It’s a Leaf Jim But Not As We Know It

Nissan is testing preproduction prototypes of its next-generation Leaf. This then is the replacement for its first volume electric vehicle, the progenitor EV of the modern era.

It’s technically the third-generation Leaf and is likely to launch next year.

The first two generations were compact hatchbacks but the replacement is a compact crossover with a coupe-like roofline. Think a compact, more accessible version of Ariya. 

The design take inspiration from Nissan’s Chill-Out concept the company showed off in 2021. 

It rides on the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance’s updated CMF-EV platform, dubbed AmpR. The same architecture is used by Ariya and Megane E-Tech Electric.

Whereas the outgoing Leaf had a single front-mounted motor, the new generation will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive version for the first time.

Range will grow too, up by at least 25 per cent. That will take it to around 425km.

The run-out Leaf started at about $US30k. The new one will probably cost more given the increase in range and the move to a crossover body.

Leaf will produce the Leaf at Nissan’s new EV plant in Sunderland, U.K. It is busy turning the site into a hub for EVs, complete with a nearby battery plant.