Nissan is making a bold move to recapture its electric vehicle (EV) crown with the launch of the third-generation Leaf, unveiled on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This revamped model, showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show, aims to revive the company’s EV dominance after slipping from a mass-market pioneer to a laggard since the original Leaf hit showrooms in 2010. With a redesigned crossover style and an enhanced 75 kWh battery offering a maximum range of 303 miles in the U.S., the new Leaf targets EV enthusiasts and owners seeking reliable, long-range options. The launch comes as Nissan faces financial challenges, betting on this model to turn its fortunes around.

Nissan Unveils New Leaf Ev To Reclaim Electric Vehicle Leadership

Enhanced Technology Powers the New Leaf

The new Leaf boasts significant technical upgrades, moving beyond its hatchback roots to a crossover design that promises greater versatility. Its battery capacity has increased by 25% compared to the previous version, now delivering a 75 kWh pack that Nissan estimates can achieve up to 303 miles per charge in the U.S. This range positions the Leaf competitively against rivals like Tesla, which overtook it as the world’s best-selling EV.

The vehicle will roll out in the U.S. this autumn, manufactured at Nissan’s Tochigi factory in Japan, with production also slated for the Sunderland factory in Britain. Despite tariff concerns, a Nissan spokesperson confirmed, “Even with the tariffs, the U.S. price will be competitive,” addressing cost worries for American buyers.

Industry Challenges and Strategic Shifts

Nissan’s revival hinges on navigating a cooling EV market in the U.S., where demand has waned as customers gravitate toward hybrids—a segment Nissan currently lacks. The company has sold nearly 700,000 Leaf vehicles globally since 2010, with 186,200 units in Japan, 221,300 in North America, and 286,200 in Europe between fiscal years 2010 and 2024.

However, Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa faces a tough task, balancing cost cuts with innovation. Espinosa has outlined plans to reduce staff by 11,000 jobs, bringing the total to about 20,000 cuts, while tackling a reported $4.5 billion net loss in the past financial year and $4.1 billion in debt due next year.

Analyst Koji Endo at SBI Securities reportedly noted, “There is a high possibility that this is going on sale at the worst possible time, given the imposition of tariffs and the Trump administration’s rollback of EV subsidies,” highlighting economic hurdles.

Implications for EV Owners and the Industry

For EV owners, the Leaf’s launch offers a promising update with its extended range and competitive pricing, though tariffs and subsidy cuts could impact affordability. The model’s production in Japan and Britain, with the Opama factory potentially closing, signals Nissan’s strategic realignment amid global manufacturing shifts.

This move reflects broader industry trends, as automakers adapt to fluctuating demand and regulatory pressures. While the Leaf’s success remains uncertain, its symbolic importance to Nissan—once heralded by former CEO Carlos Ghosn as a cornerstone of its electric future—underscores the stakes. With nearly 700,000 units sold, the Leaf’s legacy fuels hope that this new iteration can reclaim its market edge.

Photos courtesy of Nissan.