Nissan is saying goodbye to the little EV that began all of it. Though Nissan is phasing out the LEAF electrical automotive, the automaker plans to start producing its successor in 2026.

Past the LEAF, Nissan plans for EV successor

The Nissan LEAF was, at one time, a top-selling electrical automobile. After releasing the electrical compact automotive in 2010, the LEAF rapidly grew to become a favourite as the primary mass-market EV (18 months earlier than the Tesla Mannequin S) within the US, with a snug inside and first rate vary at a horny worth.

Nonetheless, almost each automaker, from startups to legacy, has launched its personal electrical vehicles with extra superior options, enhanced designs, and longer ranges over the previous decade.

The LEAF has misplaced floor, with gross sales falling constantly for a number of years. In keeping with a report from Automotive Information final 12 months, Nissan is not going to be rolling out a next-generation LEAF mannequin.

As a substitute, Nissan is planning for a extra fashionable EV to interchange the LEAF, designed for right this moment’s consumers. Though Nissan launched its second mass-market EV, the Ariya, it was by no means deliberate as a alternative.

Nissan might change the LEAF with a coupe-like crossover just like the “Chill-Out” idea the automaker revealed in 2021, with its “modern and fashionable” design. The manufacturing model would seemingly look much less futuristic.

In the meantime, executives have been break up on carrying the LEAF title over. As AutoPacific president Ed Kim explains, “At this time, the LEAF means little to EV buyers.”

In keeping with a brand new report from Autocar, Nissan stated in its submission to the UK authorities committee on battery manufacturing that “the LEAF successor will enter manufacturing in 2026.” Nissan’s Sunderland manufacturing unit within the UK will start manufacturing on Nissan’s LEAF successor in 2026 because it prepares for almost all of its output to be EVs by 2028.

Nissan is alleged to be leveraging provide from its upcoming close by battery manufacturing unit in collaboration with Envision AESC.

By 2024, the plant can have 11 GWh of capability, which may develop to 30 GWh, in response to Nissan’s submission. Envision stated the “Gen 5” battery cells being equipped would improve power density by 30% over the present LEAF mannequin.

The LEAF successor will reportedly be based mostly on its CMF-EV platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the identical used for the Nissan Ariya.

Electrek’s Take

From the sounds of it, Nissan goes greater with the LEAF successor. With the recognition of bigger fashions, like electrical crossovers and SUVs, automakers are racing to introduce larger-sized EVs regardless of the necessity for effectivity.

GM can also be phasing out its smallest and most inexpensive EV, the Bolt EV and EUV. Though GM and Nissan are phasing the fashions out for various causes (GM is shifting to an all-Ultium-based lineup), it’ll go away the market with a obtrusive lack of low cost, small EVs.

Given the necessity for smaller, extra environment friendly fashions, it will likely be a bit of disappointing if Nissan extends the dimensions of the LEAF’s alternative.