The following-gen Nissan LEAF won’t be made within the US. Nissan will construct the brand new mannequin within the UK, however the reasonably priced EV dangers dropping IRA tax credit score eligibility.
Nissan confirmed final week that it’s going to construct the next-gen LEAF at its Sunderland, UK, plant alongside two new electrical SUVs.
The Juke and Qashqai, two of Nissan’s top-selling SUVs in Europe, are additionally going electrical. Nissan introduced an as much as £3 billion ($3.8 billion) funding to construct the three new EVs on the plant.
As one of many first mass-market EVs, Nissan’s LEAF was a pioneer. Nevertheless, with battery and different tech developments, extra superior EVs have stolen the compact electrical automobiles shine.
The LEAF was the best-selling EV (cumulatively) till Tesla’s Mannequin 3 overtook it in early 2020. Mannequin 3 deliveries started in 2017, and it grew to become the top-selling mannequin in 2018 and 2019.
LEAF gross sales proceed to slip amid new competitors. Gross sales are down considerably this 12 months in each main market via September, together with the US (-37%), Europe (28%), and Japan (-15%).
The following-gen LEAF would be the first of the three new EVs constructed at its Sunderland manufacturing unit. In response to Automotive Information Europe, it is going to launch on the finish of subsequent 12 months.
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Nissan pulls next-gen LEAF manufacturing from the US
With plans to construct the brand new LEAF within the UK, the place does that depart North America? Sources advised Automotive Information that Nissan doesn’t plan to construct the brand new LEAF within the US.
The LEAF kicked off a brand new period as the primary mass-market EV within the US, however manufacturing of the present mannequin is predicted to finish in 2025.
The choice may set the LEAF additional again than it already is. Nissan’s LEAF is named an reasonably priced EV, but the corporate plans a drastic makeover.
Nissan will launch the next-gen LEAF as a crossover coupe SUV to make it extra aggressive. It’s going to embody a sleeker, decrease design to keep away from competing with its different electrical crossovers.
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A supply from Nissan stated the design is nearer to the Ariya, the corporate’s first electrical SUV. One other stated it was a “mini Ariya.” Nissan stated it has already been previewed in its Chill-Out idea.
The Chill-Out idea is a “cell haven,” in accordance with Nissan. It options superior security tech and a cushty inside. The idea is predicated on the CMF-EV platform, which powers the Ariya. It additionally consists of Nissan’s e-4ORCE electrical 4WD management system.
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Nissan’s new LEAF will look nothing like the present technology with a whole design change. It’s going to additionally characteristic 25% extra vary, Nissan advised retailers.
Nevertheless, how common will the brand new Nissan LEAF be within the US with out the tax credit score? Importing the mannequin from the UK would lose its eligibility for an as much as $7,500 credit score.
One vendor stated the subsidy is vital for a model like Nissan with a “price-sensitive” buyer base. “With out that tax incentive, will probably be extraordinarily tough to compete in america,” the vendor stated.
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They added, “We’ve got one hand tied behind our again when promoting these EVs.” The vendor went so far as to say, “Why would we even carry this automobile to america?” with out tax credit score eligibility.
Electrek’s Take
Nissan, which was as soon as considered as a frontrunner within the EV business with the launch of the LEAF in 2010, has fallen behind.
The automaker is vowing to make a comeback with an almost $18 billion funding to launch 15 new EVs globally by 2030. Nissan can be investing $500 million in its Canton, Mississippi, plant to organize for EV manufacturing.
As per Nissan’s manufacturing schedule, the primary EVs will likely be a pair of sedans in 2026. The LEAF substitute is predicted to launch within the US in 2025.
With out the tax credit score, nevertheless, Nissan will face stiff competitors. Nissan has offered simply over 10,000 LEAF fashions within the US via September.
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