The Trump administration's suspension of EV tax credits had an effect that was neither surprising nor environmentally friendly. The credits expired on Sept. 30, 2025, and EV sales dropped 24% in the first half of 2026. In Europe, though, fully electric cars outsold the gasoline and diesel models combined in the 3rd quarter of 2026, rising 70% in September. One reason for the rise could be Trump's decision to start the Iran war, with the result of a steep spike in fuel costs. EVs are doing well in China, too, when combined sales of full electrics and plug-in hybrids took 67% of new car sales in September 2026. Despite gloomy EV sales in the US, some car makers have released promising new models. Nissan's 3rd generation base model Leaf S+, released here in 2026, manages 303 miles on a charge. Though the car looks bigger than the previous Leaf, it's actually 3 inches shorter, though wider by a scant 0.8". The price range is relatively friendly, from just under $30k to just under $39k to the top line Platinum, though next year Nissan will drop the base model and start with the SV, with a price about $34k. The new Leaf won Car of the Year from Auto Express (UK) and Best New Model from Kelley Blue Book in 2026.
GM, like Nissan, appears to have realized that there is still a market for compact, sensibly-priced EVs, despite it ended Bolt EUV production after 3 years ending with 2023. Just in time for the era of $4.30 gas and $6.35 diesel, the Chevy Bolt is back. Timing may not be everything, but it matters. This time, GM concentrated on the slightly bulkier Bolt EUV rather than reviving its much-loved smaller sibling, just calling it the Bolt and giving it a light restyle this time around, with a RS version with 19" alloy wheels vs. the standard 18", with some RS interior upgrades. The major improvements are under the skin, with range increased to 262 miles. Despite chunkier proportions compared with the original Bolt, the 2027 Bolt is smaller than the Leaf, 3.8" shorter and 1.6" narrower, though the cars ride on almost the same wheelbase (105.3" on Bolt, 105.9" on Leaf). Perhaps more important, the new Bolt is 400 to 500 pounds lighter the Leaf, at under 3,800 lbs. Car and Driver has named the 2027 Chevy Bolt as EV of the Year.
I test-drove a Bolt EUV, the last the local Chevy dealer had in 2024, and liked about everything except the warranty. It was $31k before with still-available rebates (not bad) but the Chevy guys declined to sell it with a new-car warranty because they it had a whopping 65 miles on the odometer, logged as a demonstrator. They tried to get me interested in a Blazer EV for over $50k, but it was a different league in bulk as well as price...
I had also test-driven a 2nd generation Leaf that summer, and liked it as well. But the EV that stole my stole my heart was the Mini 3-door; it was just so much fun to drive. I'd tested Teslas lent by friends for fun (a Model S with Ludicrous option & a Model 3), but they couldn't match the sheer "flingability" of the Mini, so you could almost think your way around S-bends, and the low center of gravity combined with the small size made it a driver's choice. The range wasn't great, though, at around 114 miles. BMW and Mini had plans to bring a Mini electric with 250 miles range in 2025, but the tariffs (Trump again) put that on hold. But it looks like Mini is betting on EVs in the US for 2027 (timing again), with 2 versions offered in Europe and Asia (built in China) with 184 hp (Cooper E) and 218 hp (SE), and an estimated price range of $30k to $37k. And the Cooper E weighs about 300 lb. less than the new Bolt. So it looks like there will be plenty of choice for buyers of small to compact EVs, and we haven't test-driven the latest offerings from Hyundai and Kia. That's a story for another day...
Photo Credits:
Nissan Leaf: www.nissanusa.com
Chevy Bolt: www.chevrolet.com
Mini Electric: Posted on www.caranddriver.com, sourced from www.miniusa.com.
