Nissan Bets Big On A Leaf Without Any Power Boost

Update: Nissan has released a new video confirming specs for the upcoming Leaf, including a single-motor setup delivering up to 214 horsepower. That figure matches the current Leaf SV Plus, which also produces 214 hp with its 62 kWh battery pack. So, at least on paper, there’s no noticeable performance upgrade in the new generation. There’s no word on the base model, but in the current Leaf S, it delivers 147 hp with the smaller 40 kWh battery.

Still, Richard Candler, vice president of global product strategy, described the updated EV’s motor as offering “a responsive, smooth and confident drive,” adding that every element has been fine-tuned to maximize efficiency. Original story follows below.

Electric cars are evolving fast, and Nissan wants the next Leaf to prove it still has a place in the conversation. The company is preparing for the full debut of its next-generation EV later this month, teasing more of its design and offering a behind-the-scenes look at its development through a series of new videos.

Nissan gave us our first look at the third-generation Leaf back in March 2025, trading in the familiar hatchback shape of past models for a crossover profile, complete with a fastback-style rear. We now get a closer view of key design elements, including the LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and an active grille shutter that adjusts for airflow.

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We can also see the NACS-compatible charging port, and the optional panoramic roof with an e-Dimming function. The later uses electrochromic technology and an infrared reflective coating, eliminating the need for a physical sunshade.

According to Nissan’s design director Nobutaka Tase, this Leaf will be the most aerodynamic production model the company has ever built, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.25 in Europe and 0.26 in the US and Japan. The slight difference comes down to region-specific tweaks like wheels and mirror designs, with the European version coming out just a bit more streamlined.

FWD-only EV With A Decent Range

Underneath, the Leaf shares the CMF-EV platform with the larger Ariya, which means a flat floor and a roomier cabin layout. However, unlike its bigger cousin, the Leaf will be exclusively available with a single electric motor moving the front wheels. This motor produces up to 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS) and 355 Nm (261 lb-ft) of torque on “select variants” while being quieter and 10% smaller than before.

Nissan also highlighted the new multi-link rear suspension, the improved maneuverability, and a 66% increase in lateral rigidity compared to the previous generation. Furthermore, the A/C unit has been moved under the hood freeing up more space for the front passenger, and the liquid-cooled battery has a new thermal recovery system for improved efficiency.

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Richard Candler, Nissan’s vice president of global product strategy, says the goal was to make the new Leaf a real contender for buyers used to gas-powered vehicles. That meant designing a sleeker body without giving up on practicality, and ensuring long-distance driving was part of the deal. Target range spans from 300 to 500 kilometers (186 to 311 miles), with the ability to add around 200 kilometers (124 miles) of range in just 40 minutes of charging.

Overall, Nissan has sold nearly 700,000 examples of the Leaf since 2010, taking valuable insights from existing owners for the development of the new generation. We’ll have more details when the full reveal happens on June 18.