Electric SUV, Next-gen Nissan Leaf

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Nissan Leaf, known as a pioneer for mass-market electric cars, is set to undergo a major design change. According to overseas reports, the third-generation Leaf will transition from its familiar hatchback design to become an electric coupe-style SUV starting in 2026. This marks the end of the Leaf's nearly fifteen-year run as a battery-powered hatchback.

Over the years, the Leaf has faced stiff competition from Chinese and South Korean brands, which have surpassed Nissan in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. As a result, the Leaf has slipped down the sales charts. To address this, Nissan executives have informed US dealers that the new Leaf may adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV, deviating from its traditional hatchback shape.

While no official photos have been provided, Nissan's 'Chill-Out' concept from 2021 could give a glimpse of what to expect from the new Leaf. The concept's sloping back window and increased ride height align with the direction outlined in the recent presentation.

According to Automotive News, the next-generation Nissan Leaf is expected to offer up to 25 percent more driving range compared to the current model, which claims a range of 270km to 385km depending on battery capacity. This increase in range aims to address one of the key areas where the Leaf has fallen behind its competitors.

In May 2023, government documents revealed that production of the next-generation Leaf is slated to begin at Nissan's Sunderland factory in 2026. This indicates that the new Leaf will be manufactured at the same facility as its predecessors.

In addition to the new Leaf, Nissan plans to introduce two more electric models to its lineup before the end of the decade. One of these models will be a performance sedan, while the other is expected to be another SUV. Both models will utilize the CMF-EV electric-car platform, which is already used in the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

Nissan has ambitious goals for its electric vehicle lineup, aiming to launch a total of 15 electric cars by 2030, along with eight new hybrid models. The company also aims to achieve 'price parity' between its electric cars and traditional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, despite the current price disparity.

In conclusion, the Nissan Leaf's transformation into an electric SUV marks a significant shift in its design and reflects the changing landscape of the electric car market. With increased driving range and the introduction of new electric models, Nissan is positioning itself to compete more effectively in the growing electric vehicle segment.

About the author: Jordan Mulach is a Canberra/Ngunnawal native who currently resides in Brisbane/Turrbal. He joined the Drive team in 2022 and has previously worked for Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective, TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor, and Street Machine. Jordan is an avid iRacing enthusiast and can often be found behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or passionately expressing himself while working on his ZH Fairlane.

FutureCar Staff