The next-generation Nissan Leaf is set to go on sale in the second half of 2016 and it could see a dramatically increased range, according to a report from Auto Express. The current Leaf has an EPA rated range of 84 miles on a full charge and an EPA-rated 114 mpg-e combined fuel economy. The next-generation Nissan Leaf could have a range in the neighborhood of 186 miles, Auto Express reports.
Auto Express also indicates that the next-generation Leaf could see a more conventional design, similar to that of the foreign-market 2015 Nissan Pulsar hatch seen above. The redesign could also see the appearance of the V-shaped Nissan corporate grille and a more generous greenhouse, like that of the Pulsar. The current Leaf features a sedan-like profile with a trunk shape that does not maximize interior cargo capacity, which has been one of the complaints from potential buyers. Auto Express also indicates that the next-generation Leaf will likely be available in a budget version with a smaller battery pack, something that has been strongly rumored for the next-generation Chevrolet Volt as well.
The current Leaf debuted in the U.S. for the 2011 model year, and despite being a slow seller at first. it has grown into the best-selling pure electric vehicle on the market. Sales of the Leaf have recently achieved rough parity with those of the Chevrolet Volt gas-electric hybrid, which the Leaf undercuts in price. The current 2014 Nissan Leaf starts at $29,830 in the base S-trim level, before the application of various tax credits. Nissan had slashed the price of the Leaf by a whopping $6,000 for the 2013 year, though demand for the small EV had been growing even before the price cut.
Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.
