Nissan Says Leaf EV 'Is Here to Stay'
What's happening
Nissan confirms the Leaf will stick around -- though perhaps in name only.
Why it matters
The Leaf could take on a new shape for its next generation, likely a small SUV.
What's next
Nissan is currently launching the Ariya electric crossover. The next-generation Leaf is still a couple of years away.
The future of the Nissan Leaf seemed to be in limbo, with some reports saying the compact electric hatchback might evolve into another type of vehicle, and other rumors suggesting the Leaf could go away entirely. At a media event in Tennessee this week, however, Aditya Jairaj, Nissan's director of EV marketing and sales strategy, said that "the Leaf is here to stay."
The current Leaf recently received a refresh, in addition to a simplified model lineup. At $28,895 including destination, the Leaf is one of the least-expensive new EVs on sale today.
But will the Leaf keep its same form factor? "With time, design evolves," another Nissan spokesperson said, which jibes with reports that the Leaf could become a larger SUV.
Right now, Nissan is focusing its EV efforts on the 2023 Ariya, which is just now hitting dealerships. The Ariya is much more expensive than the Leaf, however, with a starting price of $44,485 including destination, cresting $60,000 in fully loaded form. That definitely leaves room for a less-expensive offering -- a role an updated Leaf could certainly fill.