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 totally into crossover SUV territory. The brand new look provides some design options which might be generally seen within the all-electric car market, permitting it to compete towards different fashions in its class. These embrace out there twin 14.3-inch shows, flush door handles for higher aerodynamics, and liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries.

The brand new Leaf can also be the most recent 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 normal for Stage 2 chargers, is included on the driving force’s-side fender. The Leaf’s highlights bi-directional know-how 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 potential as a way to obtain the automotive’s said 300-mile vary. The rear door handles, for example, are constructed into the C-pillar, which might make for a clumsy angle when making an attempt to open the door along with your fingers full. The physique of the Leaf has a chunky, SUV-like stance, with a large entrance paying homage to the ID.4. Ultimately, all these design selections helped the brand new Leaf scale back its drag coefficient by 10 p.c from the earlier era.

Nissan can also 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 perfect temperature for charging. In frigid circumstances it could possibly 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 title 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 coloration choices together with a slew of elective 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 also be an out there choice. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might be normal on the Leaf S and S+. Nissan a less expensive 52-kWh model with a 174-horsepower motor will turn out to be out there at a later date.

This main redesign comes amid a turbulent final yr for Nissan, culminating in its after a . The automaker had beforehand final yr 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.