Nissan Leaf electric SUV to be upgraded in next generation

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【Summary】Nissan will transform its Leaf electric car into an SUV starting in 2026, ending its hatchback design. The move comes as the Leaf has faced stiff competition from Chinese and South Korean brands in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. The new Leaf could offer up to 25% more driving range and may resemble the larger Ariya SUV. Nissan also plans to introduce two more electric models, including a performance sedan and another SUV, by the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:34 PM PT

Nissan Leaf electric SUV to be upgraded in next generation

The Nissan Leaf, known for being a pioneer in the mass-market electric car segment, is set to undergo a major design change. According to reports, the third-generation Leaf will transition from a hatchback to 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.

In recent years, the Leaf has faced tough 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.

Automotive News, an industry journal, reports that Nissan dealers in the US have been informed by the company's executives about the potential design change. The new Leaf could adopt a similar design to the larger Ariya SUV, deviating from its traditional hatchback shape. Although no photos were provided, the 'Chill-Out' concept showcased by Nissan in 2021 could offer a glimpse of what to expect from the new Leaf.

According to Automotive News' sources, the upcoming generation of the Nissan Leaf could offer up to 25 percent more driving range compared to the current model. The current Leaf has a claimed driving range of 270km to 385km, depending on the battery capacity.

In May 2023, UK publication Autocar reported that the next-generation Leaf is expected to begin production at Nissan's Sunderland factory in 2026, as indicated by government documents.

In addition to the Leaf, Nissan is planning to introduce two more electric models to its lineup before the end of the decade. The first model will be a performance sedan, while the second is expected to be another SUV. Both models will utilize the CMF-EV electric-car platform, which is also used in the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

Nissan has ambitious plans for its electric vehicle lineup, aiming to launch 15 electric cars and eight new hybrid models by 2030. The company has also set a goal to achieve "price parity" between its electric cars and traditional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

As for Jordan Mulach, he is a Canberra/Ngunnawal native currently based in Brisbane/Turrbal. He joined the Drive team in 2022 and has previously worked for various publications such as Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective, TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor, and Street Machine. Jordan is an avid iRacing enthusiast and can often be found either behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or passionately expressing his opinions about his ZH Fairlane.