Nissan Ariya Electric SUV Takes the Lead: Outselling LEAF in the US!
Nissan's latest electric SUV, the 2023 Nissan Ariya, has outperformed its predecessor, the Leaf, in terms of sales since its debut in 2022. Despite being hailed as an EV trailblazer with the launch of the Leaf back in 2010, Nissan has lagged behind as the electric vehicle industry has evolved. The release of the Ariya, Nissan's second pure EV, took over ten years and faced numerous setbacks before finally hitting the US market in late 2022.
The Ariya's arrival has been eagerly awaited, and it has quickly outperformed the 2023 Nissan Leaf in sales. In the first quarter of 2023, Nissan sold 2,860 Ariya models in the US, surpassing the 2,354 Leaf EV sales. This trend has continued into the second quarter, with Ariya sales reaching 2,335, while Leaf sales fell to 1,880.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles from its 87 kWh battery and starts at $43,190. In contrast, Nissan has failed to update the Leaf with modern technology, and the recently released 2024 Leaf still features the outdated CHAdeMO charging plug.
Recognizing the industry's urgency, Nissan accelerated its "Ambition 2030" strategy earlier this year. The company now plans to introduce 19 new EVs globally, up from the initial 15, with the goal of achieving a 40% share of US electric vehicle sales by 2030.
Adding to its collection of accolades, the Nissan Ariya was recently awarded the prestigious 'Electric Vehicle of Texas' prize at the Texas Auto Writers Association (AAA) Auto Roundup.
