Nissan unveils the third-generation Leaf EV
Nissan its third-generation Leaf EV with a totally new design. The 2026 mannequin sheds the final vestiges of its unique compact automotive physique and leans absolutely into crossover SUV territory. The brand new look provides some design options which can be generally seen within the all-electric car market, permitting it to compete in opposition to different fashions in its class. These embody out there twin 14.3-inch shows, flush door handles for higher aerodynamics, and liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries.
The brand new Leaf can be the newest EV to undertake the after in 2022. Since then, nearly each main automaker from to has adopted the usual, with these manufacturers having access to Tesla’s Supercharger community on a rolling foundation. For added comfort, a J1772 port, the commonest commonplace for Degree 2 chargers, is included on the motive force’s-side fender. The Leaf’s highlights bi-directional expertise that enables drivers to energy their houses, ship energy to the grid, or present energy when tenting, although particulars are sparse.
In the identical video, Nissan’s head of worldwide design, Alfonso Albaisa, explains the lengths the corporate went to in making the automotive as aerodynamic as attainable as a way to obtain the automotive’s acknowledged 300-mile vary. The rear door handles, as an example, are constructed into the C-pillar, which may make for an ungainly angle when making an attempt to open the door together with your palms full. The physique of the Leaf has a chunky, SUV-like stance, with a large entrance harking back to the ID.4. In the long run, all these design selections helped the brand new Leaf scale back its drag coefficient by 10 % from the earlier era.
Nissan can be bringing the brand new Leaf’s battery thermal administration to , which can . The automotive will seize wasted warmth from the drive motor and the on-board charger, and use it to assist heat the battery to its splendid temperature for charging. In frigid circumstances it might probably additionally use the automotive’s warmth pump, and a devoted battery heater to additional preserve battery temperatures.
Design easter eggs all through the automotive pay homage to the model’s identify by incorporating “2-3” iconography within the type of stripes, which are supposed to symbolize the kanji writing of two and three in Japanese, pronounced “ni” and “san.”
The brand new Leaf is constructed on a 75-kWh, liquid-cooled battery pack and packs a 214-horsepower electrical motor. Will probably be provided in all kinds of colour choices together with a slew of non-obligatory options like 19-inch wheels, dimming panoramic roof and 64-color ambient lighting. Constructed-in Google integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Play Retailer into the Leaf can be an out there possibility. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be commonplace on the Leaf S and S+. Nissan a less expensive 52-kWh model with a 174-horsepower motor will grow to be out there at a later date.
This main redesign comes amid a turbulent final 12 months for Nissan, culminating in its after a . The automaker had beforehand final 12 months as a part of its mission to chop billions of {dollars} in prices.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf will hit showrooms this fall, although pricing has but to be introduced.