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That $5 Monthly Nissan EV Lease? It’s Actually $127, But It’s Still Good

  • The entry-level Leaf S features a 40 kWh battery and a 149-mile EPA range.
  • Customers seeking more range can lease the Leaf SV+ for $172 per month.
  • Boulder Nissan appears to have dozens of cheap Nissan Leafs ready for leasing.

There are some absolutely amazing leasing deals available for EVs across the United States, but this one for the 2025 Nissan Leaf might just be among the best yet. If you live in Colorado and can get yourself to Boulder, you could walk away with a brand-new EV for a mere $5 per month. Well, sort of. As with most “too-good-to-be-true” deals, there’s a catch. Spoiler alert: You’ll need a $2,950 down payment or a trade-in of equivalent value.

The fine print reveals this as a 24-month lease through Boulder Nissan, capped at 10,000 miles per year. Crunch the numbers, and the effective cost works out to $127.91 per month, factoring in that upfront payment. That said, it’s worth repeating that putting any money down on a lease is generally unwise; if something happens to the car, that upfront cash is gone. While $5 per month sounds like the kind of deal that gets shouted in late-night TV commercials, the reality is more nuanced—but still attractive.

Read: Sure, You Can Lease The Ariya For $99 A Month… If You’re Cool With Actually Paying $238

We’ll admit, the Nissan Leaf is far from the best EV out there, as it definitely shows its age. However, having the opportunity to drive it around for two years, all while paying just $3,070, is a deal that could be too good to refuse for many.

For the money, shoppers can get behind the wheel of the entry-level 2025 Leaf S. It comes standard with a 40 kWh battery that drives an electric motor at the front axle with 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. While the Leaf S only has an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles (240 km), limiting its use for long trips, it’d probably suit many looking for an affordable EV used primarily for urban use or short trips. Boulder Nissan has dozens of these Leaf models available with the $5 per month lease deal.

 That $5 Monthly Nissan EV Lease? It’s Actually $127, But It’s Still Good

For those who want the flagship 2025 Leaf SV+, the dealer has you covered, too. It’s offering leases for $50 per month for 24 months, plus the same $2,950 downpayment or trade-in. This works out to be the equivalent of $172.91 per month for 24 months, which is also a good deal.

The Leaf SV+ improves on the standard model thanks to a larger 60 kWh battery pack, an electric motor with 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, and can travel up to 212 miles (341 km) on a charge.

So, is this one of the best leasing deals in America right now? It’s hard to say definitively. However, whether you’re looking to save some cash or are simply curious about stepping into the world of EVs, this offer does make a strong case for taking the aging yet practical Leaf for a spin. Just don’t expect it to dazzle; it’s not that kind of car.

 That $5 Monthly Nissan EV Lease? It’s Actually $127, But It’s Still Good

BYD Is A Human Rights Villain, New Study Claims

  • BYD has been named and shamed in a study looking at human rights violations in automotive supply chains.
  • Amnesty International’s Recharge for Rights report also claims Mitsubishi and Hyundai could do more to protect indirect workers.
  • BYD refused to disclose where it gets its cobalt from, with Mercedes showing the most transparency.

BYD makes more EVs than anyone, and it makes them for less money than most Western automakers can comprehend. But there is a cost, and it’s being paid by the workers in its supply chains, according to a new report investigating human rights risks in the EV industry.

Amnesty International’s Recharge for Rights study ranked 13 automakers according to how they address human rights risks in their mineral supply chains. BYD came bottom with a score of just 11 out of a potential 90 points, with Mitsubishi not far behind on 13 points.

Related: Microsoft’s AI Helps Find Promising New Battery Material With 70% Less Lithium

Hyundai (21), Geely and Nissan (22 apiece) came out looking like bad guys but Tesla (49) and top-rated Mercedes (51) performed far better. Not that even Benz’s score was enough to please the Amnesty investigators, who suggest that only a total of 68 points or more shows an adequate commitment to human rights issues.

Although EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, their batteries need huge quantities of minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. And while many of us are aware of the environmental damage caused by mining lithium, Amnesty International says the cobalt mining industry is ripe for the abuse of workers, some of whom in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which generates 25 percent of the world’s supply, are children.

BYD was marked down for refusing to reveal the name of the smelter, refiner, and mine that supply its minerals, but Geely, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and GM were all guilty of a lack of transparency. In contrast, the best-rated brands were able to provide supply-chain mapping.

