Nissan Leaf's Successor: Electric SUV

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Nissan is reportedly planning to transform its iconic electric car, the Leaf, into an SUV starting in 2026. The move comes as the Leaf faces increasing competition from Chinese and South Korean brands 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. Nissan also plans to introduce two more electric models before the end of the decade, including a performance sedan and another SUV.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 9:41 AM PT

The Nissan Leaf, known for being a pioneer in the mass-market electric car segment, is set to undergo a major transformation. According to reports, starting from 2026, the Leaf will ditch its familiar hatchback design and become an SUV.

Nissan's third-generation Leaf electric car, which has been a battery-powered hatchback for nearly fifteen years, will reportedly be redesigned as an electric coupe-style SUV. This move comes as the Leaf has faced tough competition from Chinese and South Korean brands in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology.

Automotive News, an industry journal, revealed that Nissan dealers in the US were informed by the car-maker's executives about the potential design change. Instead of its traditional hatchback shape, the Leaf could adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV.

Although no photos were provided to the dealers, Nissan's 'Chill-Out' concept from 2021 could serve as a preview of what to expect from the new Leaf. The concept features a sloping back window and increased ride height, which aligns with the presentation given by Nissan's executives.

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

Government documents obtained by UK publication Autocar suggest that the next-generation Leaf will enter production at Nissan's Sunderland factory from 2026.

In addition to the Leaf, Nissan dealers were also informed about two other electric models expected to join the company's lineup before the end of the decade. One model will be a performance sedan, while the other is likely 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 plans for its electric vehicle lineup, aiming 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 cars and traditional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

Overall, the Nissan Leaf's transition from a hatchback to an SUV marks a significant shift for the pioneering electric car. With improved driving range and a new design, Nissan aims to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

About the author: Jordan Mulach is a Canberra/Ngunnawal native currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal. He joined the Drive team in 2022 and has previously worked for several automotive publications, including Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective, TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor, and Street Machine. Jordan is an avid iRacing enthusiast and can be found on weekends either behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or passionately discussing his ZH Fairlane.