A closer look at the 2024 Nissan Leaf: What can we expect?

Introduced in September 2017, the second-generation Nissan Leaf received its much-needed facelift with the 2023 model year update in April of last year. In the coming months, the Leaf is expected to turn the page to become a 2024 model in the United States. Here’s what we expect from the 2024 Nissan Leaf. Please bear in mind that the information and images provided in this article correspond to the current model year, and as new details emerge, this page will be revised.

2024 Nissan Leaf Design

We’re expecting the 2024 Nissan Leaf to be a carryover model with no design changes. As stated at the beginning of the story, Nissan revised the Leaf’s design just recently, and it’s unlikely they will make another significant investment to change the exterior panels.

The subtle changes Nissan brought to the Leaf with the mid-cycle refresh include a new closed grille without a V-shaped chrome strip, a new, illuminated Nissan logo, headlights featuring a new black inner finisher, and more aerodynamic tire deflectors, rear under diffuser, and rear spoiler. The most noticeable exterior change was the new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, apart from a new start-up video and the new Nissan logo, the Leaf gained no changes with the mid-life update, and it is expected to remain in its current form through the next model year.

Specifications

The 2024 Nissan Leaf will likely come with the 40 kWh and 60 kWh battery packs as the outgoing car. The standard-range variant should have a low-output motor producing 147 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It will likely support charging at up to 50 kW and deliver an EPA-est. range of 149 miles.

The extended-range variant will likely pack a high-output motor generating 214 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. It should allow charging at up to 100 kW and deliver an EPA-est. range of 212 miles.

Aspect	2024 Nissan Leaf Standard Range Specification (Expected)	2024 Nissan Leaf Extended Range Specification (Expected)
Motor Power	147 hp	214 hp
Motor Torque	236 lb.-ft.	250 lb.-ft.
Battery Pack	40 kWh lithium-ion (192 cells)	60 kWh lithium-ion (288 cells)
EPA-est. Range	149 miles	212 miles
AC Charging Capacity	6.6 kW	6.6 kW
DC Charging Capacity	50 kW	100 kW
Fast-charging Time (to 80% SoC)	40 minutes	60 minutes
Wheels	16-inch steel (with full wheel covers)	17-inch alloy
Tires	All-season 205/55R16 Bridgestone Ecopia	All-season 215/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver

Features

The 2024 Leaf may come in the two grades as the outgoing model – S and SV Plus. However, there could be a few small equipment changes in the carried-over trims.

An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, 60/40 split rear seat, fast-charging, automatic headlights, Nissan Safety Shield 360, Rear Door Alert, and more features will likely be standard.

The SV Plus grade should have a bigger battery pack, a more powerful motor, and a higher-output fast-charging port (100 kW). Additionally, it will likely have lots of additional/better features, such as LED headlights, LED DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, Nissan Door to Door Navigation, and much more. It’s better in terms of safety, too, including ProPILOT Assist, 360-degree camera system, steering assist, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, and Intelligent Driver Alertness.

Both grades will likely have cloth upholstery. The S grade may feature gray finishers, while the SV Plus will probably feature black finishers for more premium styling.

2024 Nissan Leaf release date

The 2024 Nissan Leaf will likely go on sale in the U.S. in Summer 2023, with prices starting at around USD 28,500.

Future of the Nissan Leaf nameplate

The Nissan Leaf has struggled to break into the U.S. market, initially because the country wasn’t ready for EVs and later because competitors were just better. Instead of a next-gen Leaf (third-gen Leaf), Nissan plans to launch a successor that accords well with the needs of EV buyers, three people aware of the development have told Automotive News. It could mean that the Leaf model as we’ve known it for two generations, a compact hatchback, will cease to exist, but the nameplate may survive. Sources differed on whether Nissan will continue to use the name Leaf.

The Nissan Chill-Out concept (pictured below) should inspire an electric SUV-coupe to replace the hatch. Whatever the case, the Nissan Leaf successor must be cheaper than the Ariya, with features, range, and design comparable to the next-generation EVs.

Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman would not speculate about the Leaf’s future, but defended the model, saying there is a “renewed” interest in it due to its “value proposition” and the growing popularity of electric vehicles in the United States.

In 2022, Nissan delivered 12,025 units of the Leaf in the U.S. Compared to 2021, that was a decline of 15.5%. In the first three months of 2023, Nissan sold just 2,354 units of the EV, a 46.1% YoY decline.

In July 2021, Nissan announced plans to build a new EV crossover at its UK plant in Sunderland starting in 2025. Nissan Europe CEO, Guillaume Cartier, suggested to Autocar that the crossover EV will replace the Leaf. What promised to be a game-changing car for Nissan could be in its final model year with the next update.

TopElectricSUV says

The Nissan Leaf may not be the most high-tech or powerful electric car on the market, but it offers an affordable entry point into the EV category. While its range is limited, it’s practical for city driving. In a market where most EVs are becoming increasingly expensive due to their advanced digital features and high demand for computer chips, the humble Leaf is a welcome option for budget-conscious customers looking to enter the realm of EV ownership.

2024 Nissan Leaf FAQs

Featured Image Source: Nissan