Nissan unveils reimagined Leaf as EV crossover with Tesla charging, new tech, and improved range

‎Nissan is reinvigorating its pioneering electric vehicle (EV), the Leaf, with a bold transformation, making it a crossover SUV and equipping it with cutting-edge technology. The iconic Leaf, previously hampered by its outdated design, will now feature a modern, dynamic appearance and come with a Tesla-compatible charging port—an upgrade that signals a fresh start for the model. The Leaf’s new form factor and enhanced features have sparked renewed interest, dispelling earlier rumors of its impending discontinuation.

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The new Nissa Leaf is an SUV.

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‎Scheduled for release in North America in 2026, the revamped third-generation Leaf will lead a series of product updates from Nissan, including fresh versions of the Sentra and Rogue. This strategic overhaul comes at a critical time for the automaker, which has been facing declining sales and a failed merger with Honda. By introducing new and bold designs, Nissan aims to revitalize its image and attract new customers.

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‎The new Leaf’s design is a departure from the previous version, with reports describing it as egg-shaped, a characteristic common to many modern EVs. Despite limited details revealed, insiders from InsideEVs, who attended the unveiling in Japan, suggest that the Leaf is approximately three-quarters the size of a Tesla Model Y. Built on the modular CMF-EV platform shared with the Ariya EV, the Leaf promises substantial improvements in range over its predecessor, which struggled with a limited driving distance—just 212 miles on a single charge for the SV Plus trim.

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‎One of the most notable upgrades is the introduction of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network. This marks a significant departure from the outdated CHAdeMO port that has previously hindered the Leaf’s appeal. As the first Nissan EV to feature the NACS port, the Leaf sets a new standard for the brand and addresses one of its key shortcomings. Additionally, the new Leaf will sport 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof, adding to its overall appeal.

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Nissan

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‎The Leaf’s rebirth comes after a period of uncertainty. In 2022, Automotive News reported that Nissan was planning to wind down production of the current Leaf model by mid-decade, with no immediate plans for a refresh. However, the unveiling of the new generation confirms that the Leaf still has a future within Nissan’s EV strategy.

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‎More details about the refreshed Leaf are expected to be released by mid-year, along with announcements regarding other key models in Nissan’s lineup. These include new internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid variants of the Rogue SUV, as well as updated versions of the Pathfinder and Sentra. Additionally, Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti, will release a refreshed three-row QX60 SUV and a new Sport package for the QX80.

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‎Looking ahead, Nissan plans to introduce a new, unnamed EV in late fiscal year 2027, produced at the company’s Canton, Mississippi plant. Described as an “adventure-themed” SUV, it is expected to compete with vehicles from brands like Rivian, Scout, and Jeep. Furthermore, Infiniti will debut a luxury SUV inspired by the Vision QXe concept in fiscal year 2028.

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‎Nissan

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‎Nissan’s broader strategy includes electrifying half of its vehicle lineup, with a focus on seven EVs for the US and Canada. These models will feature batteries manufactured in the United States in collaboration with SK On, a move that underscores Nissan’s commitment to localizing its EV production. In Europe, the company is reintroducing the Micra compact car as an electric vehicle, expected to launch later this year, and plans to debut an electric version of the Juke compact SUV in fiscal 2026.

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‎With these strategic shifts, Nissan is positioning itself to be a formidable player in the electric vehicle market, ushering in a new era for the Leaf and other key models in its lineup.