Nissan has officially unveiled the third generation of its pioneering electric vehicle, the Leaf, which will arrive in North America in 2026. The new Leaf has undergone a significant transformation, ditching its outdated hatchback design for a modern compact SUV form factor. Perhaps most notably, the new Leaf will feature a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, compatible with Tesla Supercharger access.

This move marks a significant shift in Nissan's electric vehicle strategy, as the company aims to revamp its image and boost sales. The Japanese automaker has been facing declining sales and a collapsed merger deal with Honda, making it essential to introduce fresh products to the market. The new Leaf is expected to play a crucial role in Nissan's efforts to electrify half of its vehicle lineup, including seven EVs for the US and Canada.

While Nissan has not revealed much about the new Leaf's specifications, it has confirmed that the vehicle will be built on the modular CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Ariya EV. The company has promised "significant range improvements" over the previous generation, which currently sits in the low category for range, with the SV Plus trim getting a maximum 212 miles on a single charge. The new Leaf will also feature a panoramic moonroof and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The introduction of a Tesla-compatible charging port is a significant development, as it addresses one of the major drawbacks of the previous Leaf models. The outdated CHAdeMO port has been a major hindrance to the Leaf's adoption, and Nissan's decision to adopt the NACS standard is expected to make the new Leaf more appealing to consumers.

Nissan has also announced plans to introduce several other new models, including ICE and plug-in hybrid versions of its Rogue SUV, refreshed models of its mid-sized Pathfinder SUV and Sentra sedan, and a new, unnamed EV slated for production at its Canton, Mississippi plant. The company has also confirmed that it will be partnering with SK On to manufacture batteries in the US.

In Europe, Nissan is reviving the Micra, a small car that was discontinued in the UK in 2010, and will reintroduce the model as a compact EV later this year. An electric variant of the Juke compact SUV will also be launched in fiscal 2026.

The revival of the Leaf and Nissan's broader electrification strategy are significant developments in the electric vehicle market. As the industry continues to shift towards sustainable energy solutions, Nissan's move is expected to have a ripple effect on the competition. With the new Leaf, Nissan is poised to regain its footing in the EV market and set a new standard for electric vehicles.