New 2018 Nissan Leafs Are Costing Customers Under $17K - Here's How

The new Nissan Leaf is dramatically better than the outgoing model. What may be most interesting though is the shockingly low cost to buy one.

We've just finished up a week with the new 2018 Nissan Leaf and could not have been more impressed. The new Leaf is dramatically better than the outgoing car in many subjective ways, but objectively gets way more range, and is much higher in rated safety. One thing that has also caught our attention is the fact that in many EV-targeted states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island shoppers are driving home in new 2018 Nissan Leafs for less than $17K after all of the incentives are factored in.

Don't take our word for it. The screenshot above was taken today and shows the prices for new Nissan Leaf S trims. These are the base model cars. Here in the MA/RI area dealers are working with MassEnergy.ORG's Drivegreen initiative to advertise their discounted prices on EVs. The dealers are offering up to $6,500 off the price of the Leaf. Couple that with the state rebates of $2,500 and the federal tax credit of $7,500 and the net cost to owners for these new vehicles is under $17K.

The fine print is interesting as well. The price for the Leaf S at the top of the list includes "Destination Fee and Quick Charge Package." Even more amazing are the many special discounts available to certain buyers. Here is a quick list of additional discounts the various dealers are noting:
- All National Grid employees/contractors will receive $10k off MSRP for any retail purchase
- Electric consumers of certain MA towns also qualify for the $10k rebate off MSRP
- College grad or a professor at a University, save another $1000
- Current Leaf owner, save another $1000
- Not a requirement but 72 months is available at the same discount Included packages

Fully-loaded Nissan Leafs with Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, Nav, Leather seats, Heated Seats, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and much more are being offered for under $23K when incentives are included.

Drive Green is not unique. Other states have similar programs, most notably California. Also, these crazy discounts are not unique to just the Leaf. The Chevy Bolt, Chevy Volt, BMW i3, and Toyota Prius Prime also are being offered at similarly impressive discounts.

If you've bought a green car recently, please tell us what discounts you found helpful in our comments section below.