When the Nissan LEAF first arrived in 2010, it didn’t just turn heads, it changed the conversation. It proved that electric mobility could be practical, affordable, and ready for the mainstream. Over a decade later, the new-generation Nissan LEAF represents a complete reinvention of the nameplate. This isn’t a facelift or a modest evolution; it’s a ground-up redesign that moves the LEAF into the premium electric car conversation.
Nissan has reimagined its most famous EV with sharper design language, significant range improvements, and technology that genuinely makes day-to-day driving easier and more connected. For fleet buyers and private drivers alike, it’s a car that makes switching to electric not just logical but desirable.
Design: Sleek, Smart, Built for the Modern Era
The new LEAF is unrecognisable from the softly curved original. Its profile is clean and athletic, featuring a lower stance, wider track, and more aerodynamic surfaces. Nissan’s engineers have focused on airflow, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.25, a notable improvement that reduces energy loss at higher speeds and extends range.
The smooth lines are broken only by carefully considered design elements, flush door handles, an integrated rear spoiler, and a sculpted bonnet that channels air efficiently over the body. The underfloor has been completely sealed to minimise turbulence, and the rear diffuser has been reshaped for better stability.
At the front, a bold closed grille design houses a crisp new Nissan badge, while sharp LED headlights bring a futuristic signature to the road. Around the back, the design remains purposeful, with a high-set rear light bar giving it presence without being over-styled.
Inside, the new LEAF takes a leap forward in refinement. The cabin feels premium, spacious, and intuitive aligning it more closely with Nissan’s newer electric models like the Ariya. High-quality recycled materials are used throughout, complemented by subtle ambient lighting and digital interfaces that replace much of the physical clutter.
With 437 litres of boot space, it remains practical for families, and folding rear seats create a flat loading area for larger items. Details like the optional power tailgate and roof rails show Nissan hasn’t forgotten that this is a car built for everyday life. There are seven exterior paint options available, including Nissan’s striking “Luminous Teal,” which looks particularly sharp in sunlight.
Range & Charging: Tackling Range Anxiety Head-On
If the early LEAFs were limited by modest range, this new model eliminates that conversation entirely. Equipped with a larger battery pack, the LEAF now delivers a maximum range of up to 375 miles (WLTP) depending on specification. That puts it firmly into long-distance territory, making it a viable option for company car users and families alike.
The charging system has been upgraded too. The car supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to top up from 20% to 80% in around half an hour under optimal conditions. For home charging, the onboard system supports both 11 kW three-phase and 7 kW single-phase AC setups, meaning easy compatibility with most domestic and workplace charging points.
Nissan has gone further by integrating thermal management and smart charging intelligence. The LEAF can precondition its battery temperature while en route to a charging station, ensuring that fast charging remains consistent in all climates. It’s a small touch with big implications for battery longevity and real-world usability.
A revised regenerative braking system helps recover more energy in urban traffic, improving efficiency during stop-start driving. In practice, the LEAF delivers an effortless rhythm it’s designed not just to go the distance, but to do so gracefully.
Platform & Driving: Confidence Through Engineering
Underneath the sleek shell, the new LEAF rides on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform, shared with the Ariya. It’s a sophisticated architecture specifically engineered for electric vehicles, with a flat battery pack mounted low in the chassis to keep the centre of gravity down.
The result is a car that feels composed and confident. The suspension setup MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear has been refined for stability at motorway speeds and agility around town. Steering response is sharper, and ride comfort is balanced even over poor road surfaces.
Nissan’s “e-Pedal Step” returns, allowing for near one-pedal driving. It uses regenerative braking to slow the car smoothly when you lift off the accelerator, making city driving feel intuitive and reducing brake wear.
For those who spend serious time on the motorway, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link now integrates navigation data to anticipate curves, junctions, and speed limits, adjusting the car’s acceleration and braking accordingly. Combined with adaptive cruise control and lane centring, it delivers a calm, semi-autonomous driving experience that reduces fatigue.
There’s a feeling of polish here that’s hard to ignore, the new LEAF is no longer just about clean motoring; it’s about enjoyable motoring.
Technology & Connectivity: Where Intelligence Meets Simplicity
Inside, the digital transformation is complete. The dashboard is dominated by twin 14.3-inch displays, combining the driver instrument cluster and central infotainment system in one panoramic setup. The interface is powered by Google Built-In, meaning Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store come as standard, no need to rely on your smartphone.
Through the NissanConnect Services app, drivers can check battery status, start charging, set cabin temperatures remotely, and plan journeys based on charging availability. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life rather than require workarounds.
A standout new feature is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), allowing the car’s battery to power external devices such as camping gear, laptops, or even home equipment during an outage. The architecture also supports future Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability, which could enable owners to return stored energy to the grid a major advantage as energy networks modernise.
Nissan’s attention to detail extends to driver assistance. The 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking have all been refined for smoother operation. Even the soundproofing and acoustic insulation have been enhanced to deliver a near-silent cabin experience at speed.
Built in the UK: Proudly Made, Globally Relevant
The all-new LEAF is built in Sunderland, UK, forming a key part of Nissan’s EV36Zero project an integrated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing hub designed to achieve carbon neutrality. It’s a statement of intent: Nissan is not just building electric cars; it’s building an ecosystem to support them sustainably.
For British buyers, this is meaningful. It means the LEAF supports local jobs, contributes to domestic clean-energy growth, and benefits from shorter supply chains that reduce environmental impact. It also strengthens confidence in long-term support and parts availability often overlooked factors when choosing an EV.
What It Means for Leasing & Fleet Buyers
From a RightLease perspective, the new Nissan LEAF makes commercial sense on multiple levels.
1. Lower total cost of ownership (TCO):
Electric powertrains have fewer moving parts, lower maintenance requirements, and reduced energy costs compared to petrol or diesel. The new LEAF’s extended range and efficient charging cut downtime and improve uptime for fleets.
2. Strong fleet usability:
The suite of driver aids, range improvements, and quick charging make it practical for both urban and long-distance duty cycles. Company drivers benefit from a comfortable, tech-forward environment and very low benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax rates thanks to its zero-emission status.
3. Sustainability and ESG value:
With UK manufacturing and zero tailpipe emissions, the LEAF helps companies meet sustainability targets. For organisations reporting on environmental impact, this matters especially when combined with renewable-energy charging.
4. Adaptability:
Available with different battery configurations, the LEAF can be tailored to a company’s driving profile. Short-range urban use? Choose the lighter pack. Regular long-distance travel? Opt for the extended battery. This modularity helps avoid over-specification and unnecessary cost.
5. Residual confidence:
As electric adoption accelerates, vehicles with strong reputations and manufacturer support retain value better. The LEAF’s global recognition and proven track record make it a lower-risk choice for leasing and contract hire portfolios.
The Verdict: The LEAF Grows Up
This is the LEAF redefined sharper, smarter, and ready for a new era. Nissan’s approach has been evolutionary in spirit but revolutionary in execution. It’s now a fully realised electric car that combines real-world practicality with modern desirability.
For drivers considering the switch to electric, the new LEAF provides reassurance and excitement in equal measure. And for business fleets, it stands as one of the most complete all-electric options on the market today built in Britain, engineered for the future, and designed to make the transition to sustainable mobility effortless.
At RightLease, we’ll continue to track availability, pricing, and specification updates as Nissan ramps up production in Sunderland. But one thing is clear: the new LEAF isn’t just an icon reborn it’s an EV benchmark for the years ahead.