The first-generation Nissan LEAF hit the market in late 2010. This model became one of the first widely used electric cars in history and was hugely successful worldwide. In late 2017, Nissan launched its replacement, the second-generation LEAF … which was a simple upgrade from the original model.
Although the new Nissan LEAF retained the monocoque and platform of the previous model, it received a series of external and internal aesthetic modifications to keep up-to-date, as well as renewed technological equipment. It boasted more powerful thrusters at a mechanical level, while its batteries were more capable (40 kWh in the standard version and 62 kWh in the e+).
Despite this deep renovation, sales of the Nissan LEAF have begun to stagnate in numerous markets due to the arrival of many next-generation rivals. Faced with its modern electric contenders, the LEAF still suffers from some of the original model’s flaws, the most important being its passively cooled batteries.
In just a week, Nissan will present the Ariya, a D-segment SUV that will be in charge of relaunching the Japanese brand’s electrical strategy. This model will be based on the CMF-EV modular platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and will feature the latest technological advances from the Franco-Japanese group.
The Ariya will be one step above the LEAF, both in size and price, and both will coexist for a time in the market. However, how long will the current LEAF last for sale? Although it is still early to know for sure, everything seems to indicate that we will have to wait several years to meet his replacement.
Renault has confirmed that after the launch of the fifth-generation Megane (planned for 2023), it will put a 100% electric compact for sale, which is expected to be the brother of the next Nissan LEAF. Considering that the brothers Nissan Ariya and Renault Morphoz will reach the market two years apart, it is very likely that the same will happen with the compact ones.
Therefore, knowing that the standard life cycle of modern cars is around seven years, it would not be unreasonable to wait for the new LEAF by 2023 (somewhat earlier than usual because it is a model derived from a 2010 car), their French cousin making an appearance by 2025. Initially, both will use the CMF-EV platform.