The original Nissan Leaf made its debut in 2011 as one of the pioneering all-electric vehicles of its time. Its distinctive design set it apart, and it quickly became a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers. However, the second generation, launched in 2018, faced tougher competition in the expanding electric vehicle market and struggled to replicate the success of its predecessor.
Now, Nissan is gearing up to breathe new life into the Leaf with a completely redesigned model expected to hit the market in mid-2025, featuring both a revamped powertrain and a fresh new look.
Design and Features
Reports from Japanese and American media suggest that the new Leaf will be based on the stylish Chill Out concept, featuring a sleek crossover silhouette. Our rendering provides a glimpse of what the final design could look like, with a production-ready appearance.
The exterior design is expected to feature a clean and modern aesthetic, with a simple arched roofline and clean flanks. The rear of the vehicle is likely to be characterized by a gloss black panel, adding to its contemporary appeal. Inside, we anticipate that the Leaf will borrow heavily from the larger Ariya SUV, although with some tweaks to the layout and graphics of the onboard instrumentation.
Powertrain and Range
Details regarding the new Leaf’s powertrain and battery options are still scarce. However, it is speculated that the Leaf will utilize the CMF-EV platform, similar to the Ariya, which supports battery sizes ranging from 66 to 91 kWh and electric motors delivering up to 394 PS.
Nissan has been working on solid-state battery technology, though initial plans suggested a potential launch around 2028. While the efficiency of these new batteries remains to be seen, it is expected that the new Leaf will offer improved range over the current model, potentially exceeding 186 miles (300 km).
Price and Production
As for pricing, it’s likely that the new Leaf will see a slight increase over current models, with an estimated starting price ranging from £30,000 to £34,000.
Production of the new Leaf is slated to begin in mid-2025 in the UK. This marks a significant milestone for Nissan, highlighting the UK’s role in the production of electric vehicles for the European market.
While official details are still forthcoming, the new Nissan Leaf promises to be a compelling option in the growing electric vehicle market, combining innovative technology with a fresh design approach.
