New Nissan Leaf Increases Range Significantly but Still Lacks an Important Feature | Carscoops

      The upcoming Nissan Leaf is expected to be available only as a single-motor version.

      Currently, the Nissan Leaf has a maximum range of just 212 miles in the SV Plus trim.

      Nissan's next Leaf will transform into a crossover and will be launched worldwide next year.

      The new Leaf will only offer a single-motor setup, meaning all-wheel drive will not be available.

      Electric vehicles have significantly evolved since the Nissan Leaf first debuted as the first mass-produced EV. At that time, it was a pioneer, but now it seems outdated. With numerous new manufacturers entering the EV market and established companies releasing models that surpass the Leaf in nearly every aspect, it’s clear that Nissan’s once-revolutionary EV is in need of a significant update. Fortunately, the next-generation Leaf is on the way, promising improvements.

      According to reports, the redesigned Nissan Leaf will shift to a crossover format, taking cues from the Chill-Out Concept. This will result in a roomier interior, a modern appearance, and significant advancements in technology. Perhaps most importantly, Nissan intends to offer the new model with a much longer, more efficient driving range. Exactly how much longer?

      An Increased Driving Range

      During an interview with Car and Driver at the New York Auto Show, Nissan's senior vice president and chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira disclosed that it will achieve a driving range of over 300 miles (482 km). Like the current model, the new Leaf might come with various battery pack options, and this range might be exclusive to the long-range variant.

      Nevertheless, the announced “over 300 miles” range is a considerable improvement compared to the current Leaf SV Plus's maximum of 212 miles (341 km). For context, the driving range of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 fluctuates between 245 miles (394 km) and 318 miles (512 km), depending on the configuration, so the Leaf should fit within this range.

      Nissan is also assuring quicker charging speeds and will standardize the new Leaf with a NACS port. However, it will notably lack all-wheel drive, as Nissan has confirmed there won’t be a dual-motor option, keeping front-wheel drive as the sole choice for the time being.

      Spy images of the 2026 Leaf undergoing testing last year provide insight into what to expect. The upcoming model has a higher stance compared to the current one, reinforcing its crossover transformation, but it will still be smaller than the Nissan Ariya. Interior features remain undisclosed, but it is anticipated to align with other recent Nissan models, likely incorporating a digital instrument panel and a sizable central infotainment screen.