Nissan Leaf's Successor: Electric SUV

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【Summary】Nissan is planning to transform its popular Leaf electric car into an SUV model starting in 2026. The move is seen as a response to competition from Chinese and South Korean brands that have surpassed the Leaf in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. The new Leaf is expected to offer up to 25% more driving range than the current model.

FutureCar Staff Aug 27, 2023 11:14 PM PT

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

After nearly fifteen years as a battery-powered hatchback, the third-generation Leaf electric car will reportedly adopt the design of an electric coupe-style SUV. This move comes as 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.

In the United States, Nissan dealers were informed by the company's executives that the Leaf may resemble the larger Ariya SUV in its new design, deviating from its traditional hatchback shape. Although no images were provided, the 'Chill-Out' concept presented by Nissan in 2021 could offer a glimpse into the upcoming Leaf's appearance, with its sloping back window and increased ride height aligning with the described direction.

According to Automotive News, the next-generation Nissan Leaf is expected to offer up to 25 percent more driving range than the current model, which boasts a range of 270km to 385km depending on battery capacity.

In May 2023, UK publication Autocar reported that the new Leaf is slated to enter production at Nissan's Sunderland factory from 2026, as indicated by government documents.

Additionally, Nissan dealers were informed about two more electric models that are expected to join the company's lineup before the end of the decade. The first model will be a performance sedan, while the second is anticipated to be another SUV, utilizing the CMF-EV electric-car platform that underpins the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

As part of its future plans, Nissan aims to launch 15 electric cars and eight new hybrid models by 2030. The company also announced its goal to achieve 'price parity' between its electric and traditional engine models by 2030, despite the current disparity of approximately 50 percent.

Jordan Mulach, a native of Canberra/Ngunnawal and currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal, joined the Drive team in 2022. With a background in various automotive publications such as Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective, TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor, and Street Machine, Jordan is an avid iRacing enthusiast. On weekends, you can find him either behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or passionately engaging with his ZH Fairlane.