The next-gen Nissan Leaf will celebrate its world premiere in 2025, and it will be a completely different vehicle from the models we have seen in the first and second generations. The compact car that democratized EVs will undergo a dramatic redesign for its third generation to match the latest trends in the auto industry. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming EV so far:
Design & Features
The next-gen Nissan Leaf will be an SUV-coupe, which would make it more appealing for customers globally than the first- and second-gen models, which have been hatchbacks. Nissan already previewed the third-gen model’s design with the Chill-Out concept in November 2021 and in October 2024, spy shots showed the company testing the final vehicle for the first time.
The first-ever high-riding Nissan Leaf appears to have a curvy front-end, which matches its fluidic side profile. Flush-fitting door handles also go well with the sleek exterior, while the eccentric design of the wheels gives the upcoming EV a slightly funky look.
Like the larger Nissan Ariya, the next-gen Nissan Leaf would have a minimalist interior with a dashboard that blends seamlessly with the shape of the cabin and transitions into the doors. Similarly, we expect slim AC vents neatly integrated into the dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, and connected instrument cluster and infotainment system displays.
We just hope the next-gen Leaf’s similarity with the Ariya doesn’t extend to the climate control system functions being operated via capacitive haptic switches instead of mechanical switches. The upcoming model’s infotainment system will likely run Android Automotive OS and bundle apps for Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for more convenience.
Platform & Specifications
Like the more expensive Nissan Ariya, the next-gen Nissan Leaf will sit on the dedicated EV platform that was originally called CMF-EV and is now known as Ampr Medium. This platform allows an anxiety-free range, plus great roominess, thanks to a large wheelbase and a flat floor.
Given that the SUV-Coupe is the successor to the Leaf, the vehicle should have low-spec, economic configurations costing around EUR 30,000. Nissan may offer it with a 60 kWh battery pack and maybe even an 87 kWh unit, chargeable at up to 130 kW and up to 150 kW, respectively. The company may give two choices of powertrains – 125 kW (168 hp) and 160 kW (215 hp), both sending drive to the front wheels.
The batteries of the new Nissan EV may come from the second battery plant Envision AESC plans to construct in Sunderland, UK, in 2025. This battery plant will have an annual production capacity of 12 GWh.
Release Date
Nissan is likely to launch the next-gen Leaf in European markets in spring 2025. The company has yet to confirm its U.S. launch.
Nissan’s investment in the UK
Nissan says that it will invest up to GBP 423 million (approx. USD 533 million) to produce the crossover previewed by the next-gen Leaf at the Sunderland plant where it currently makes the Juke and Qashqai. The company is forecasting an annual production capacity of up to 100,000 units for the new electric SUV coupe. If it does launch the new EV in the U.S., we see no reason why it wouldn’t make it in the local factory in Smyrna (Tennessee) as well.
Featured Image Source: Nissan
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
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