Nissan teases 2026 Leaf: Price, range, tech and fast facts

Carmaker makes a bold leap into the future with 2026 Leaf expected by Fall 2025

Last updated:
Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor
2 MIN READ
The all-new Nissan Leaf 2026, available by Fall of 2025.
The all-new Nissan Leaf 2026, available by Fall of 2025.
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The iconic Nissan Leaf is back. Now, it’s been completely transformed.

The third-generation 2026 Nissan Leaf marks a bold new direction for the brand’s best-known electric vehicle.

For starters, it blends sleek design, cutting-edge tech, and a significant boost in range. 

Wired reported that the new model uses a liquid‑cooled lithium‑ion battery with nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) chemistry, which can drive the vehicle 603km on a single charge.

Slated for release in Fall (Autum) 2025, this next-gen Leaf could be the Japanese automaker's strongest play yet in the global EV race, dominated by Tesla and Chinese brands like BYD and Geely.

If early impressions hold true, the 2026 Nissan Leaf may be more than just a comeback — it could redefine what mainstream EV buyers expect in terms of value and design.

The 2026 Nissan Leaf is manufactured at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan and the Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, as per Inside EVs.

Fresh design, futuristic tech

From first glance, the new Leaf is a massive departure from its predecessor. 

With a dramatically updated exterior, the 2026 model ditches the dated curves of earlier versions for a sharper, more aerodynamic profile. It's a clear effort to align with more premium-looking EVs in the market.

Inside, drivers will find a vastly improved cabin. Nissan has integrated a Google-powered infotainment system, which means built-in Google Maps, Assistant, and Play apps — making the Leaf not just smart, but seamlessly connected. It’s an interior experience that rivals much pricier competitors.

Another cool feature: An enhanced thermal recovery and management system harvests heat created by the onboard charger (OBC) to warm up the battery, increasing its regeneration potential in cold weather.

603-km range

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing upgrade is the Leaf’s impressive 375-mile range (approximately 603 kilometers). 

That’s a huge jump from the outgoing model and places it squarely in competition with other long-range EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Battery

The new Nissan Leaf 2026 offers two battery pack options:

  • A 52 kWh battery paired with a 130 kW motor

  • A larger 75 kWh battery powering a 160 kW motor

Both battery systems incorporate active thermal management — including liquid cooling — to optimise performance and fast‑charging capabilities, as per The Verge.

Price

Even with these major improvements, Nissan is aiming to keep the Leaf accessible. The expected price is around £30,000 (roughly $38,000), which is competitive considering its specs and tech.


Made in Japan & UK, for the World

The new Leaf will be manufactured in both Japan and the UK. Nissan’s manufacturing facility in the Sunderland, UK, forms part of its larger commitment to EV production in Europe. 

Its Sunderland plant, which has produced earlier Leaf models, is being upgraded as part of a multi-billion-dollar investment in EV infrastructure.

When can you get one?

The 2026 Leaf will be available starting Fall 2025, with pre-orders expected to open earlier that year. While the vehicle shown so far is a pre-production model, it’s a strong indication of Nissan’s new EV vision.

Fast Facts:

  • Range: ~603 km | 375 miles

  • Price: ~$38,000 | ~£30,000 (estimated)

  • Infotainment: Google-built system with Assistant, Maps, Play

  • Interior: Fully redesigned, high-tech and spacious

  • Manufacture: UK (Sunderland plant) and Japan (Tochigi plant)

  • Availability: Fall 2025

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