The electric vehicle market in America is projected to reach a revenue of over $95 billion in 2025, according to Statista. Several major automakers are investing billions of dollars into American EV production despite the U.S. hesitance to adopt EVs.
Impactful nameplates have emerged in the great race to produce the most popular electric car. A few of the most popular EVs in the U.S. (and the world) are manufactured in America. Some of the most impactful electric cars in the American market are assembled in the Volunteer State.
Here's a look at some electric vehicles assembled in Tennessee.
The Nissan Leaf EV is assembled in Tennessee
Nissan began production on the Leaf in 2010 in Japan. Three years later, Nissan started to manufacture batteries at the Smyrna Assembly Plant in 2013, so it could produce a Leaf model for the U.S.
The first-generation Nissan Leaf came in three trim levels, ranging from $28,800-$34,840. It was eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive even back in 2013, years before EVs became ubiquitous on American highways and in parking lots. Drivers could take advantage of local incentives as well, bringing the starting price of the Leaf down to as low as $18,800 in states like California.
Over a decade after its U.S. production began in Smyrna, the Nissan Leaf nameplate is still going strong, according to InsideEVs.com. It's quiet, comfortable, and "attractively priced" says a vehicle review by Edmunds.
Though the Nissan Leaf has aged out of its full federal electric vehicle tax credit eligibility, it is still one of the cheapest new EVs car buyers can get (starting at $28,140). Furthermore, it's better-positioned to endure tariff price hikes thanks to its local production.
Nissan will maximize its production at the Smyrna Assembly Plant "amid President Donald Trump's 25% auto tariffs," as reported by CNBC on April 16.
One of the most popular electric vehicles in the world is assembled in Tennessee
Tennessee assembles one of the most popular EVs in the world, and no, it isn't a Tesla.
German automaker Volkswagen has invested heavily in the EV space. The company produces several electric vehicles for its global portfolio and is the parent company of Electrify America, an EV charging business.
One of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world is the Volkswagen ID.4, according to Electrek.com. The ID.4 is a major player in the U.S. and European markets. American ID.4's are assembled at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Plant.
The Volkswagen ID.4 small electric SUV starts at $45,095. It does not qualify for the full federal EV tax incentive. The ID.4 base model has 291 miles of driving range and is loaded with plenty of standard features like 10-color adjustable ambient lighting, advanced keyless access and heated front seats.