The iconic electric hatch is all grown up and will arrive later this month. Nissan’s iconic EV is now a stylish crossover with more range, faster charging, and several other upgrades. Ahead of its global debut, Nissan is offering us a closer look at the third-gen LEAF EV with a few new photos and details.
Nissan LEAF EV photos and global debut date
Nissan is upgrading its best-selling EV in nearly every way possible. We got a sneak peek of the new model in March, but it was essentially a preview.
On Tuesday, Nissan shared several new photos and a few insights we can expect to see from the updated LEAF EV when it arrives later this month.
The LEAF is dropping the hatchback style we’ve grown to love (or hate) for a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover” design. Nissan’s design and engineering teams worked together to give it a bold new look, but it’s also surprisingly efficient.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, the new model (US and Japan-spec) is about as aerodynamic as an average sports car. In Europe, it’s even more impressive at just 0.25 Cd, down from 0.28 Cd in the outgoing LEAF.
All new models (US, Japan, and Europe) feature added flush door handles, an active grille shutter, improved wheel design, a new fastback silhouette, and a flat underbody for better efficiency.
“Every design choice was optimized for aero and energy efficiency, even the panoramic glass roof contributes to exceptional aerodynamics,” according to Nissan’s program design director, Nobutaka Tase.
The third-gen LEAF is based on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform, the same one that underpins the Ariya electric SUV. Although Nissan has yet to confirm the battery specs, it promises that the new model will have “significant range improvements” compared to the outgoing LEAF.
We may have an idea after Nissan’s vehicle programs chief, François Bailly, told TopGear.com that the new LEAF will arrive with a 373-mile (600 km) WLTP driving range.
On the EPA scale, it could be closer to a 300-mile range, but that would still be a significant improvement from the 212 EPA-estimated miles offered on the 2025 LEAF SV Plus.
Top comment by Buckus
Looks like an electric Kicks. Not that that's necessarily bad. With the upgraded EV drivetrain, active thermal management of the pack, and a reasonable price, this could be a big hit.
In North America, the new Nissan LEAF will also feature a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
You can learn more about the updated model in the video above. The short series features the planning, design, and engineers who helped bring the third-gen EV to life.
We will find out more later this month when Nissan officially launches the updated LEAF. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
Do you like the updated LEAF design? The crossover style gives it a fresh new look. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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