By Steve Laser
When Nissan launched the first-generation LEAF 15 years ago, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were a rare sight on the street. Today, they’re everywhere, with a wide array of brands, models, shapes, and sizes. While Nissan has sold about 700,000 units of the LEAF worldwide, it’s time for the automaker to introduce an all-new, third generation for 2026.
The LEAF receives a full redesign, with dramatically different, crossover-inspired styling. Riding on the CMF-EV platform shared with the Nissan Ariya, the new LEAF looks sleek and futuristic. While exterior dimensions have not changed significantly, the new silhouette projects enhanced appeal and attention to detail.
With an aero-efficient profile, the LEAF adopts a fastback silhouette, with a raised beltline, retractable front door handles, aero-tuned alloy wheels up to 19-inches, and “digital Zen” accents. Nissan says the drag coefficient is 0.26 for U.S. and Japan models, while those planned for Europe are as low as 0.25 (with different available mirror and wheel designs).
Front styling brings to mind Nissan’s signature V-motion motif, with a sleek body-color fascia and special LED lighting elements. Six rounded rectangles comprise the Daytime Running Lights, while select models feature an additional wide lightbar below the hoodline, plus an illuminated Nissan logo.
The rear view presents another new styling treatment with available “3D holographic” taillights designed to change depth depending on the angle of viewing. The front and rear lights are said to be programmable, and can be set to illuminate in a welcome or farewell sequence as owners approach or depart.
An all-new “3-in-1” EV powertrain features an integrated motor, inverter, and reducer. Liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery choices offer 52 kWh (174 hp) and 75 kWh (214 hp). Maximum range with the larger battery is initially estimated up to 303 miles. LEAF models for the U.S. and Canada feature a new NACS charging port. Quick charging time with a DC fast charger is estimated at 35 minutes (10 to 80 percent).
The new LEAF features a spacious, comfortable cabin fitted with a horizontal instrument panel. “Zero Gravity” front and rear outboard seats can be trimmed with cloth or TailorFit® synthetic leather. An available panoramic roof features Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology that allows the glass transparency to be changed with full shade, front shade, rear shade, and full transparency adjustable settings.
LEAF models feature new widescreen displays with dual 12.3-inch or dual 14.3-inch sizes. New “Engawa” design technology lets drivers select from different visual background themes for the displays. Infotainment and connectivity choices include NissanConnect® services, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, wireless smartphone charging, USB-C ports, Google built-in, and available Bose® Personal Plus® premium audio. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is also available, allowing owners to power small to medium-size devices for outdoor activities.
Nissan says that in Japan, the new LEAF will continue to offer Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality. This allows it to supply electricity back to a home, or receive solar-generated energy, when connected to a customer-supplied home energy-management system.
Driver assist and safety systems for the new LEAF include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor, ProPILOT Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.
The new LEAF will be built at Nissan’s Tochigi Plant in Japan, as well as Nissan’s production facility in Sunderland, U.K. Sales are planned to start this autumn at U.S. Nissan dealers, with other regions to follow.
Note: Features, specifications, and launch timing for future production models is subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Nissan North America, Inc.
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