The Nissan LEAF is already one of the most iconic electric vehicles. It was one of the key faces of the modern electric vehicle revolution for 5–10 years. Whereas some models from early stages of of the modern EV era have been retired or neglected, though, Nissan has been improving the LEAF over time, and the new iteration definitely looks like the best yet, and I think could supercharge the model’s sales growth.
Nissan points out that nearly 700,000 units of the LEAF have been sold over time. The model is not at the top of best seller lists. However, with the improvements coming to the new generation, I think the LEAF could see a big boost in sales, and since it’s sold in markets around the world, could potentially reach 1 million cumulative sales eventually — that is, before the next generation of the LEAF is developed.
I’m going to start with the most superficial — but also one of the most important — matters. That would be how the vehicle looks. I think this new version of the LEAF has a sleek, appealing design that will be quite popular with buyers. It’s also in that small SUV/crossover sweet spot that gets most sales now. (Though, admittedly, there also seems to be unlimited competition in that vehicle class.) You can get a much better look at the next-gen LEAF in the following video and pictures:
Beyond the looks, body size, and vehicle class, Nissan shares a number of improvements in the updated car:
Numerous Nissan-first features include:
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- New 3-in-1 powertrain with compact integrated motor, inverter and reducer
- North American Charging Standard (NACS) port with Plug & Charge functionality added to vehicles in North America
- 3D holographic tail lamps
- Available dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding
A range of firsts for the LEAF nameplate also include:
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- Liquid cooled lithium-ion batteries with up to 75-kWh usable capacity
- Available dual 14.3-inch displays
- Available Google built-in2, including Google Maps
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™
- Flush door handles
- Available 19-inch wheels
- Available 64-color ambient interior lighting
- 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor3
- Invisible Hood View3 and Front Wide View3
- Available Bose® Personal® Plus premium audio
There are several great things here, but access to NACS Tesla Superchargers will definitely help the LEAF a great deal in the US market. A 75-kWh battery will also give the LEAF solid range, more than enough for most normal drivers. (The flush door handles will also help with range. Overall, the new model’s drag coefficient is just 0.26, down from the 0.29 drag coefficient of the previous version of the LEAF.) Details haven’t been finalized, but it’s estimated that the new LEAF will have 303 miles of range on a full charge.
More details on the US version of the new LEAF are here. However, overall, nothing is better than watching the video above for great insights into the upgraded LEAF, visuals and all. If you’re not into videos, though, at least check out the extra images below.
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