by Nissan Cuts Production of the New Leaf Due to Material Shortages
According to reports, the Nissan company is reducing production of the new Leaf electric car. The main reason cited is a shortage of rare-earth materials necessary for manufacturing. The updated Leaf version is expected to appear in the USA in the fall of 2026 with two powertrain options.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Trump administration canceled tax incentives for electric vehicles, which allowed buyers to save up to $7,500. This could lead to an increase in EV prices and a drop in demand. However, in Nissan’s case, the problem lies specifically in the supply chain.
The European Association of Automotive Suppliers warned that China’s restrictions on the export of rare-earth elements are leading to serious disruptions in the production of both conventional and electric cars.
The Updated Nissan Leaf
The third generation Leaf was introduced last month. The car received a crossover design and a modern interior. The base version is equipped with a 52 kWh battery and a 174 hp motor, while the top trim has a 75 kWh battery and a 215 hp motor.
Supply problems with rare-earth materials are affecting not only Nissan but also other manufacturers, including Ford. This could have long-term consequences for the entire automotive market, especially in Europe, where thousands of jobs depend on the stability of supply chains. At the same time, the new Leaf remains one of the most anticipated new products in the segment of affordable electric cars.
