Nissan turns over a new Leaf

Nissan has launched its all-new third-generation Leaf electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, with the new model boasting fresh styling, greater driving range, faster charging speed, and an enhanced technology suite.

Nissan was an early mover in the EV space, with the first-generation Leaf hatchback appearing in 2010, two years before Tesla’s first mass market model the Model S.

Despite recording almost 700,000 global sales to date, and at one time holding the title of the world’s top-selling battery electric vehicle, the Leaf has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and its SUV stablemate the Model Y.

Nissan will be hoping this new model, with its SUV-styling and dimensions similar to a Model Y, will help it recapture the attention of EV buyers.

When will Australia be getting the new Leaf?

Australians will have to wait up to two years to get their hands on the new model, though, with Nissan advising it won’t be seen in local showrooms until the 2026 Japanese fiscal year, which runs from March 2026 to April 2027.

Nissan Australia will no doubt make the case to have the new model as soon as possible, but for now it is Japanese and US buyers who will be first to experience the new model, which is due there in the northern hemisphere autumn.

What is different about the new Leaf?

Nissan says the Leaf has been completely reimagined for this new generation with a fastback-like silhouette, flush-fit front door handles, aero-tuned wheels and a flat underbody creating a sleek appearance and a slippery 0.26 drag coefficient.

Up front, daylight running lamps accentuate Nissan’s V-motion design, with select grades featuring a lightbar spanning the width of the bonnet, while at the rear 3D holographic tail lamps deliver a futuristic digital look.

The spacious interior features an almost entirely flat floor courtesy of Nissan’s CMF-EV platform with a wide horizontal instrument panel that appears to be floating.

It’s the same platform that underpins Nissan’s Ariya EV, which is due here late this year.

Depending on model grade and region, the integrated display screens are either dual 12.3-inch or dual 14.3-inch units, with select variants featuring Bose premium audio with speakers integrated into the front headrests.

Overhead is a dimming panoramic roof featuring heat shielding technology that uses embedded Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology, allows occupants to enjoy natural light at the touch of a button.

The all-new powertrain comprising an integrated motor, inverter and reducer is claimed to be 10% smaller than its predecessor, with the new motor also claimed to be smoother and quieter than its predecessor.

Another new feature is Intelligent Distance Control Assist which helps intuitively maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front while driving in city traffic and optimising regenerative braking.

The new Leaf is available with two liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery options, the first a 52kWh unit that supports outputs of 130kW/345 Nm and 436km of range of on the WLTP cycle, the second a larger 75kWh battery that provides 160kW/355Nm and 604km (WLTP).

Fast charging capability is also much improved, with the new model able to charge at 150kW versus the previous which charged at either 50kW or 100kW depending on a variant.

What features will the Leaf have?

The new Leaf’s advanced driver-assist technologies include an available 3D 360-degree surround view monitor, invisible hood view and front wide view functionality.

The new model also offers enhanced lifestyle features and functionality including two 120V outlets that can discharge up to 1500W of combined power, allowing owners to power a variety of small to medium-size devices.

An additional V2L accessory adapter can connect to the external charging port to support charging of devices outside of the vehicle.

In Japan, the all-new LEAF will continue to deliver Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, allowing the vehicle to supply electricity back to a home or receive solar-generated energy when connected to a home energy management system.

European variants of the Leaf will also be Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatible, meaning that in the future they will be able to send stored energy back to the power grid.

The new Leaf will be assembled at the Tochigi Plant in Japan, as well as at Nissan's production facility in Sunderland, northeast England.

We’ll publish more details on the Nissan Leaf’s pricing and specifications closer to the Australian launch date.

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