Everything We Know About the 2018 Nissan Leaf
The next-generation Nissan Leaf EV will make its debut this year.
Expected to be unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the 2018 Nissan Leaf looks to build on the success of the first-generation model. While spy photographers have caught a prototype testing, giving us a good idea of what to expect, the Japanese automaker has begun releasing bits of information on what will make the second-generation Leaf special in what will likely become a very competitive segment in the coming years.
For starters, Nissan has released a short video showing off the ProPILOT Assist features that will be on the 2018 Nissan Leaf. These are semi-autonomous driving features that will enable the car to drive itself on highways with the push of a button, controlling the steering, acceleration, and braking. Like many other automakers, Nissan is working hard to develop fully autonomous cars that can drive themselves.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Nissan Leaf Spied Looking Almost Production Ready
In terms of its design, the next-generation Nissan Leaf has a front end more in line with the rest of Nissan’s lineup and it will retain its hatchback body style. It appears it will be heavily influenced by the Nissan IDS Concept, as expected, but its range is still unknown. A maximum driving range of around 210 to 220 miles is expected.
The Nissan Leaf was launched as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle and since then, it continues to soldier on as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle with over 270,000 units sold worldwide. The Japanese automaker looks to build on that success as more automakers enter the EV segment and the cost of electric vehicles drop.
Look for more information once the 2018 Nissan Leaf makes its debut later this year.
Discuss this story on our Nissan Leaf Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The Three looks even more dorky ... and will be competing with luxury coupes that look significantly better. This is the right direction for Leaf imo; just a normal hatchback at normal hatchback prices. No more stupid ugly Prius "look how special / futuristic I am" design language. The Leaf pictured above knows it's a grocery getter and that its selling point is efficiency, economy of use, and convenience (Pro Pilot included). And it'll continue to be priced as a grocery getter. Tesla is still in luxury price range with dorky design language - they did a good thing making attractive S and X cars, but their competitors have adapted. I don't doubt Three will sell - but don't kid yourself about its looks.
ProPILOT will not sell cars. Cost and distance will.