Nissan Leaf to Transform into Electric SUV

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【Summary】Nissan plans to transform its popular Leaf electric car into an SUV starting in 2026, according to reports. The move comes as competitors from China and South Korea have surpassed the Leaf in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. The new-generation Leaf is expected to offer up to 25% more driving range than the current model. Additionally, Nissan is set to introduce two more electric models by the end of the decade, including a performance sedan and another SUV.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 11:30 PM PT

Nissan Leaf to Transform into Electric SUV

The Nissan Leaf, known as a pioneer for mass-market electric cars, is set to undergo a significant design change. According to reports, starting from 2026, the Leaf will transition from its familiar hatchback design to become an SUV.

This move marks the third generation of the Nissan Leaf, which has been a battery-powered hatchback for nearly fifteen years. However, the Leaf has faced tough competition from Chinese and South Korean brands in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology, causing a decline in sales.

Automotive News, an industry journal, reveals that Nissan executives informed US dealers that the new Leaf could adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV, departing from its traditional hatchback shape. Although no photos were provided, the 'Chill-Out' concept presented in 2021 could give a glimpse of what to expect, with its sloping back window and increased ride height.

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 has a claimed range of 270km to 385km depending on the battery capacity. This improvement aims to address one of the key areas where the Leaf has fallen behind its competitors.

In 2026, Nissan's Sunderland factory will begin production of the next-generation Leaf, as stated in government documents reported by UK publication Autocar in May 2023.

In addition to the Leaf, Nissan plans to introduce two more electric models before the end of the decade. One will be a performance sedan, while the other will be an SUV utilizing the CMF-EV electric-car platform, which is also used in the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

Looking ahead, Nissan has ambitious goals for its electric vehicle lineup. The company plans to launch 15 electric cars and eight new hybrid models by 2030. Furthermore, Nissan aims to achieve 'price parity' between its electric cars and traditional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, despite the current price difference of around 50 percent.

Jordan Mulach, a Canberra/Ngunnawal native currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal, joined the Drive team in 2022. With a background in automotive journalism, Mulach has worked for various publications and has a passion for iRacing and classic cars.