Nissan has officially transformed the LEAF into a stunning crossover, showcasing major upgrades that are set to captivate both longtime fans and new customers. The unveiling of the third-generation LEAF marks a significant departure from its iconic hatchback origins, now presenting a stylish and spacious design tailored for families. With a substantial increase in driving range and the integration of the NACS port for seamless charging at Tesla Superchargers, the new LEAF is positioned to reclaim its spot in the highly competitive electric vehicle market.

Initially launched in 2010 as the world's first mass-market EV, the Nissan LEAF laid the groundwork for electric mobility. However, as countless brands began to release more advanced models boasting greater range and quicker charging capabilities, the LEAF began to fade from the spotlight. Now, Nissan is ready to reignite interest with its sleek redesign.

Featuring the cutting-edge CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Ariya SUV, the third-generation LEAF promises significant range improvements compared to its predecessor. Notably, Nissan has announced that the new LEAF will offer an impressive expected range of 373 miles (600 km) based on WLTP standards, facilitated by Nissan's innovative new 3-in-1 EV powertrain.

But that’s not all—the new LEAF will be the first vehicle in Nissan's lineup to come equipped with an integrated NACS port. This key upgrade allows drivers to easily charge at Tesla’s expansive network of Superchargers, greatly enhancing its appeal in the United States market.

The upgraded LEAF will also debut with modern features such as 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof, setting it apart in the family-friendly EV segment. The vehicle is set to kick off its North American launch later this year, contributing to a robust lineup that also includes the Ariya electric SUV and a total of ten new and refreshed models from Nissan and Infiniti.

In addition to the LEAF, Nissan has exciting future plans including an "adventure-focused" electric SUV to be produced at its Canton, Mississippi facility, with a luxury Infiniti electric SUV on the horizon for 2028.

Internationally, Nissan plans to launch the next-gen LEAF in Europe later this year, accompanied by a new Micra EV city car and the Qashqai crossover. The Nissan Juke EV is also expected to join the mix in the upcoming year.

These developments point to Nissan's commitment to innovation and leadership in the EV market, which seems poised for exponential growth as environmental consciousness and electric vehicle adoption continue to rise.