- A prototype of the third-generation Nissan Leaf was spotted on public roads.
- The new model adopts a coupe-crossover bodystyle, unlike its hatchback predecessors.
- The EV is expected to debut in 2025, sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Ariya.
Nissan is finally getting ready to unveil the all-new third-generation Leaf, with a heavily camouflaged prototype making its spy debut in Europe. The EV pioneer will go through a transformation, abandoning the rather conservative hatchback body style of its predecessors for a more fashionable SUV Coupe body.
The original Nissan Leaf was unveiled in 2009, as the first mass-produced fully electric vehicle, with the second generation following in 2017. Fast forward to the present, there are EV offerings from almost every automaker, with modern tech and design features. As a result, what once was an EV pioneer, now looks and feels outdated compared to newer rivals.
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Nissan vows to change that with the new generation, which will be a clean-sheet design. This means the new Leaf will morph into a crossover, a move that was previewed by the 2021 Nissan Chill-Out Concept.
The test car, spotted on public roads, appears to have a compact footprint with a short hood and a sloping roofline. The LED graphics on the taillights are heavily inspired by the concept, while the headlights are covered under the camouflage wrap. Other visible details include the futuristic alloy wheels, the integrated rear door handles to the C-pillar, and the spoiler at the back.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf prototype (above) compared to the 2021 Chill-Out Concept (below).
The new generation will also ride on a new platform. The compact EV from Nissan will share the CMF-EV underpinnings with the larger Ariya, alongside the Renault Megane/Scenic E-Tech, and the upcoming Alpine A390.
The platform is compatible with single and dual electric motor setups, potentially making the new Leaf significantly more powerful compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, a more efficient battery pack is expected to provide the Leaf with a 25 percent longer range, close to 265 miles (426 km) between charges.
According to the latest reports, the 2026 Nissan Leaf is expected to enter production in March 2025, although the global debut could happen earlier than that. The EV will be manufactured in Nissan’s UK plant in Sunderland, currently the home of the Juke and Qashqai SUVs.
