Revamped Nissan Leaf Poised for 2025 Release in Australia

Nissan is preparing for the release of the next-generation Leaf, slated for a 2025 debut in Australia.

The transition is underway at Nissan's Sunderland, UK plant, previously responsible for the production of other models including the Qashqai and Juke.

The current Leaf production has ceased in anticipation of the new model.

The upcoming Leaf is expected to adopt a form similar to a high-riding SUV, diverging from its traditional small hatchback shape.

This aligns with the design cues introduced by the 2021 Chill Out concept. While the specific design and specifications have not been disclosed, Nissan is currently modifying its production line to handle larger battery packs and high-voltage components.

The new Leaf is anticipated to surpass the technical capabilities of its predecessors.

The existing Leaf model includes a 40kWh battery with a 274km range and a CHAdeMO charging port that supports up to 50kW of fast charging.

The enhanced Leaf e+ model extends these specs to a 62kWh battery, 364km range, and 100kW charging capacity.

The forthcoming model is expected to incorporate further advancements in battery technology and charging capacity.

In the interim, Nissan Australia has reduced the price of the remaining stock of the current Leaf model, with reductions reaching up to $18,000, bringing the drive-away price down to $39,990.

This pricing adjustment precedes new vehicle efficiency standards in Australia, which may affect the timing of the new model's market introduction.

This expansion faces challenges such as high energy costs and the complexities of establishing a dependable regional supply chain.

To address some of these challenges, Nissan is boosting the proportion of renewable energy used at the Sunderland plant, which currently derives about 20% of its energy from onsite wind and solar sources.

As the automotive industry progresses, the launch of the next-generation Nissan Leaf represents an advancement in electric vehicle production, meeting evolving market demands for more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles.