Karmactive Team
The third-generation Nissan Leaf has been officially unveiled, marking a dramatic evolution for the pioneering electric vehicle. Once a compact hatchback, the new Leaf has transformed into a sleek, coupe-like crossover SUV designed to be more competitive in today’s EV market.
Built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, the redesigned Leaf represents a significant shift in the company’s approach to electric vehicles. The vehicle will be powered by batteries also manufactured at the Sunderland facility by AESC UK, Nissan’s battery partner.
“It’s with immense pride that we unveil the third generation of our pioneering electric Leaf, 12 years after we brought EV and battery manufacturing to the UK,” said Alan Johnson, senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing.
Dramatic Design Changes
The new Leaf’s exterior has been completely reimagined with a fastback-like silhouette that achieves an impressive drag coefficient of 0.25 for European models and 0.26 for US and Japanese versions. This aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for maximizing range and was achieved through features like flush door handles, a sloping roofline, and a full underfloor cover.
Nissan has incorporated its “Timeless Japanese Futurism” design language, featuring a distinctive “ni-san” geometric symbol that creates the name Nissan phonetically. The interior also receives a significant upgrade with twin 14.3-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, offering a modern, uncluttered look.
Improved Range and Battery Options
The new Leaf offers two liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery options – a significant improvement over previous generations. The smaller 52 kWh battery provides a range of up to 270 miles (WLTP), while the larger 75 kWh battery delivers up to 375 miles (WLTP) in Europe and an estimated 303 miles in the US.
These batteries power front-mounted electric motors of varying outputs. The 52 kWh variant uses a 130 kW (174 bhp) motor, while the 75 kWh model features a more powerful 160 kW (214 bhp) motor.
The inclusion of liquid-cooled battery technology addresses criticisms of battery degradation in earlier Leaf models, particularly in warmer climates. An enhanced thermal recovery and management system optimizes charging performance and battery longevity, even in cold weather.
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Charging Innovations
North American models will feature both a J1772 port for Level 2 charging and the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. DC fast charging has been significantly improved, with rates up to 150 kW enabling a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30-35 minutes.
The vehicle also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car’s battery to power external electrical devices up to 3.6kW – useful for outdoor activities like camping.
Market Positioning
The new Leaf enters a significantly more competitive EV market than its predecessors faced. It aims to position itself against popular compact and sub-compact electric crossovers such as the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and even certain Tesla Model 3/Y configurations.
Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative, which represents a £1 billion investment into creating a manufacturing ecosystem that integrates EV production, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy, underpins the production of the new Leaf.
The third-generation Leaf is expected to arrive at retailers across the United States from autumn 2025, with other regions to follow. While specific pricing details have not yet been released, competitive pricing will be crucial for its success against rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which offers up to 315 miles of range with a starting price under $35,000.
With this redesign, Nissan aims to reclaim some of the market share it lost after pioneering mass-market EVs with the original Leaf in 2010. The success of this new model will serve as an important indicator of Nissan’s ability to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
