Tesla Model 3 vs Nissan Leaf: Competition Will Come Down To Incentives

Some people in automotive world and media think that Nissan LEAF may be the first electric car that will lose market share because of the stiff competition coming from Tesla's Model 3. That's the question, discussed in June 5 story by Brooke Crothers, published at Forbes and titled "The Tesla Model 3 Effect: Nissan Leaf First Victim?" In fact, in April of 2016 Nissan LEAF ad took a short at Model 3. “Why wait when you can drive an all-electric Leaf now?” posed Nissan’s advert launched in April 22nd issue of New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. “And why drop $1,000 to stand in line when you can get $4,000 cash back and best-in-class range?," read the ad.

Tesla 3 may be having some effect when it comes to comparing it to Nissan LEAF, however; these cars are not in the same price range so this in itself would surprise me. While the SL version of Nissan LEAF starts at $36,790, the MSRP of the Nissan LEAF S is $29,010. Thus, it can be said that for the cost conscious electric car buyers Nissan LEAF wins the price competition vs Tesla Model 3 by more than 6,000 dollars.

Tesla Model 3 vs Nissan LEAF: Depends on Incentives

If it comes down to real competition a lot of things will depend on the company-provided incentives. Who will provide better incentives. Sometimes Nissan LEAF can be bought with up 6-7 thousand dollar incentives and in some places you can see a price of $22,000. This depends on a country or a state. Incentives would really help.

"LEAF and several other BEV base models are already under $20k after incentives in several states (including MA, CT, and RI). Issues are more about lack of inventory, low marketing, and lack of consumer education about the vehicles and incentives (over 80%); lack of appeal of the LEAF itself is also a factor. However cost is not the main issue at this point," writes a Facebook group member Mark, in Electric Cars group.

For the opposite view, don't miss TorqueNews reporter John Goreham's story, where he explains why Tesla Model 3 Will Devastate EV Sales Through 2018.