Nissan Leaf replacement will be a crossover SUV

After more than a decade on showroom floors, the Nissan Leaf as we know it will soon be replaced by an all-new crossover SUV. The popular electric hatchback’s successor will use the same technology as the brand’s recently launched Ariya electric SUV – and we’ve even had a first look at its styling.

Nissan’s Chill Out concept from 2021 (above) is expected to inspire the Leaf replacement’s looks. It features a slightly raised ride height, a coupe-like roofline and a sharply angled tailgate similar to that of the latest Nissan Z sports car. However, the production model is also expected to incorporate some design elements from the Ariya.

Nissan’s European boss Guillaume Cartier confirmed in 2021 that the brand has no plans for a new Leaf hatchback. “We will be crossover, and we will be electrified,” he told DrivingElectric. When asked directly if the car would sit alongside the Leaf in the range, Cartier said, “It will replace it. It will be the new platform, but the shape will be different.” He didn’t specify if the Leaf name would live on, or if Nissan will choose a new moniker.

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The new crossover will sit on the same CMF-EV platform as the Ariya and the Renault Megane E-TECH Electric – which is actually a similar size to the current Leaf hatchback. We expect the Leaf’s replacement will be offered with similar power output and battery options to the Megane E-TECH, including up to 215bhp and 300Nm of torque from a single electric motor, and up to a 60kWh battery – good for 292 miles of range in the Renault.

The Leaf’s replacement is expected to launch in 2024 and will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the northeast of England. It’ll be produced in a new EV manufacturing hub called EV36Zero that represents an overall investment of around £1 billion from Nissan and its partner, battery manufacturer Envision AESC.

Nissan has confirmed it'll launch 15 new electric cars between now and 2030, including the new Ariya family SUV, the Townstar compact panel van, an electric Micra successor using same underpinnings as the forthcoming Renault 5, and the Nissan Leaf replacement.