The Nissan Leaf is making a comeback, this time as a crossover SUV. The corporate has introduced plans to introduce a extra environment friendly mannequin geared up with a Tesla-style charging plug straight from the manufacturing facility, aiming to deal with two of the Leaf’s essential weaknesses. Nonetheless, with out info on its vary or pricing, predicting its success stays difficult.
Nissan formally confirmed right this moment that the revamped Leaf will debut within the U.S. inside the subsequent 12 months and supplied an preliminary picture of the car. I attended Nissan’s “Full Velocity Forward” occasion in Atsugi, Japan, the place I bought an in depth have a look at the production-ready Leaf. The brand new design options an egg-shaped subcompact SUV profile, harking back to a scaled-down Tesla Mannequin Y. Its lighting design at each the entrance and rear is distinctive and, in my view, surpasses the brand new Mannequin Y aesthetics.
The hind lights stand out, showcasing a novel mixture of two vertical and three horizontal holographic-effect LEDs. The black-plastic encompass is just like that of the fashionable Nissan Z, and the “two-three” configuration is a intelligent branding reference, because it appears like “Nissan” in Japanese. Pictures was restricted, so we solely have the entrance view for now whereas eagerly anticipating a full reveal.
Nissan has highlighted that the Leaf’s aerodynamic design, characterised by a low lip and rounded form, grants it a drag coefficient of 0.26. That is higher than that of the Chevy Equinox EV however nonetheless falls wanting the Mannequin Y’s 0.23. Regardless of this, the corporate asserts that the aerodynamic enhancements will place the 2026 Leaf as a frontrunner in vary and effectivity.
At the moment, Nissan has not launched particular specs for the brand new Leaf, promising full particulars throughout its official reveal in June. They’ve confirmed that the U.S. mannequin will characteristic a North American Charging System Plug, a dimmable panoramic sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, the Leaf will supply a redesigned inside with a push-button shifter and up to date graphics interface, however additional particulars are nonetheless pending.
Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan’s chief planning officer for North America, talked about that holding the Leaf inexpensive stays a precedence. Nonetheless, he didn’t disclose any pricing info or comparisons to opponents. As of now, we lack particulars concerning the battery specs, energy output, or driving vary, which complicates efforts to evaluate whether or not the Leaf represents a obligatory reset for Nissan’s electrical car technique.
Initially launched in 2010 as the primary mass-market electrical car, the Leaf was a pioneer however has since struggled with an outdated air-cooled battery system and a bland picture. Regardless of previous gross sales success, Nissan has not capitalized on its first-mover benefit, taking till 2023 to introduce one other EV in America, the Ariya. Pandikuthira acknowledges that the Ariya’s pricing points have restricted its reputation.
In the meantime, Nissan’s total enterprise is going through challenges. The corporate’s internet earnings dropped by over 90% within the first half of fiscal 12 months 2024, and it anticipates a internet loss for the fiscal 12 months ending March 31. The latest occasion showcased a number of new merchandise, together with an electrical journey crossover, a midsize Infiniti electrical crossover, and a brand new Rogue providing hybrid choices. Nonetheless, these further EVs are usually not anticipated to succeed in the market till late 2027 or early 2028.
Till then, the Leaf has the accountability of revitalizing Nissan’s electrical car lineup. Whether or not it’ll succeed is unsure. With out clear particulars on vary, pricing, or energy, its place in a aggressive and evolving electrical car market continues to be to be decided. Given Nissan’s struggles and the still-developing inexpensive EV market in America, I stay hopeful that the brand new Leaf will discover success.
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