Human rights score
AutomakerScore out of 90
Mercedes51
Tesla49
Stellantis42
VW41
BMW41
Ford41
GM32
Renault27
Nissan22
Geely22
Hyundai21
Mitsubishi13
BYD11
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“As the global transition to electric vehicles gains momentum, drives global competition and allows for huge profit, Amnesty International is calling on all car makers to improve their human rights due diligence efforts and bring them in line with international human rights standards,” said the organization’s Agnès Callamard.

The need for automakers to prove the origins of their batteries’ minerals to be eligible for EV credits has improved transparency, Wired notes. And there are steep fines (and market access restrictions) awaiting companies who flout rules governing supply chain welfare contained in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive that came into force in Europe this summer.

But Callamard believes there’s more to be done.

“Those lagging behind need to work harder and faster to show that human rights isn’t just a fluff phrase, but an issue they take seriously,” she says. “It’s time to shift gears and ensure electric vehicles don’t leave behind a legacy of human rights abuses – instead, the industry must drive a just energy future that leaves no one behind.”

 BYD Is A Human Rights Villain, New Study Claims

Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values

  • A new study has revealed the models that are expected to have the highest resale values after three years of ownership.
  • Lexus had the most model-level awards, but GM racked up five wins including two for the GMC Hummer EV lineup.
  • The Dodge Charger Daytona is expected to be the electric vehicle resale champ.

Depreciation is a fact of life, but what you buy has a big impact on resale values down the line. To help consumers, J.D. Power has released their 2025 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards which highlight the vehicles that are projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after three years of ownership.

The winners aren’t exactly a surprise as Honda and Lexus walked away with top honors for the fourth consecutive year. J.D. Power’s Danny Battaglia credited part of this success to Honda’s pricing discipline as well as Lexus’ restraint on incentives, which can negatively impact resale values of older vehicles.

More: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Starts At $59,595

Besides being named the best premium brand, Lexus picked up the most model-level awards. Class honors went to the IS, LS, NX, RX, and TX. Their mainstream counterpart, Toyota, also picked up awards for the Camry and GR Supra as well as the Tundra and Land Cruiser.

Japanese models dominated the rankings as Honda scored wins for the Civic, Passport and Odyssey, while Subaru picked up accolades for the Crosstrek, Forester, and WRX. Other awards went to the Acura Integra and Nissan Kicks.

 Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values

American brands might have played second fiddle, but GM racked up five wins. The Chevrolet Corvette was named the best “midsize premium sporty car,” while the Cadillac Escalade was the best large premium SUV. GMC also picked up awards for the Sierra 3500 HD as well as the Hummer EV Pickup and SUV.

Interestingly, the soon to be launched Dodge Charger Daytona was named the best electric car. While it remains to be seen what resale values will look like three years from now, electric coupes are virtually unheard of in America so the Charger Daytona doesn’t really have any competition.

 Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values

Sticking with EVs, the Tesla Model 3 was dubbed the best premium electric car. The Hyundai Kona EV, on the other hand, was named best electric SUV.

Awards were also given to the BMW X1 and 5-Series, Jeep Gladiator and Wagoneer, and Kia Telluride. Mercedes’ only win was for the Sprinter, which took the commercial van class.

 Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values
 Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values
 Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values

Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered

  • We recently finished a week-long test drive of the 2024 Nissan Ariya.
  • Now, we’re here to answer all your top questions about the electric SUV.

Nissan is in the midst of a shift. The Leaf, one of the electric vehicle pioneers, is about to leave production. To a degree, the Ariya is a replacement for the Leaf. This new crossover is a bit bigger and a bit more traditional, and it happens to have some clever features.

Over the course of a week, I drove it around as though it was mine. Before setting off, we asked what you wanted to know about this car. Today, I’m going to answer all of your toughest questions.

Review: The 2024 Nissan Ariya Prioritizes Comfort Like Few EV Rivals

To kick things off, let’s take the most upvoted question in the group.

Is this car any fun to drive at all?

 Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered
Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

Simply put, sure! Is it the most fun to drive electric vehicle? Absolutely not, but this car isn’t aimed at enthusiasts. It’s directly centered on a demographic that wants a comfortable, quiet, pseudo-futuristic electric vehicle. To that end, it’s pretty good. In fact, it’s powerful enough, boasting 238 hp (177 kW)), that you can still do the sort of point-and-shoot traffic navigation that EVs are so good at.

