Richard Candler, Vice president of Nissan’s global product strategy
Built on 700,000 sales and 15 years of EV data, Nissan’s third-gen LEAF is making its global debut later this month.
Here’s what we know: LEAF drivers have logged 28 billion kilometers (or 17.4B miles) since 2010, per Nissan.
That’s a whole lot of mileage to learn what stuck, and what didn’t.
And that matters, because while the original LEAF helped kickstart the EV era, it fell behind over time: on range, cabin space, and charging tech.
But this new version? They’re treating it like a reset. And based on the latest specs, it seems to be a zeroed-in take on the fundamentals: efficiency, packaging, and real-world appeal.
On the outside: The focus is on small changes that add up.
For example, the roofline’s lower now, which helps cut wind resistance.
Nissan said the U.S. and Japan models carry a drag coefficient of 0.26, while the models in Europe sport a drag coefficient of 0.25, thanks to different wheels and mirrors.
Elsewhere, the handles sit flush. The grille stays closed. And the underbody sits flat as a board.
All small tweaks, but said to help it slip through the air a little easier.
Inside: The feel is function over flash.
There’s an optional panoramic roof with dimmable glass that cuts glare without a bulky sunshade. (Confirmed for Japan and Europe. U.S. availability is still TBD.)
It also gets an IR-reflective coating to help keep the cabin cooler on hot days.
And thanks to the flat floor, the layout feels more open, especially in the second row.
What they’re saying: “Beyond EV intenders and innovators, we wanted the all-new Nissan LEAF to offer a truly credible alternative to combustion vehicles,” Richard Candler, VP of global product strategy, said. “We wanted it to balance emotional and rational appeal, ensuring it looks sleek and bold, whilst meeting the real-world needs of families with thoughtful design.”
Between the lines: A few things are worth calling out.
Nissan is deep into a multi-phase rebrand, aiming to shift perception around product quality and relevance.
And—it lands at a time when EV loyalty is wide open.
Shoppers are switching brands for better design, smoother buying experiences, or simply a product that feels easier to live with.
Bottom line: Nissan is pitching the new LEAF as a practical EV shaped by lessons learned, not headline hype. And in a market swinging back toward simplicity and value, that might be exactly what the brand (and dealers) need.
What we’re still waiting on: Range, trims, and pricing. Those details could make all the difference.
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