​The original Nissan LEAF was a big deal in the electric car world, bringing a practical family car which had a useful range and could be used every day. It was a proper pioneer. 

It’s been out of production for more than a year now, but we have started to hear more details of the new model, which is just about to be fully revealed. This is all we know so far. Is it worth waiting for? 

When will the new LEAF go on sale?

The U.S. and Canada will be the first markets to launch the all-new Nissan LEAF, and will go on sale in the UK before the end of 2025.  It’s part of a big return to the EV market for the brand. It will launch two electrified models in Europe in the next year, including an all-new Micra, and the Qashqai crossover with the new, third generation e-POWER technology.

The following year we will see the all-new electric Juke and a city car based on the new Renault Twingo.

Nissan says the new LEAF is built upon learnings accumulated since the debut of the first generation model in 2010. In the 15 years since, Nissan has sold close to 700,000 units of LEAF globally, with owners estimated to have travelled a cumulative total of approximately 18 billion miles.

Learnings from first and second-generation models were a source of valuable insight for the planning and engineering team members as they designed the third generation model.

What will it look like?

So far we have only seen pictures of the front of the new LEAF, along with a few details. It is more SUV-like and raised up than the old car, a little like its stablemate Renault Megane.

The cars share technology using the Common Module Family (CMF-EV) platform which also underpins the Nissan Ariya.

A lot of the shape has been dictated by aerodynamics. The car has an impressive 0.25 Cd figure, aided by the use of flush door handles, an active grille shutter which closes at speed if cooling isn’t needed, a special slippery wheel design, flat underfloor and aerofoil on the bootlid.

Even the panoramic glass roof contributes to the aerodynamics. It allowed the roof line to be reduced in height at critical points by 12 mm while maintaining headroom inside. An electronically dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding eliminates the need for physical blinds or sunshades, which can compromise headroom, especially in the rear seat.

The new LEAF was previewed by the Chill-Out concept car, which gives us a hint of the back of the production model. 

What do we know about the range and batteries?

We know a few details. Nissan say the LEAF will have a range of around 372 miles. This impressive figure is helped by the aerodynamics, but also by a lot of new hardware, which Nissan calls X-in-1. This means EV and e-POWER powertrain components will be shared, resulting in a 30% reduction in development and manufacturing costs compared to 2019.

Nissan has developed the 3-in-1 powertrain with the motor, inverter and reducer in one package.  The EV and e-POWER core components can be produced on the same line.

The newly developed motor also reduces the use of heavy rare earth elements to 1% or less. 

It’s not expected to use the much-hyped solid state battery tech at launch, but this will come in later years and promises to double the power storage capability and halve charging speeds. 

What about other technology?

Like the new Micra, the LEAF will use Nissan’s Car and Connected Service (CCS) platform, which features a Google-based infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems. It will also be able to use V2G, giving owners the chance to slash home energy bills. 

Where will the new LEAF by built?

 Cars for the UK will be made at a newly-expanded and revamped Sunderland factory in the north east of England, as part of a £3 billion investment by the manufacturer. The plant has made 270,000 LEAFs since 2013. It will also make the new Juke.