How quick is the acceleration and what is the real-world range?

 Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered
Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

During the week, we didn’t have a suitable place to test 0-60, but expect real-world times to be roughly 7.5 seconds for front-wheel drive models like the one we drove. AWD versions will dip close to five seconds flat, and the upcoming NISMO edition could be in the mid-4-second range.

More: Nissan Claims Guinness Bungee Record, But Other Cars Have Fallen From Greater Heights

In terms of overall range, our test car offered 289 miles (465 km) with a full charge according to Nissan. Over our time with the car, it averaged 2.6 miles per kilowatt. In other words, at that rate, it would’ve only gone around 226 miles (364 km) before needing to be recharged. That’s fair considering that I didn’t exactly baby the Ariya. Just as is the case with literally any car on the road today, driving it harder will go through gas or electricity faster.

Would you choose this over the competition? Why?

 Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered
Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

I think a lot of people would be willing to pick this over rivals from Tesla, Kia, Polestar, and more. Here’s why. It comes from a brand that several buyers are very comfortable with. Lots of people want to buy a Japanese car and many want to buy an EV. That’s not so easy if you plan on going with Honda, Toyota, or Mazda.

On the other hand, as a guy who stands at 6 ‘6, I personally wouldn’t buy the Ariya. No matter what I did, I just didn’t fit in it. It’s not as fast or as sporty as I prefer. Sign me up for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N instead. I’ll need quite a bit more cash than one would need for the Ariya, though.

How is the ride comfort?

 Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered
Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

Quite good. Over the last month, I’ve had the pleasure of driving the new Nissan Kicks, the Infiniti QX80, the Subaru Crosstrek, the RAM 1500 Tradesman, and the Nissan Z Nismo. The Ariya is the most comfortable of that group in my opinion. It soaks up bumps very well and the cabin is very quiet. The Infiniti is close, but it’s such a tall vehicle and it lacks the kind of nimble handling that the Ariya benefits from.

So, those are all the questions you had, but if you’ve thought of another one or two, leave them in the comments. We’ll follow up down below!

 Your Questions About The Nissan Ariya EV Answered

Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals

PROS ›› Comfortable Zero Gravity seats, spacious and well-designed cabin, quiet ride quality, intuitive infotainment system. CONS ›› Slower charging speeds, no one-pedal driving mode, limited range on base model, less dynamic handling.

Nissan launched the Ariya in 2022 and has since discontinued production of the Leaf, its long-standing EV pioneer. That shift elevates the Ariya from being just another SUV in Nissan’s lineup to a cornerstone of its electrification strategy. As a direct competitor to crossovers like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ariya has a critical role to play in maintaining Nissan’s relevance in the EV market.

Review: New VW ID. Buzz Is The Coolest Minivan On The Block, But There’s A Big Caveat

Yet, despite its importance, all those rivals managed to outsell the Ariya by a notable margin in 2023. This might come as a surprise to those who recall Nissan halting orders early on due to overwhelming demand at launch. The big question remains: what exactly is holding the Ariya back from claiming a larger slice of the EV market?

That’s a good question and beyond production factors, we set out to find an answer from the car itself. To that end, we tested it in Little Rock, Arkansas for a full week. It hauled bikes, people, and other cargo all over, went through a full battery worth of miles, and more. It turns out that Nissan has a few significant opportunities to improve this EV but that doesn’t mean that its rivals can’t learn something from the Ariya.

QUICK FACTS
Model2024 Nissan Ariya Empower+
Starting Price$39,590 ($47,690 As Tested)
Dimensions4,595 mm (180.9 in) L x 1,850 mm (72.8 in) W x 1,660 mm (65.3 in) H
PowertrainSingle electric motor / 87 kWh Battery
Output238 hp (177 kW)
0-62 mph7.6 seconds (0-100 km/h)*
Range289 Miles*
Cargo Capacity22 cu. ft behind 2nd row, 59 cu. ft behind 1st row
Towing Capacity1,500 lbs
On SaleNow
*Manufacturer
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Average range, not so fast charging

Nissan offers the Ariya with two battery options, but only the base trim comes with a 63 kWh pack. It delivers just 216 miles (348 km) of range with front-wheel drive, and even fewer—205 miles (330 km)—with all-wheel drive. That said, our test vehicle is the Empower+ trim, which comes with an 87 kWh battery, front-wheel drive, and 289 miles (465 km) of range. It makes 238 horsepower (117 kW)—not too shabby, but nothing to write home about either.

