Nissan has officially launched the third-generation Leaf electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, showcasing significant improvements in styling, driving range, charging speed, and technology. The new model builds upon the success of its predecessors, which contributed to Nissan’s early leadership in the electric vehicle market.
A Legacy of Innovation
Nissan was a trailblazer in the electric vehicle space, introducing the first-generation Leaf hatchback in 2010—two years before Tesla’s Model S hit the market. The Leaf became one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, achieving nearly 700,000 global sales. However, the Leaf was recently surpassed by Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y in global sales.
With its new, family-friendly SUV-style design, the third-generation Leaf aims to attract the attention of modern EV buyers, positioning itself against competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
Availability in Australia
Australian buyers will have to wait a little longer for the new Leaf, with Nissan confirming that the model won’t arrive in local showrooms until the 2026 Japanese fiscal year, which runs from March 2026 to April 2027. However, buyers in Japan and the US will be the first to experience the updated Leaf, with deliveries set for the autumn of 2025.
New Look and Features
The third-generation Leaf comes with a bold new look, featuring a sleek fastback silhouette, flush-fit door handles, aero-tuned wheels, and a flat underbody that helps achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.26. The front end incorporates Nissan’s signature V-motion design, with daylight running lamps and a lightbar on select models, while the rear boasts 3D holographic tail lamps that add a futuristic touch.
Inside, the spacious cabin benefits from the CMF-EV platform, which allows for a nearly flat floor and a floating horizontal instrument panel. The platform, which is also used in Nissan’s Ariya EV, contributes to a more open and airy interior. Depending on the model, the Leaf offers dual 12.3-inch or 14.3-inch integrated display screens, with select variants featuring Bose premium audio with integrated speakers in the front headrests.
A dimming panoramic roof with heat-shielding Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology allows passengers to enjoy natural light at the touch of a button.
Enhanced Performance and Range
The third-generation Leaf comes equipped with a new, smaller powertrain that integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer. The powertrain is 10% smaller than the previous version, providing smoother and quieter performance. The Leaf is available with two battery options: a 52kWh unit with 436km of range and a 75kWh unit that offers an impressive 604km of range on the WLTP cycle. Both batteries offer improved fast-charging capabilities, with the new Leaf supporting a 150kW charge rate compared to the previous model’s 50kW or 100kW options.
The Leaf also introduces Intelligent Distance Control Assist, which helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead while optimizing regenerative braking during city driving.
Advanced Features and Technology
The new Leaf comes with a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, including a 360-degree surround-view monitor, invisible hood view, and front-wide view functionality. It also offers enhanced lifestyle features such as two 120V outlets capable of delivering up to 1500W of combined power for small and medium-sized devices. Additionally, an optional V2L accessory adapter can charge devices outside of the vehicle via the external charging port.
In Japan, the new Leaf continues to offer Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, which allows the car to either supply electricity to a home or receive solar-generated energy when connected to a home energy management system. In Europe, the Leaf will also support Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality, enabling it to send stored energy back to the power grid.
Manufacturing and Future Availability
The new Leaf will be produced at Nissan’s Tochigi Plant in Japan and the Sunderland facility in the UK. As more details about the Leaf’s pricing and specifications emerge, Australian buyers can expect further updates closer to the model’s anticipated launch.
