Nissan is gearing up for the launch of what must surely be one of its most crucial models ever - the third-generation Leaf, which switches from the hatchback shapes of its all-electric predecessors to a new crossover design.
Why turn it into a crossover?
Simply because that's where the market is going. Equally, Nissan's Program Design Director, Nobutaka Tase, says of the new look Leaf that: “We re-imagined the Leaf as a crossover, creating a distinct personality with a high-tech feel. This is the most aero-efficient car we've ever made, with a drag co-efficient of 0.25Cd. Even the panoramic glass roof contributes to the exceptional aerodynamics. It allowed us to reduce the vehicle height at critical air detachment points by 12 mm - while maintaining ample headroom inside, courtesy of the e-dimming functionality.” That roof uses photocrhomic tech so that you can 'close' or 'open' it - and choose individual sections to dim or brighten - at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for a bulky sun blind. Nissan has also given the roof an infra-red reflecting coating, so that it transmits less solar heat to the cabin. The Leaf's new crossover shape also uses helpful aero tricks such as flush door handles, an active grille shutter, optimised wheel design, flat underfloor and a fastback silhouette with the rear liftback creating an aerofoil effect. Nissan also points out that we Europeans get a more slippery car than our American cousins, as changes to the door mirrors mean that US market cars have a 0.26Cd aero rating.
What kind of range are we talking about?
Nissan isn't saying precisely just yet, but given that the outgoing Leaf tops out at a maximum of 385km on the WLTP test, expect a dramatic improvement. It's likely that the Leaf will have a range of more than 500km, as Richard Candler, Vice president global product strategy, says that there was a focus on: “allowing users to confidently take a holiday journey of 300km to 500km between stops, ensuring impressive highway speed and efficiency.” Candler also says that the Leaf will be exceptionally fast to recharge, noting that: “We know that the average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time, we can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability.”
That sounds confident
Indeed it does, and with good reason - Nissan has more experience with electric cars than almost anyone else in the car market, having launched the first Leaf way back in 2010 and having since sold 700,000 Leafs around the world. For some considerable time it was the world's best-selling EV. According to Candler, “Since 2010, over 28-billion kilometres have been covered by our customers. So we have really substantial, real world insight about the customer, understanding their needs and understanding how those needs have evolved since the early days of Leaf until now. We have a long-established track record about durability and safety with Leaf, and we knew this was really a foundation to the next generation. We want this to be a really credible alternative to a combustion car.”
When will I be able to buy the new Leaf?
Later this year, but we'll find out a lot more at a big event Nissan is holding in London in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out this video that Nissan has released, which shows you how the new Leaf looks.