Read: Sure, You Can Lease The Ariya For $99 A Month, If You’re Cool With Actually Paying $238

Notably, the Ariya tops out at a maximum charging rate of 130 kW, which is significantly slower than what other manufacturers offer, where charging speeds can reach up to 350 kW. Even brands that don’t come anywhere near that figure, like Ford, are still capable of DC fast charging at 150 kW. Faster charging, of course, means less time spent plugged in, allowing for quicker turnarounds during long trips or when time is limited.

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Around town over the course of a week, that wasn’t much of an issue, despite my inability to charge at home. Simply driving the car to a nearby coffee shop and plugging it into a public charger across the street worked without any issues. A few hours later, it was fully charged, and I was ready to continue on my way. The best part? The charger was a free public one, so I didn’t have to pay a single cent to juice up and add more miles to my drive.

After the week of driving, I averaged 2.6 miles per kWh. That results in around 226 miles (364 km) of real-world range in a mix of conditions. For the average driver that will be more than enough. If that same person can charge at home, it’ll be even less of a concern. Only those who regularly travel distances exceeding 200 miles (322 km) in a single day will need to be more mindful of the vehicle’s range.

A spacious and comfortable cabin

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Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

The Ariya is slightly smaller than cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E but one wouldn’t know that from slipping into the cabin. In fact, it has more headroom in both rows than the Ford and barely lags behind the Hyundai in that category. In addition, the open layout of the front seats makes the cabin feel more spacious. 

Nissan offers a really interesting solution for those who actually prefer a more segregated front seat space. The center console slides forward and back with an electric motor. In addition, a slide-out drawer in the center of the dash also moves with an electric motor and the two can nearly meet to provide a very different center console layout. 

About those touch-based controls

It’s not the only party trick in the Ariya, either. The dashboard is almost completely devoid of physical switchgear. All that’s left are the power button and the media on/off switch with an integrated volume knob. Next to that knob are two hidden switches for the hazard lights and track skipping. Beyond that, every single climate control function is seamlessly embedded into the dashboard itself.

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

I expected to hate this solution and it’s far from perfect, but I think it’s a step in the right direction if real switchgear isn’t on the menu. The issue of having to look down to confirm one’s touch is still there but the buttons do provide haptic feedback when pressed. In addition, while the surface does pick up fingerprints, it doesn’t show them off the way piano black trim does. I’m counting those as wins on top of the fact that people seeing it for the first time will probably like it. 

The infotainment system is pleasant to use and logically laid out. I really like the integrated navigation that includes a real-time map of how far the car can go given its state of charge.

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Where the Ariya shines brightest though isn’t with its fancy electronics though. It’s the level of comfort it brings to the everyday drive. The seats are well cushioned but supportive too. Nissan leverages its Zero Gravity “fatigue-free” seats in the front of the Ariya and they’re great. Modeled to emulate the feeling one would get in zero-g conditions, they provide excellent support from the pelvis through the chest of occupants. 

The rear seats aren’t as advanced, but still accommodate two passengers comfortably and three in a pinch. Nissan incorporates a cross-hatch Kumiko-inspired design throughout the Ariya and in several places, ambient lighting shines through that pattern. It’s a high-end look that elevates the cabin. Think of space as similar to the minimalist style found in a Tesla but with more comfort and common sense controls. 

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Behind the second row, one will find 22.8 cubic feet of storage which is more than enough for most long weekend trips. Should one need to transport something larger, like a bicycle, the rear seats fold down to reveal 59.7 cubic feet. That space made moving things around very easy in the Ariya. 

A (mostly) comfortable ride and decent handling

The Ariya is an interesting crossover to drive. Remember that the big promise here is comfort and it largely delivers on it. The accelerator pedal provides the ability to give it very subtle inputs and receive appropriately subtle feedback. The suspension soaks up most imperfections in the road but we’d love to see even more refinement here. Some cracks or potholes made a larger impact on the cabin than expected. 

More: 5 Big Updates For The 2025 Nissan Murano That Matter Most

The brakes feel good underfoot, but using regeneration to brake (Nissan’s E-Step mode) is an odd experience. At first, the car slows rapidly, but since there is no true one-pedal drive mode in the Ariya, you still need to engage the brakes to bring the car to a complete stop.

