---
title: "Nissan’s 2018 Leaf Will Cost $5,000 Less Than Tesla’s Model 3"
description: "Nissan's 2018 Leaf will cost significantly less than Tesla's affordable electric vehicle offering."
date: "2017-08-10"
modified: "2017-08-10"
authors:
  - name: "Patrick Caughill"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/patrickcaughill"
url: "https://futurism.com/nissans-2018-leaf-will-cost-5000-less-than-teslas-model-3"
categories:
  - "Advanced Transport"
  - "Tesla"
tags:
  - "electric vehicles"
  - "nissan leaf"
  - "range anxiety"
---

# Nissan’s 2018 Leaf Will Cost $5,000 Less Than Tesla’s Model 3

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2018-nissan-leaf-drag-teaser-promo.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: \<a href="https://www.nissanusa.com/electric-cars/leaf/" target="\_blank"\>Nissan\</a\>\</em\>*

Electric vehicles (EVs) are still far away from widespread popularity, but they are well on their way. As with most new technologies, the first iterations have a significant cost barrier that, at least initially, keeps them out of reach for the average consumer. However, EV tech is far enough along for more affordable options to become available.

[Tesla is gearing up](<https://futurism.com/reviewers-of-teslas-newest-vehicle-are-unanimous-the-model-3-has-no-competition>) to release its, relatively, affordable EV option with its Model 3. The base offering of the model starts at $35,000. Chevrolet's model, the Bolt, begins at an MSRP of $37,495 (though it can be purchased as cheaply as [$30,000 with tax credits](<https://futurism.com/a-new-electric-car-is-giving-tesla-a-run-for-its-money>)). Now, Nissan is joining the fun of launching more affordable EVs with its 2018 Leaf model. The base model will cost $29,990, more than $5,000 less than Tesla's Model 3.

![Image source: Nissan](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/untitled.png>)
*Image source: Nissan*

However, there is a reason for that cheaper price. According to [leaked information](<//www.autoblog.com/2017/08/08/price-power-nissan-leaf-2018-leaked-online-undercuts-bolt-tesla/>) published by *Autoblog,* the base vehicle's battery will have a 40 kWh capacity, which will be good for 150 - 160 miles of travel on one charge. Compare this to the Model 3's 75 kWh battery and it's easy to see what a consumer is sacrificing for the cheaper price tag.

The availability of cheaper EV's is a welcome trend, especially considering the cost savings of recharging these vehicles compared to refueling a gas powered car. Tesla estimates that its Model 3 could save consumers $3,584 on gas within five years, which is about $716 per year. Perhaps more importantly, more accessibility to EVs will have an even greater impact on the environment.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-caughill-74178a61>)