Nissan has unveiled new details about the forthcoming model of its Leaf electric vehicle, including extended range and new technology features.
The third generation model will go into production at the automotive giant's Sunderland plant later this year, with orders beginning in autumn and first deliveries from spring next year. Now remodelled in a taller, crossover design, the latest iteration of the world's first mass market electric car comes with two battery options with an extended version capable of covering up to 375 miles.
It is also includes a range of technology features including Google built-in, dual 14.3" screens and advanced driver assistance technologies. Nissan has talked of its DC fast-charging capability of up to 150kW, which is said to recover up to 260 miles in just 30 minutes, pending homologation.
Designers at Nissan's Global Design Studio in Atsugi, Japan, have created the sleek new model which comes with vehicle-to-load functionality, meaning it can power a range of small to medium-sized appliances such as kettles, portable lights and electric grills when camping. Details of the new Leaf follow Nissan's announcement earlier this year that it would revive the once popular Micra name - in a forthcoming model set to be manufactured in France.
Clíodhna Lyons, region vice president, product and services planning, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania (AMIEO), said: "The all-new LEAF reflects our commitment to delivering EVs that exceed expectations – not just in range, performance and technology, but in how seamlessly they integrate into the daily lives of our customers. This evolution of our iconic nameplate represents the very best version of itself - it’s smarter, more connected, and more capable for a new generation of drivers.”
The decision to build the new Leaf at Sunderland has offered some hope for the company's 6,000 workers on Wearside, amid what has been a tumultuous time for the manufacturer as it looks to drastically scale back global production to find more than £2bn cost savings as it battles financial woes. The car maker is looking at refinancing plans and has ramped up plans to slash 20,000 jobs and close seven of its factories by March 2028.
But the Sunderland plant has long been considered among the firm's most productive and has seen significant investment in recent years, including to make it an electric vehicle manufacturing hub with renewable energy sources and a second battery gigafactory being developed nearby, by AESC Group. The Leaf, which debuted in 2010 and has sold close to 700,000 worldwide, will be the first vehicle produced under this 'EV36Zero' strategy, and will be followed by an all-electric version of the Juke - which engineers are currently developing.
Alan Johnson, senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management at Nissan, said: “It’s with immense pride that we unveil the third-generation of our pioneering electric Leaf, 12 years after we brought EV and battery manufacturing to the Ƶ. It’s a testament to the skill of our world-class team that we can bring into mass production a vehicle With such advanced technology and aerodynamic design. We can’t wait to see it on the roads.”
