Nissan Leaf: the first mass-market electric car returns with its third generation

Since its debut in 2010 as the first mass-market electric vehicle, leading up to the imminent arrival of its third generation in 2025, the Nissan LEAF has been a benchmark in zero-emission mobility, setting records and democratizing access to electric cars.

Its name, an acronym for "Leading Environmentally Friendly Affordable Family Car," is about to write a new chapter in its history.

Fifteen years after its launch, the third generation of this electrification icon is ready for its arrival throughout 2025, becoming the first electric car to reach three consecutive generations, a milestone that underscores Nissan's commitment to zero-emission mobility.

The Nissan Leaf has accumulated significant sales worldwide in its first two generations, with over 650,000 units sold globally by July 2023. It was also the world's best-selling electric car for many years until it was surpassed by the Tesla Model 3 in early 2020.

Nissan ventured into the world of electric vehicles in 2009, introducing the Leaf, a compact car that since its launch in 2010 not only became a pillar in zero-emission mobility but also democratized access to electric cars at a time when few brands dared.

With a distinctive design and dimensions of 4.45 meters in length, it was based on a specific platform and initially offered a 109 HP motor. The 24 kWh battery provided an official range of 175 km, which increased to 199 km with a facelift in 2013. In 2015, a 30 kWh version increased the range to 250 km, leading figures for its time.

Nissan implemented ingenious strategies to convince consumers, such as the option to buy or lease the battery, three-month return programs, incentives for home charging points, and "long-distance" plans with combustion vehicle loans. Its success was resounding: it was the first electric taxi in Spain, the first electric car to tour Spain, and the first to win the Car of the Year award both in Europe and globally.

If the first generation was pioneering, the second (launched in 2017) represented the refinement of the Leaf concept. With a length of 4.49 meters, it adopted a more traditional body design adapted to European tastes, offering more interior space, a significant leap in quality, technology, reliability, and ride comfort.

It was ahead of its time, introducing advanced systems such as multiple ADAS, automatic parking, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from early stages. Initially, this generation was launched with a 150 HP motor and a 40 kWh battery, promising 270 km of range. In 2019, a more powerful variant with 218 HP and a 62 kWh battery was added, increasing the certified range to 395 km.

The Nissan Leaf saga is preparing for its third installment, which will be officially presented throughout 2025 and manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant in England.

This new generation is based on the advanced CMF-EV platform, the same one already used by the successful Nissan Ariya.

It is expected to set a new benchmark in terms of efficiency and range, leveraging Nissan's extensive knowledge and experience in 100% electric technology.