Nissan has released the first preview image of the next-generation Leaf, which is due to launch internationally next year.
The preview image, showing the car’s headlight, hints at more angular lines and harder edges for the car’s design. This, along with recent sightings of development cars, further suggests that the new Leaf will likely take influence from the new and more striking Micra.
Along with its new look, Nissan’s next-generation zero emissions electric hatchback will also have an electric drivetrain that’s predicted to have a range of up to 547km – more than double the current car’s range. This is also around 145km further than what the latest Renault Zoe can offer.
The gains will come thanks to new battery pack options for the Leaf that will enable Nissan to sell it with a variety of specs, just as Tesla does with its models. The largest battery could double the 30kWh lithium-ion pack found in the highest-spec version of today’s Leaf.
When the future Leaf arrives in international markets next year, it will lead Nissan's charge to grow EVs to represent 20 percent of its sales by 2020.