The Nissan LEAF is the sole electric-only vehicle released as of this study, but there are several more models on the horizon, including the Tesla Roadster, Ford Focus EV and Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Because the LEAF is a brand-new vehicle with unique technology, several areas of ownership costs are estimated. IntelliChoice has estimated maintenance costs based on the LEAF’s scheduled maintenance guide. The LEAF does not have several maintenance items such as an oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs; as a result, the LEAF has lower maintenance costs than a comparable gasoline vehicle. The largest area of ownership cost is depreciation and this area was also estimated. Until the LEAF has been available for a few years, no one will know the real-world resale value of the LEAF.

Overall, the LEAF has a five-year total ownership cost that is over $3,500 less than a comparable Nissan Altima, even though the LEAF costs over $10,000 more than the Altima. The LEAF has a $7,500 federal tax credit, fuel savings of $5,493 and maintenance savings of around $300. Within this analysis, IntelliChoice calculates a retained value of 49% for the LEAF, while the Altima has a retained value of 53%. The LEAF has depreciation costs that are double the Altima's and around 50% of all ownership costs before the $7,500 tax credit is applied. This means that if the LEAF’s actual five-year retained value is much higher or lower it could greatly affect whether the LEAF is a better value than the Altima.

For more information on the LEAF’s ownership costs please see the article “2011 Nissan LEAF Ownership Cost Analysis.” Also, before purchasing a LEAF we recommend you read the article “Is an Electric Vehicle Right For You?”