Nissan's upcoming Leaf successor to transform into an electric SUV - study

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【Summary】Nissan is reportedly transforming its popular Leaf electric car into an SUV by 2026. The move comes as competition from Chinese and South Korean brands surpasses 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 plans to introduce two more electric models, including a performance sedan and another SUV, by the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 4:28 PM PT

Nissan's upcoming Leaf successor to transform into an electric SUV - study

The Nissan Leaf, known as a pioneer for mass-market electric cars, is set to undergo a significant change in its design. According to overseas 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 Nissan Leaf electric car will reportedly take on a coupe-style SUV design. This move comes as the Leaf has faced tough competition from Chinese and South Korean brands, which have surpassed it in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology.

Automotive News, an industry journal, has revealed that Nissan executives informed US dealers about the potential design change for the Leaf. Instead of the traditional hatchback shape, the Leaf may adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV. While no photos were provided, the 'Chill-Out' concept from 2021 could offer a preview of the new Leaf's design, featuring a 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 than the current model, which has a claimed range of 270km to 385km, depending on the battery capacity. The new Leaf's increased range will likely be a significant selling point for electric car enthusiasts.

Furthermore, government documents suggest that the next-generation Leaf will enter production at Nissan's Sunderland factory in 2026, as reported by UK publication Autocar in May 2023.

In addition to the Leaf, Nissan dealers were informed about two more electric models that are expected to join the brand's 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 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 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 significant price difference.

In conclusion, the Nissan Leaf's transition from a hatchback to an SUV marks a significant change for the pioneering electric car. With an expected increase in driving range and the introduction of new electric models, Nissan is positioning itself to compete in the evolving electric vehicle market.

About the Author: Jordan Mulach, originally from Canberra/Ngunnawal and currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal, joined the Drive team in 2022. With previous experience at 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 discussing his ZH Fairlane.