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Then, they’ll find that the pedal actually moved away during the regen-braking phase, so it’s not exactly where their foot remembers it. We’d love to see a true one-pedal driving mode here. For those EV drivers who don’t leverage one-pedal driving, the brakes in the Ariya are just fine. 

Handling is another area where the Ariya doesn’t really shine or shudder. It’s easy to direct but perhaps not as sharp as some rival offerings. We expect the Ariya NISMO that’s coming soon to remedy that concern and provide a more engaging driving experience.

Really though, the way this car drives is likely to appeal to many buyers looking for a vehicle in this segment. It feels better to drive than anything else in Nissan’s catalog save for the Z and GT-R, but at the same time, isn’t overly harsh. In a world of cars that push toward one end of the spectrum or the other, the Ariya nestles into a comfortable middle ground. 

Verdict

 Nissan Ariya Review: Prioritizing Comfort Like Few EV Rivals
Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Nissan isn’t leading the EV charge anymore and the Ariya isn’t a class leader either. At the same time, it might be very attractive to buyers who prefer a Japanese-built EV. Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Mazda are still trying to find their way in the same space. In that group, the Ariya is as good, if not the best, of the bunch. 

At the same time, Nissan will do well to update this EV with faster charging ability, sharper stock driving dynamics, and more range. Until then, electric crossovers like the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 will likely continue to dominate in terms of overall market share.

This crossover effectively blends what Nissan buyers are used to, such as the Murano and Rogue, with the benefits of driving an EV. Approaching this car with the mindset that it’s a love letter to Nissan owners helps explain many of its design decisions.

Those in the market for an EV should to at least check out the Ariya. It excels for those who prioritize comfort and relaxation above all else. No, it won’t charge as fast as some competitors and it won’t necessarily go as far between stops, but it’s a serene premium space to spend time and sometimes, that’s the most important factor. 

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Photos Stephen Rivers/Carscoops

Nissan Will Create An Affordable EV Based On Renault’s Twingo

  • Nissan asked Ampere to develop its next A-Segment EV, targeting European markets.
  • The model will be sold alongside the slightly larger Nissan Micra which is expected in 2025.
  • Ampere accelerates development of EVs, expecting the market to grow after the slowdown.

Ampere, Renault Group’s dedicated EV division, held a presentation in France, marking one year since its inception with some intriguing announcements. Chief among them: the development of a new A-segment EV for Nissan, which will be closely aligned with Renault’s upcoming Twingo. In other words, Nissan’s dipping a toe back into Europe’s small-car market, but this time, it’s electric.

According to Ampere, Nissan has tasked them with “exploring the development of its next A-segment EV,” aiming to leverage Ampere’s focus on “cost reduction roadmap and reduced development time.” The target? An affordable EV that doesn’t skimp on what customers expect in terms of performance or features.

More: 2026 Nissan Leaf Spied With Mini-Ariya SUV Coupe Looks

The new entry-level Nissan will ride on the AmpR Small platform. The same architecture underpins the Renault 4 E-Tech crossover, the Renault 5 E-Tech supermini, and the Alpine A290 hot hatch. It is also expected to serve as a base for the Nissan Micra in 2025, and the Renault Twingo in 2026.

Makoto Uchida, the CEO of Nissan, confirmed the brand’s intent to re-enter the A-segment in Europe, more than a decade after the discontinuation of the Nissan Pixo. The largely forgotten urban dweller was based on the Suzuki Alto, and remained on sale between 2009 and 2013.

 Nissan Will Create An Affordable EV Based On Renault’s Twingo
The Renault Twingo Prototype, unveiled in 2023.
 Nissan Will Create An Affordable EV Based On Renault’s Twingo
Official teasers for the next-gen Nissan Micra EV, published in 2022.

As reported by Autocar, the talks between Ampere and Nissan are at an early stage. Still, the Nissan CEO promised that the new EV will “deliver the convenience and advanced functionality that customers experience but in a small size and at an attractive and affordable price.”

Uchida added that the fully electric successor of the Nissan Micra supermini hatchback (B-Segment) is on track for a launch next year, making it clear that the urban EV will be a different model. The Micra was previewed last year by the sporty Nissan Concept 20-23, following a bunch of revealing teasers from 2022.

