Nissan Starts Trickling Out Details on Redesigned 2026 Leaf EV
Nissan already gave us our first look at the upcoming 2026 Leaf, but it’s now starting a slow trickle of info on the redesigned electric vehicle with a series of three short behind-the-scenes videos. The Leaf is fully exposed in the clips, showing off the full-width light bar in its nose, as well as a wide stance and low greenhouse that give it proportions — if not the blocky surfacing — of the new Rogue.
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Shop the 2025 Nissan Leaf near you
Better Aerodynamics, Fast Charging
As we previously reported, the next-generation Leaf moves to a version of the EV architecture that underpins Nissan’s Ariya electric SUV. In this first video, Nissan Vice President of Global Strategy Richard Candler says the new Leaf will be able to “confidently” undertake trips of up to 310 miles. For reference, the 2025 Ariya tops out at an EPA-rated 289 miles, which lends credence to his claims for the smaller, lighter Leaf. While Nissan hasn’t released any specifications on the new EV yet, Candler also says the Leaf will be able to add more than 155 miles of range in a typical 14-minute DC fast-charging session.
Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase says the EV’s new fastback styling, a flat underbody, flush door handles and aerodynamic wheel designs contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.26, helping to maximize range. Tase says the panoramic glass roof also contributes to designers balancing a slippery profile with adequate headroom inside, with available electrochromic dimming obviating the need for a sliding shade.
Beyond the 2026 Leaf having a North American Charging Standard port that will allow drivers to use Tesla’s charging network, we have few other firm details on it at this point. The Ariya platform will likely mean more power and possibly available all-wheel drive for the next generation of Nissan’s groundbreaking EV, but we’ll have to wait for the next video to learn more.
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