--- title: "Nissan Will Not Have the Least Expensive EV in the US in 2026: TDS" date: "2026-02-23" modified: "2026-02-23" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-will-not-have-the-least-expensive-ev-in-the-us-in-2026-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Nissan Will Not Have the Least Expensive EV in the US in 2026: TDS ![2026 Nissan Leaf]() *\Joel Feder\  * Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Quick, dense, and all encompassing, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is gone, the cold has returned to Minnesota after fake spring, and it's Monday. Let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spent the weekend with the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid and it's clear the electrified powertrain has truly been smoothed over by the Japanese automaker since launching a few years ago. Perfect it's not, but at least it's now acceptable and viable as an option. It feels finished, unlike before ⏸️ The Nissan Leaf S, which was to undercut the $30,000 current base model known as S+, will not arrive in 2026 as planned and [is delayed indefinitely](); the S model was set to arrive this year with a smaller battery pack, less range, but likely a price that undercut the revived Chevrolet Bolt to steal the title as the least expensive EV in the U.S. market. 💸 Stellantis is likely about to [report its first annual operating loss]() since forming in 2021 thanks to its EV write-downs and electrification strategy under former CEO Carlos Tavares; a year later and Stellantis still hasn't figured out [what to do with its Bramptom Assembly Plan]()t in Toronto. 🔋 Ford disclosed [why its upcoming $30,000 electric truck will use LFP batteries](), and it's not just because they are less expensive; LFP batteries were chosen, according to director of advanced EV development at Ford, Alan Clarke, because they are the least energy-dense chemistry that could be put into the platform, meaning they'll take up the most amount of space and be the heaviest, which translates to them being the hardest thing that will ever be designed to be put into the vehicle. 💸 Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll is now [making deals within his own companies]() to shift money around and keep the lights on and wheels turning in a bid to turnaround the iconic automaker. 🔋 Polestar CEO Michael Loscheller said the[ automaker will deliver performance]() with its future models more consistently with a stronger focus on that angle both on track and in terms of acceleration. 🔨 The McMurtry Spéirling [entered production]() with deliveries set to being this summer. 👨‍💼 In a management shake-up [Audi replaced its head of technical development]() by naming Rouven Mohr as Geoffrey Bouquot's successor; Bouquot was appointed to the board less than a year ago and joined Audi from Valeo in 2024. 🏁 Weekend Race Results: - NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader 400: Tyler Reddick took the win for 23XI Racing. - NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250: Sheldon Creed won for Haas Factory Team. - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 208: Kyle Busch won for Spire Motorsports. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* []() ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()