Nissan is bringing back its pioneering electric vehicle with a fresh design, advanced technology, and a brand-new body style. The Leaf is set to return as a crossover SUV, now equipped with a Tesla-compatible charging port, marking a significant departure from its previous look, which had sparked speculation about its discontinuation.
In addition to the Leaf, Nissan is also revamping other well-known models, including the Sentra and Rogue. However, the updated third-generation Leaf will be the first to arrive, making its debut in North America in 2026. This change aligns with the automaker’s efforts to introduce more innovative designs, especially as it navigates a challenging period marked by declining sales and the collapse of a merger deal with Honda. To regain momentum, Nissan is banking on these fresh additions to reinvigorate its lineup.
The company has not disclosed many details about the new Leaf but has confirmed that it will be built on the modular CMF-EV platform, which is also the foundation for the Ariya electric vehicle. Nissan has promised a significant increase in driving range compared to the previous generation. The current Leaf falls on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of range, with the SV Plus trim achieving a maximum of 212 miles on a single charge.
The redesigned Leaf will feature 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof. Perhaps the most notable upgrade is the adoption of the North American Charging Standard port, allowing direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. This is a major shift, as the Leaf has long been burdened by the outdated CHAdeMO charging technology. Now, Nissan is addressing this shortcoming, making the new Leaf the first model in its lineup to integrate the widely accepted charging standard directly from the factory.
Rumors had suggested that the Leaf was on its way out, especially after a 2022 report from Automotive News indicated that Nissan would discontinue production of the current model by mid-decade without an immediate successor. However, Nissan has now confirmed that more details about the updated Leaf will be shared by mid-year.
Beyond the Leaf, Nissan has announced upcoming internal combustion and plug-in hybrid versions of the Rogue SUV, along with refreshed versions of the mid-sized Pathfinder SUV and Sentra sedan. For Infiniti, a revamped three-row luxury QX60 SUV is on the horizon, along with a Sport package for the full-size QX80 SUV.
Looking further ahead, Nissan plans to introduce a new electric SUV with an adventure-oriented theme in late fiscal year 2027, which will be produced at its Canton, Mississippi facility. This model is expected to rival vehicles from brands like Rivian, Scout, and Jeep. Infiniti will also release a luxury SUV in fiscal year 2028, drawing inspiration from the Vision QXe concept.
The automaker has reiterated its goal of electrifying half of its vehicle lineup, including seven electric models for the United States and Canada. Nissan also confirmed that these future EVs will feature batteries produced in the US through a partnership with SK On.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Nissan is set to revive the Micra, a compact car that was discontinued in the UK in 2010. It will be reintroduced later this year as a small electric vehicle. Additionally, an electric version of the Juke compact SUV is scheduled for release in fiscal year 2026.