Nissan has launched the third generation of its Leaf electric vehicle in an effort to revive its global EV standing despite facing cooling demand, rising tariffs, and growing consumer interest in hybrids. The redesigned crossover will go on sale in the United States this fall, with other markets to follow.
The new model, produced in Tochigi, Japan, will be subject to U.S. tariffs and is expected to arrive during a downturn in American EV demand. Notably, U.S consumers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles, which Nissan currently does not offer. However, analysts warn that the timing could be disastrous.
Although pricing has not been disclosed, the automaker says the new Leaf will remain competitive. It features a battery capacity up to 25% larger than its predecessor and an estimated maximum range of 303 miles in the U.S. with a 75 kWh battery.
The Leaf’s symbolic value to Nissan is immense. Once the best-selling EV worldwide, it marked Nissan’s early ambition in electrification under former CEO Carlos Ghosn. To date, the company has sold nearly 700,000 Leaf units globally. However, the EV landscape has since shifted, and Nissan has fallen behind key competitors like Tesla.
Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa is now tasked with revitalizing the automaker while delivering significant cost reductions. Plans include closing seven plants and cutting 11,000 jobs, adding to earlier layoffs that have resulted in roughly 20,000 total reductions. The company posted a $4.5 billion net loss in the past financial year and faces $4.1 billion in debt due in 2026.
In addition to Tochigi, the new Leaf will be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland facility in the U.K. While both plants are expected to remain operational, Japan’s Oppama factory, home of the original Leaf, could face closure as part of Espinosa’s restructuring efforts.
