The Nissan Leaf is back, though you might not recognize it. The first mainstream battery-electric vehicle is getting a complete makeover for 2026, returning in SUV form. It’s just one of the big announcements Nissan made Wednesday about its upcoming electrification plan including more U.S. and European EVs, new e-Power and PHEV models and more. Headlight.News has the details.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf migrates to an SUV design.
What was a breakthrough product when it originally came to market back in 2010 is today little more than an afterthought. But Nissan is confident it can charge up demand for the little Leaf battery-electric vehicle with the complete makeover due to reach U.S. showrooms sometime over the next 12 months.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is, for starters, getting a complete makeover that will see it return in SUV form, a body style more in tune with current market trends than the dated hatchback style of today’s EV. Based on comments the automaker made in Japan, the new Leaf will boast an especially wind-slippery shape. While Nissan hasn’t released numbers, that should contribute to improved range, addressing one of the big weaknesses of the current EV.
While the new Leaf is drawing most the attention, there was a lot more news to emerge from the automaker’s “Full Speed Ahead” briefing, Nissan also going into plans for future e-Power, PHEV and “advanced” internal combustion engine models, as well as other EVs to follow.
The new Leaf
The original 2011 Nissan Leaf.
First introduced as a 2011 model, the original Nissan Leaf was the world’s first mass market EV and, for several years, the segment’s best seller. By mid-decade, however, it was surpassed by competitors, such as Tesla. Even a series of upgrades, as well as the launch of the longer-range Leaf+, failed to rebuild momentum.
Now, Nissan is addressing various shortfalls, starting with the complete shift from hatchback to SUV, in keeping with broader market trends. That said, it’s not just a downsized version of Nissan’s other EV, the Ariya. It features a more rounded, aerodynamic shape with wind-cheating features like its front splitter lip. The overall appearance is more muscular and less quirky – though it does have some distinctive elements to its front lighting.
Expect plenty of new technology, including new displays and an upgrade user interface. There’ll also be a new push-button shifter. Among options, the 2026 Nissan Leaf will be offered with a moonroof and 19-inch wheels and tires.
As for other details, such as its power, range and charging times, look for them to be revealed when we get a look at the final production model in June. Nissan did note that the new Leaf will forego the old CHAdeMO charging system long used by earlier versions of the EV. In fact, it migrates directly to the Tesla-style NACS, or North American Charging System port.
What Nissan is saying
The U.S. will see 10 new models, according to Nissan officials, including ones marked for the Infiniti brand.
“Over the next two years, we are excited to roll out an impressive lineup that will redefine the road!” proclaimed Ivan Espinosa, currently Nissan’s chief planning officer – but soon to be its next CEO. “This includes the reimagined Nissan LEAF, and a daring new Micra EV. But that’s not all – we’re refreshing our range of SUVs to elevate the driving experience, and our next-generation e-POWER promises new levels of refinement and efficiency.”
The announcement comes as Nissan undergoes a major shake-up. Current CEO Makoto Uchida last month announced that three plants will close worldwide, while others, including two in the U.S., will experience production cuts. At least 9,000 jobs will be eliminated. And there’ll be numerous changes in top management, starting with Espinosa’s promotion.
The product news, meanwhile, will cover both of the automaker’s brands, explained Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier. “Through powertrain diversification and new models, we will provide a broader range of options that cater to diverse customer preferences, further distinguishing Nissan and INFINITI brands.”
More Nissan News
- Losses Mounting, Nissan Announces Extensive Cuts to Jobs, Plants, Production
- Honda Open to Resuming Merger Talks with Nissan
- https://headlight.news/2025/03/11/nissan-names-real-car-guy-as-its-new-ceo/Nissan Names “Real Car Guy” as New CEO
More electrified products coming
An all-electric Nissan Micra EV is heading for Europe.
The “Fully Speed Ahead” event revealed that there’ll be more electrified models coming for virtually every global market, including an all-electric version of the little Micra bound for Europe.
“The U.S. and Canada will see more than 10 new and refreshed products in key segments, including next-gen EV and hybrid technology and Infiniti models,” the automaker announced in a summary of the news.
That includes Nissan’s first North American plug-in hybrid, a PHEV version of the compact Rogue model. The entire Rogue line-up will get a makeover in the 2026 fiscal year which, for the Japanese automaker’s begins a year from now. It also will be the first product line to get Nissan’s range-extending e-Power technology.
The e-Power system is similar to PHEV technology in pairing a small battery pack with an internal combustion engine. But it only uses ICE power to generate current keeping the batteries charged. The wheels are only driven by its electric motors.
Yet another all-new EV is scheduled to go into production at Nissan’s assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi starting in fiscal 2027. “The all-new model will be an adventure-focused SUV,” noted that news release, adding that, “It will be joined in FY28 by a luxury INFINITI EV SUV (inspired by the Vision QXe concept) that pairs the brand’s latest Artistry in Motion design language with a suite of technology features.”
Nissan previously announced a $900 million investment in the Canton plant to support increased U.S. EV production. It also plans to source batteries from an American plant operated by SK On.
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