Electrification
Electric vehicles and the perception gap
The evolution of the Nissan LEAF illustrates changing EV capability, with important qualifications to a circulated price comparison.
Adapted from David Brushett’s original LinkedIn commentary. The date shown is the original post date; wording reviewed September 2026.
Perceptions of electric vehicles can lag behind changes in the vehicles themselves. The original post used a comparison of two generations of the Nissan LEAF to illustrate that point.
Correction to the shared graphic
The image’s 2026 Canadian price is based on a converted estimate. Nissan’s Canadian launch announcement instead listed an S+ MSRP of $44,998 and a selling price of $47,846. Those are launch figures, not a current quote. The graphic’s after-rebate price should not be used for a purchasing decision.
Nissan’s Canadian information supports an estimated range of up to 488 km for the S+ grade and a 75 kWh battery. Range depends on conditions and vehicle configuration. Other historical specifications in the shared comparison have not been independently verified here.
Compare the vehicle with the job it needs to do
A useful assessment considers daily travel, winter operation, charging access and total ownership costs. Improvements in technology expand the options, but do not guarantee that every new model is cheaper or better suited to every driver.
Nissan’s Canadian launch announcement: https://canada.nissannews.com/en-CA/releases/all-new-2026-nissan-leaf-pricing-announced-for-canada (opens in a new tab)
