leaf was sold from 2017 to 2025. It was also the most affordable new EV, but topped out at only 212 miles of range.
This third-generation Leaf is just now going on sale in America. It’s a huge glow-up from the last one: a new 75-kWh battery pack, up to 303 miles of range and a Tesla-style NACS plug with Supercharger access.
It’s powered by Android Automotive OS, so it has built-in Google Maps and the Google Play app store. Software-wise, it’s on par with the best of the best in America now.
More crucially, it’s no longer a dowdy little hatchback, but a small crossover. And a stylish one, too, that comes in some fun colors, like neon blue.
🛻 What Makes It So Good?