More EVs Coming Soon

Ampere acknowledged the recent EV slowdown, but pledged to “accelerate to catch up with the leaders and widen the gap with its peers in Europe”. The company estimates that the EV market will grow annually by around 25 percent in the next five years, and wants to take advantage of that growth.

Currently, Ampere manufactures the Renault 5 E-Tech, 4 E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech in France, but a number of EVs are expected to debut in the coming years.

In 2025, Alpine will introduce the production version of the A390 sports fastback. Nissan will show the Micra supermini and the next-gen Leaf compact crossover. Mitsubishi has also confirmed a yet-unnamed compact electric SUV, based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

In 2026, Renault will introduce the production version of the new Twingo. Ampere will also start production of the first LCV based on the FlexEVan platform.

More: Mitsubishi Teases Two New Renault-Based SUVs, Will Launch In Europe In 2025

More importantly, Ampere will show the next generation of compact EVs in 2028. These will bring greater efficiency and sustainability, alongside a 40% cost reduction compared to current models. The Renault Embleme FCEV concept that debuted in Paris earlier this month serves as a preview of things to come.

2028 is also the target year for the “next technology leap” in battery chemistry. Ampere’s new cobalt-free battery packs are expected to combine the density of NCM (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) with the cost and safety of LFP (Lithium, Iron, Phosphate), while charging in less than 15 minutes.

Finally, Ampere announced the launch of a dedicated entity called Advanced China Development Center. A new team base in China, will work “very closely” with local partners, aiming to reduce development times of future EVs. Last June, Renault confirmed they will collaborate with an engineering partner from China for the development of the new Twingo, following failed talks with the VW Group.

 Nissan Will Create An Affordable EV Based On Renault’s Twingo

2026 Nissan Leaf Spied For The First Time With Mini-Ariya SUV Coupe Looks

  • A prototype of the third-generation Nissan Leaf was spotted on public roads.
  • The new model adopts a coupe-crossover bodystyle, unlike its hatchback predecessors.
  • The EV is expected to debut in 2025, sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Ariya.

Nissan is finally getting ready to unveil the all-new third-generation Leaf, with a heavily camouflaged prototype making its spy debut in Europe. The EV pioneer will go through a transformation, abandoning the rather conservative hatchback body style of its predecessors for a more fashionable SUV Coupe body.

The original Nissan Leaf was unveiled in 2009, as the first mass-produced fully electric vehicle, with the second generation following in 2017. Fast forward to the present, there are EV offerings from almost every automaker, with modern tech and design features. As a result, what once was an EV pioneer, now looks and feels outdated compared to newer rivals.

More: 5 Big Updates For The 2025 Nissan Murano That Matter Most

Nissan vows to change that with the new generation, which will be a clean-sheet design. This means the new Leaf will morph into a crossover, a move that was previewed by the 2021 Nissan Chill-Out Concept.

The test car, spotted on public roads, appears to have a compact footprint with a short hood and a sloping roofline. The LED graphics on the taillights are heavily inspired by the concept, while the headlights are covered under the camouflage wrap. Other visible details include the futuristic alloy wheels, the integrated rear door handles to the C-pillar, and the spoiler at the back.

 2026 Nissan Leaf Spied For The First Time With Mini-Ariya SUV Coupe Looks

The 2026 Nissan Leaf prototype (above) compared to the 2021 Chill-Out Concept (below).

 2026 Nissan Leaf Spied For The First Time With Mini-Ariya SUV Coupe Looks

The new generation will also ride on a new platform. The compact EV from Nissan will share the CMF-EV underpinnings with the larger Ariya, alongside the Renault Megane/Scenic E-Tech, and the upcoming Alpine A390.

The platform is compatible with single and dual electric motor setups, potentially making the new Leaf significantly more powerful compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, a more efficient battery pack is expected to provide the Leaf with a 25 percent longer range, close to 265 miles (426 km) between charges.

According to the latest reports, the 2026 Nissan Leaf is expected to enter production in March 2025, although the global debut could happen earlier than that. The EV will be manufactured in Nissan’s UK plant in Sunderland, currently the home of the Juke and Qashqai SUVs.

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Nissan Rogue PHEV Coming In 2025, Range-Extended EVs To Follow

  • Nissan has reportedly confirmed plans to offer a Rogue PHEV in the United States.
  • It will reportedly arrive next year as a 2026 model and borrow heavily from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
  • The company’s range-extended e-Power technology is also slated to come to America in 2026.

