SUV-styled third-gen Leaf offers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option.
Water-cooled lithium-ion batteries provide improved charging and range up to 500 km.
Production will take place in the UK.
The third-generation Nissan Leaf is set to debut in the fall of 2025, seven years after the current model’s release. The all-new, redesigned electric vehicle is expected to adopt crossover SUV styling inspired by the “Chill Out” concept car unveiled in 2021.
Nissan working on an SUV version of its Leaf; Juke and Qashqai EVs to follow
The upcoming Leaf will feature a compact “3-in-1” powertrain that combines the motor, inverter, and reduction gear into a single modular unit. This configuration shortens the bonnet, increasing cabin space and improving interior comfort. The vehicle dimensions are expected to remain similar to those of the current model, measuring 4510mm in length and 1820mm in width, but due to its SUV form, it will be 100 mm higher.
Built on the CMF-EV platform, which underpins the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, the new Leaf will incorporate significant software advancements. The updated system is expected to enable over-the-air function updates.
The third-generation Leaf will be offered in two configurations: a front-wheel-drive system using the compact “3-in-1” unit and a new all-wheel-drive version with Nissan’s e-4ORCE dual-motor technology. This marks the first time the Leaf will feature electric all-wheel drive.
2023 Nissan Leaf | Photo: NissanWhile advanced solid-state and iron phosphate batteries are under development at Nissan, the new Leaf will use an improved version of the current lithium-ion battery instead. A significant enhancement is the addition of water cooling, which is expected to address heat-related issues during high-speed driving and improve performance in colder climates.
The battery will be available in 40kWh and 60kWh capacities, with an estimated range of 400 km and 500 km for front-wheel-drive models, respectively.
Nissan plans to manufacture the next-generation Leaf at its Sunderland plant in the UK, with initial availability in European markets. Pricing is anticipated to start at approximately 4 million yen (around CAD $47,000) for entry-level models with a smaller battery, while higher-capacity variants may reach 5 million yen (around CAD $58,500). Subsidies in various regions are expected to reduce costs further.
Source: BestCarWeb
