Of course, range is the biggest issue for customers, but Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has previously confirmed that the new LEAF will offer close to 400 kilometers – more than double the current range of 160 kilometers.
Advertisement
Trevor Mann, Nissan’s executive vice-president, told Autocar, “There could be more than one Leaf”. “We’ve always said it needn’t be one vehicle”. We’ve got the NV200 electric, too, now, but obviously we’re still studying other opportunities. The second-gen Leaf is scheduled to debut in 2017 at the latest, so the crossover could be presented at a major auto show the following year.
The Leaf and its crossover counterpart will share the same drivetrain, though the crossover might come with a more potent battery pack in order to offset the additional weight. One report claims that the next-generation Leaf will carry a whole new powertrain that will better rival segment leader Tesla. It’s capable of a driving range of around 170km while offering a similar vane-like capacity as regular NV200.
If the report is accurate, additional details about the high-riding Leaf will emerge over the coming months. Instead of its funky hatchback design that stands out in a crowd, Nissan will give its EV a conventional look that includes the signature V grille and floating roof.
Advertisement
This is why, when the next generation of the auto arrives, it would be logical for Nissan to add another model to the Leaf family…