With the electric revolution running out of juice, a number of automakers have pivoted back to hybrids. That appears to include EV pioneer Nissan, which has reportedly confirmed plans for a Rogue plug-in hybrid.

According to Car & Driver, the eco-friendly crossover will arrive next year and become the brand’s first PHEV in America. Details are limited, but the model is expected to borrow heavily from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. In its current iteration, the North American Outlander pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 248 horsepower.

Read: Nissan Debuts All-New 2025 Murano With A Four-Cylinder Turbo

However, that particular crossover was recently updated overseas, and Mitsubishi has confirmed that the model will be “refreshed in markets including North America, Australia, and New Zealand in due course.” If the Rogue PHEV benefits from those changes, we can likely expect a similar 2.4-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the latest Outlander PHEV an electric-only WLTP range of up to 53 miles (86 km).

 Nissan Rogue PHEV Coming In 2025, Range-Extended EVs To Follow
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is due for an update in North America.

If the model doesn’t receive the larger battery—at least at launch—we could see a smaller 20 kWh unit, which would likely deliver an EPA-rated electric-only range of around 38 miles (61 km). As for performance, the crossover is expected to have a combined output of 248 horsepower (185 kW / 251 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.

More: Nissan Rethinks US Plans After Missing Hybrid Wave

The Rogue PHEV will reportedly be followed by e-Power models arriving in 2026. While there’s no confirmation yet on which US.-spec vehicles will receive the e-Power option, these models are essentially range-extended EVs. Unlike traditional hybrids, the wheels are powered exclusively by electric motors, with a gasoline engine onboard serving as a generator to recharge the battery. This setup offers a different approach to electrification, providing the benefits of electric driving without the range anxiety typically associated with fully electric vehicles.

 Nissan Rogue PHEV Coming In 2025, Range-Extended EVs To Follow

Sure, You Can Lease The Ariya For $99 A Month… If You’re Cool With Actually Paying $238

  • Nissan’s $99 Ariya lease deal requires $3,329 at signing and is only available in Denver.
  • It’s now much cheaper to lease an Ariya than it is to get a Kia Niro EV or VW ID.4.
  • The base Ariya is powered by a compact 63 kWh battery and has 216 miles of range.

Electric vehicles have yet to reach price parity with traditional ICEs, but some seriously compelling lease deals are available for several EVs across the United States. On paper, one of the most interesting is the 2024 Nissan Ariya, which is advertised at just $99 per month for 36 months. However, that low price comes with a catch: it requires a hefty down payment (which we don’t recommend—more on that below), bringing the real monthly cost closer to $238. Oh, and it’s only available in Denver.

For those looking to drive off in a new Ariya and willing to pay upfront, the entry-level Engage FWD will cost at least $39,590, not including delivery fees. While that’s a reasonable starting price for an electric SUV of this size, leasing can be a better option for many consumers, and that’s where this offer comes in.

Read: We’re Driving The New Nissan Ariya, What Would You Like To Know?

The lease applies to the base Ariya Engage FWD, and while the advertised price is $99 per month for 36 months, that’s with a $3,329 is due at signing. Prospective buyers should keep in mind that putting cash down on a lease is generally not advisable. If the vehicle is totaled or stolen, GAP insurance will cover the remaining balance, meaning you won’t owe anything—but you’ll never see that down payment again.

As Cars Direct notes, with the down-payment factored in, the effective monthly cost rises to $238 per month. That’s still a solid deal, especially when compared to the much smaller and much less practical Fiat 500e, which has an effective cost of $282 per month as part of a new deal. This also makes the Ariya cheaper to lease than the Kia Niro EV available from $336 per month, the Kia EV6 available from $346, and the Volkswagen ID.4 currently advertised from $410 per month.

Another catch is that the Ariya’s $99 deal is only available in Denver and makes use of the $5,000 Colorado Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit bonus, as well as $10,000 in bonus cash, and a $1,000 loyalty bonus. The offer is only available until November 4.

The entry-level Ariya Engage FWD is the only variant offered with a 63 kWh battery pack, whereas all other models have a larger 87 kWh pack. This means the range of the Ariya sits at just 216 miles (347 km) and its electric powertrain delivers 214 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. While these aren’t class-leading figures, they’ll be enough for most buyers.

 Sure, You Can Lease The Ariya For $99 A Month… If You’re Cool With Actually Paying $238
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